As the elevator ascended, Ian stood right behind Eleanor, a steady, powerful presence, like an immovable mountain guarding her back.
The elevator pinged softly, and the doors slid open.
Inside the conference room, several key executives from Meridian Dynamics were already waiting.
At the long conference table, Ian pulled out the chair directly next to him. "Sit here," he told Eleanor.
She hesitated for a second, but Byron smiled warmly. "Miss Sutton, please have a seat."
Everyone in the room naturally turned their attention to her. They all knew this wasn't a real strategy meeting; they were just here to play their parts and walk through the motions.
Eleanor looked at Ian. He was already seated and gesturing for her to join him.
She took the seat beside him. Ian immediately took control of the room. "The main reason I called you all here today is to finalize the deep strategic partnership between Dr. Sutton's project and Meridian Dynamics. The framework agreement is set. The project managers will handle the specifics moving forward."
The executives nodded in unison, voicing their agreement.
Byron pulled out a document and handed it to Eleanor. "Miss Sutton, take a look at the contract. If everything is in order, you can send a trusted representative to iron out the details with us."
She accepted the folder but smiled pleasantly at the room. "Would you all mind giving us a moment? I'd like to discuss this privately with Mr. Goodwin."
Byron looked surprised, but the rest of the room seamlessly took the hint. They all stood up and filed out of the conference room.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor)