No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 109

He strode over toward the sofa, and Vanessa was the first to greet him. "Ian, all done talking?"

Vanessa glanced at Eleanor. "Eleanor, about that necklace tonight—I'll let you have it, all right? Please don't be upset."

Eleanor paused, catching the sly smile in Vanessa's eyes.

"If it's something I don't care for, you're welcome to it." As she spoke, Eleanor's gaze slid past Vanessa to the man at her side.

A double-edged remark.

Ian caught her meaning and narrowed his eyes at Eleanor, studying her closely.

Vanessa watched Eleanor too, struck by a strange feeling. It was as if the Eleanor from six months ago and the Eleanor now were two entirely different people.

Back then, Eleanor's thoughts and feelings were always written on her face. Now, she was like an opponent Vanessa couldn't read.

Just then, Joel and Jude Vaughn walked over. Jude smiled. "Mr. Goodwin, are you finished with your conversation?"

Ian nodded, then turned to Vanessa. "Let's head out."

Soon after, Jude and the others were invited in to meet Mrs. Juliette Grayson.

Ian and Vanessa made their way downstairs. Ian's phone buzzed, and after checking the screen, he walked out to the quiet balcony.

"Hello, Virgil."

"Ian, the National Academy of Sciences is hosting its medical awards ceremony in June. We'd like to invite you as a guest presenter. Are you available?"

"It would be an honor. I'll be there."

"Great, we'll talk more in person."

After ending the call, Ian returned to Vanessa. "Mrs. Grayson agreed to support the lab."

Vanessa's lips curled in a smile. "I knew you wouldn't let anything go wrong for me."

"The National Academy of Sciences called—they want me to present at their June ceremony."

Vanessa smiled. "Can I come with you? I wouldn't want to miss my sister's big moment."

Ian knew that the developer of the new drug—Vanessa's sister—was sure to win an award this time. He nodded.

Ian drove with effortless ease, silent the whole way.

Eleanor kept her eyes on her phone.

At Goodwin Manor, Gina reluctantly handed her granddaughter over, reminding them to bring her back for the weekend.

In the car, Evelyn was already dozing in her mother's arms. Eleanor stroked her daughter's hair and kissed her gently.

Once home, Joslyn gave Evelyn a bath while Eleanor showered as well—it was already half past ten, and Evelyn had school in the morning.

Ian retreated to his study to work. After Eleanor tucked her daughter in, she received a message from Detective Trent.

He'd stationed someone at the party tonight and snapped a few photos of Ian and Vanessa together—close, but nothing that could serve as proof of an affair.

Eleanor let out a weary sigh. Today was April twenty-eighth.

When Eleanor arrived at the office the next morning, Gwenda burst in with a grin. "Eleanor, here—these are tickets to Faye's concert. Free, and VIP seats!"

Eleanor glanced at them. Sure enough, it was Vanessa's solo performance.