No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 184

Gwenda and Faye both raised their glasses to toast Ian, but when it was Eleanor's turn, she sat calmly, making no move to join in.

It was obvious she had no intention of toasting him at all.

An awkward silence settled over the table. Just then, Ian picked up his own glass and lifted it in Eleanor's direction. "A toast to Miss Sutton," he said with a smile.

"I'm sorry, but I don't drink," Eleanor declined without hesitation.

Ian just grinned, unfazed. "Then let's toast with tea instead!"

At that moment, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and answered. "She fell and had to be taken to the hospital? Which one?"

Eleanor's eyes flicked toward him. Ian stood up abruptly, concern etched on his face. "My grandmother's in the hospital. I have to go."

Everyone at the table stood as Ian gathered his things. As he passed behind Eleanor, the back of his hand brushed her shoulder—almost as if by accident.

Eleanor picked up her purse and rose as well. "I need to leave too. Something's come up."

She stepped out into the hallway and spotted Ian waiting just outside. His voice was low and urgent. "Come on. Gran will want to see you."

Eleanor's concern for Magdalen was genuine. At her age, a fall was no small matter.

They left together, exchanging a quick glance as Faye and Gwenda shared a look of their own.

In the parking lot, Eleanor opened the passenger door and climbed into Ian's car. The two of them drove off toward the hospital.

—

Inside the hospital, Eleanor and Ian entered Magdalen's room together. Gina and Serena were already there, and both looked surprised to see the pair arrive side by side.

Weren't they in the middle of a divorce?

"Gran, are you all right? Where did you get hurt?" Eleanor asked, hurrying to her bedside.

Eleanor's eyes grew misty. "Gran, promise me you'll take care of yourself. You're going to live to a ripe old age."

After chatting for a while, Eleanor stood to leave. Magdalen turned to Ian. "Walk Ellie out, would you?"

"That's all right, Gran," Eleanor replied.

"I'll do it," Serena interjected quickly, linking arms with Eleanor as they walked down the corridor. After a few steps, Serena let go and lowered her voice. "Eleanor, you and my brother are getting divorced—why are you still clinging to him? Have you changed your mind?"

Eleanor's tone was icy. "Divorcing your brother is the best decision I've ever made."

Serena was momentarily thrown. Was Eleanor really that determined?

If Eleanor wasn't chasing after her brother, then could it be the other way around? That didn't seem possible.

Eleanor turned and walked away, leaving Serena with questions still on her lips. How much of the estate had Eleanor demanded in the settlement? Then again, Serena thought, she already knew the answer. Eleanor had fought for custody of her daughter—clearly, just to get a bigger share.