No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 223

“Grandma, we want tea too,” Serena piped up.

“Why don’t you take Miss Shannon to your room to play?” Magdalen replied, not wanting her granddaughter underfoot while she spoke with Eleanor. She also hoped Vanessa wouldn’t make things harder for Eleanor.

After all, Vanessa had played a part in her grandson’s impending divorce from Eleanor. It frustrated Magdalen to no end—her grandson was blind to the value of a devoted wife like Eleanor, and instead let himself get swept up by someone like Vanessa, whose motives were anything but pure.

As Magdalen approached, Eleanor bit her lip, gathering herself. “Grandma, I actually have some things to take care of. I was just thinking—maybe I should—”

“You’re not the one who should be leaving,” Magdalen’s voice rang out, sharp and sudden.

Eleanor startled at the unexpected outburst.

Vanessa, who had just stepped into the foyer with Serena, heard it too. A flush crept up her cheeks.

“Grandma, that’s not what I meant, I just—” Eleanor tried to explain, thrown by the older woman’s intensity.

“This is my house,” Magdalen cut in firmly. “I invited you here for dinner myself. You’re not going anywhere.”

Vanessa, meanwhile, handed her gift basket to the housekeeper. She turned to Serena. “Serena, I should be going—I have something I need to take care of.”

“Vanessa, you don’t have to leave. I’ll talk to Grandma and explain,” Serena whispered, annoyed. Why did Grandma have to make things so awkward? This was all Eleanor’s fault.

Vanessa squeezed Serena’s arm and murmured, “Serena, today is your grandmother’s housewarming. Let’s not upset her, okay?”

“But… you’re my guest…”

Vanessa let go and forced a smile as she walked over to Magdalen. “Grandma, I’m so sorry, but I have to leave early today. I’ll come visit you again soon.”

Then, turning to Eleanor, she added quietly, “I’m sorry, Eleanor. I didn’t realize you’d be here. I didn’t mean to intrude or make things uncomfortable.”

Magdalen shot her a look. “Ellie isn’t an outsider. She’s the mother of your niece, and that alone makes her practically family.”

Vanessa tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Aunt Gina, I’m sorry for imposing. I’ll come back another time.”

Suddenly, Serena called out toward the east wing, “Ian!”

Vanessa spun around at once. Ian was walking out, hand in hand with Evelyn. A lump rose in Vanessa’s throat; she’d been hoping for a reason to stay.

Evelyn spotted the little group in the garden and tugged her father’s hand. “Daddy, Miss Vanessa is here too!”

Ian approached, his daughter in tow. “What’s everyone doing out here?” he asked, puzzled.

“We’re just keeping Grandma company,” Serena replied quickly. Then, linking arms with Vanessa, she said, “Come on, Vanessa, let me show you my room.”