No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 283

A few minutes after Eleanor and Ellington stepped into the ballroom, a striking group appeared at the entrance, drawing every gaze as they made their way down the red carpet.

At the front were Vanessa and Serena, both impeccably dressed, followed closely by three tall men: Ian, Xavier, and Henry Holt.

These three were nothing less than the embodiment of Ashford City’s financial elite.

All eyes in the room turned their way, with whispers rippling through the crowd. Several of the young women present watched the trio with undisguised admiration, eager for any opportunity to catch their attention.

Eleanor held her champagne flute, observing the scene with a calm, detached air. Ellington leaned in and murmured, “Ms. Sutton, would you like to step out onto the terrace for some air?”

“No need,” Eleanor replied, taking a sip of champagne, her expression composed as ever.

Xavier’s gaze found her instantly. A flicker of admiration passed through his eyes as the chandeliers bathed her in a soft glow, setting her apart from the crowd—elegant and striking.

The ballroom sparkled with light and laughter. Glasses clinked, and the powerful mingled with easy confidence.

Mr. Brown himself strode over to greet Ian and his companions. Within moments, a cluster of guests had gathered around them, eager to exchange greetings and make their acquaintance.

Eleanor watched as Vanessa stood gracefully at Ian’s side, every inch the picture of poise, while Serena positioned herself next to Xavier, occasionally tilting her head up to chat with him.

“Ms. Sutton, shall we go say hello to Mr. Brown?” Ellington whispered, gently nudging her.

Eleanor understood Ellington’s intentions. Approaching now would place her in the orbit of Ian and his influential friends, and ensure Mr. Brown remembered her among the crowd.

But Eleanor had no interest in basking in Ian’s reflected glory. She shook her head. “I’ll go over in a bit.”

Ellington, though disappointed to miss such a moment, knew well enough not to press her.

“Miss Sutton, all by yourself?” a middle-aged man appeared at her elbow, holding a glass of wine and offering a polite smile.

Eleanor turned to face him. “And you are?”

Before long, she found herself at the center of a lively circle of conversation. Several business leaders introduced themselves, exchanging cards and hoping for future collaboration.

—All of this, of course, did not escape the notice of others across the room.

Standing beside Mr. Brown, Ian’s gaze was drawn—almost involuntarily—to Eleanor.

Surrounded by leading figures from the medical industry, Eleanor commanded genuine admiration and respect for her accomplishments.

Vanessa noticed Ian’s eyes lingering in Eleanor’s direction. Her smile remained sweet on the surface, though a wave of discomfort washed over her. “Ian, I’m going to say hello to some friends,” she said lightly.

Ian gave a noncommittal nod.

Meanwhile, Xavier, with his glass in hand, began making his way straight toward Eleanor.