No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 293

At nine o’clock, Ian returned to Goodwin Manor. Lately, Magdalen’s health hadn’t been great, so he made a point to come home every night.

Magdalen sat on the sofa, half-watching a sitcom on TV. Just a couple of days ago, she’d caught a glimpse of Eleanor and her granddaughter on the news, and it stirred up a flicker of hope in her heart.

“Grandma, it’s so late—why aren’t you in bed yet?” Serena called out, concern in her voice.

“I’m waiting for your brother,” Magdalen replied.

“Are you feeling alright?” Serena asked, sitting down beside her.

“It’s nothing like that,” Magdalen said, waving her hand. “There’s just something I need to remind him about.” As she spoke, her grandson walked through the living room doors.

“Ian, come here a minute,” Magdalen called, beckoning him over.

Ian slipped off his overcoat and handed it to the housekeeper. The black turtleneck sweater he wore underneath made him look even taller and more distinguished.

Serena watched their exchange with curiosity, wondering what her grandmother wanted to discuss with her brother.

Once Ian sat down, Magdalen asked, “Do you remember what day December first is?”

Ian smiled faintly. “Of course.”

Serena muttered from the side, “Grandma, December first is World AIDS Day.”

Magdalen shot her a look. “Hush, you.” Then she turned back to Ian, “So, tell me—what are your plans for that day?”

Ian’s smile lingered. “Don’t worry, I know how to handle it.”

“Make sure the gifts and flowers are all taken care of,” Magdalen insisted, her tone brooking no argument.

The more Serena listened, the more confused she became. She tugged at Magdalen’s sleeve. “Grandma, come on, tell me! What are you even talking about with Ian? I don’t get it at all.”

Magdalen finally relented. “December first is Eleanor’s birthday. I want your brother to make a gesture.”

Serena’s expression darkened, a flash of resentment in her eyes. “Why should he? They’re divorced.”

“They were married once. Just because they’re divorced doesn’t mean he can’t do something for her.”

“Grandma, you’re not actually trying to get them back together, are you?” Serena, realizing Magdalen’s intentions, leapt to her feet in protest. “Please, don’t do this.”

“You know nothing,” Magdalen scolded her, her tone sharp. “If it weren’t for your brother—do you think this marriage would’ve ended?”

Serena bit her lip, grumbling under her breath, “My brother never even loved her.”

Magdalen snorted and turned to Ian, who was getting a glass of water in the corner. Her voice softened. “Ian, let me say one more thing. Eleanor’s stubborn—if you don’t reach out first, she’ll never look back.”

Ian twisted off the cap and took a drink, then came back over, his tone cool and steady. “Grandma, you don’t need to worry.”

Serena, knowing her brother was nothing if not polite, piped up, “Even if you do send something, don’t make it too expensive.”

“Vanessa, you have to keep my brother busy that day. Whatever you do, don’t let him go to Eleanor’s birthday.”

“I’ll do my best,” Vanessa promised.

“I can’t stand it. Grandma likes Eleanor more than she likes me.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. No one could ever compare to you,” Vanessa reassured her.

Serena thought about it for a moment. She was right—Eleanor wasn’t part of the Goodwin family anymore.

***

The next morning, Ian took his daughter to the amusement park. When the little girl cast pleading glances at her, Eleanor stood firm, determined to draw a clear line between herself and this man, even if it meant disappointing her daughter.

Ian didn’t push the issue. He simply scooped up his daughter and carried her to the car.

Eleanor called Joy on video chat and told her she’d decided to rent a private room at her own hotel for her birthday.

“I almost forgot—you’re a billionaire now!” Joy laughed from the other end.

That afternoon, Ellington sent over the work schedule for the coming week. On Monday, Eleanor had her regular morning meeting at the Vesper Joy Hotel.

Although the ownership and management of the eight companies had changed hands, business continued as usual. After all, nearly every deal still involved Goodwin & Co. in some way.