No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 296

Eleanor was momentarily caught off guard. Her assistant chimed in again, “Ms. Sutton, we’ll head out first!”

With the bouquet cradled in her arms, Eleanor walked back to her office. Gwenda trailed in behind her, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Eleanor, let me guess—these are from your secret admirer, aren’t they?”

The words “secret admirer” made Eleanor’s mind go blank for a second. She stood up, inspecting the flowers. There was no card, nothing to give away the sender. She opened the accompanying gift box and found a delicate silver bracelet inside.

“Whoa, isn’t that a Tiffany bracelet?” Gwenda exclaimed.

Eleanor looked at the bracelet, letting out a quiet sigh. She could already guess it was from Mansfield Ellington.

It was far too extravagant a gift. She really couldn’t accept it.

Gwenda watched her with open envy. She thought to herself, Most women, after a divorce, can only dream of marrying into another wealthy family, but with Eleanor’s looks and ability, it probably wouldn’t be hard for her at all.

Eleanor snapped a quick photo of the bracelet and texted it to Mansfield Ellington.

“Was this from you?”

“Yes, it’s from me. Happy birthday.”

“How did you know today’s my birthday?”

“Is it okay if I admit this, Miss Sutton, without you getting mad? I asked someone to look up a few things about you.”

Eleanor couldn’t decide whether to laugh or be annoyed at his reply.

“Please don’t be upset. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wanted to get to know you better.”

She replied, “I’m not upset. But the bracelet is a bit too much—I can’t accept it. I’ll keep the flowers, though.”

Just as Eleanor was about to gather her things and leave, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen: Mansfield Ellington was calling.

She answered, “Hello?”

His voice was a little anxious, low and earnest. “Miss Sutton, please accept the gift. It’s just a small token from me.”

“Mr. Ellington, I appreciate the thought, but—”

“This is the first time I’ve ever given a gift to a woman. Miss Sutton, would you please not turn me down?” His tone was almost pleading.

Eleanor paused, looking at the simple bracelet. She genuinely liked the style, but she knew it wasn’t cheap.

“When’s your birthday?” she asked, taking the initiative.

“February eighteenth.”

“Alright, I’ll remember. I’ll accept your gift.” Eleanor smiled. She could always return the gesture on his birthday.

Since it was the first time he had given a woman a gift, refusing it would probably sting.

On the other end, Mansfield Ellington chuckled. “I’m taking a few days off before the holidays to go see my family. Maybe we can get together then.”

“Sure, take care,” Eleanor replied.

After the call, Eleanor carried the bouquet down to her car. She was about to pick up her daughter when Xavier called—he offered to take her to the Vesper Joy Hotel.

Eleanor agreed and headed straight to the hotel.

Eleanor paused, then opened the box. Inside lay an academic pin, the very one her father had once received as a mark of his achievements.

It made sense. Ian had kept it long enough—her father’s keepsake belonged with her.

“Tell your boss I’ll accept the gift, but not the flowers,” Eleanor said.

Gavin smiled. “Of course.”

“Come in and have a slice of cake before you go?” she offered.

“No, no, I still need to report back to Mr. Goodwin,” Gavin replied. Just then, Xavier stepped out. Gavin greeted him, “Mr. Vaughn, I didn’t know you were here.”

Xavier smiled. “Was Ian here tonight?”

Gavin shook his head. “Mr. Goodwin didn’t come.”

Eleanor and Xavier went back inside. Gavin headed for the elevator and called Ian as soon as the doors closed.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Sutton accepted the gift, but not the flowers. Oh, and I saw Mr. Vaughn was there too.”

“I see.”

“What should I do with the flowers—?”

“Throw them out,” Ian replied, his voice suddenly colder.