No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 297

Eleanor returned and tucked Ian’s gift into her purse. The two little ones were already clamoring for cake—a stunning six-tiered masterpiece that Joy had ordered just for the occasion.

When it came time to bring out the candles, Eleanor felt her cheeks flush. Joy, grinning mischievously, had picked out a giant “18” candle for her. When Eleanor shot her a look, Joy threw an arm around her shoulders and declared, “Here’s to Miss Sutton—forever eighteen!”

Xavier and Joel both chuckled, while across the table, Frazier watched Joy’s antics with a soft affection in his eyes.

After the candles were lit, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed. Eleanor closed her eyes and made a wish. For her, nothing mattered more than her daughter’s health and happiness.

Xavier’s gaze lingered on Eleanor’s elegant profile, his admiration impossible to hide in the gentle glow.

Joel’s expression was full of warmth and hope; he had seen Eleanor at her lowest, trapped in a broken marriage, and now, he was witnessing her transformation—her courage to reclaim her life. He wished her nothing but smooth sailing, even if he couldn’t always be by her side.

Eleanor opened her eyes and turned to the two children, who were practically bouncing in their seats. “Alright, you can blow them out now.”

The kids blew with all their might, and as the lights came up, the room filled with laughter and applause.

Eleanor looked around at the scene—her friends, her daughter, the gentle hum of happiness filling the air. Her heart swelled with warmth.

In her arms, Evelyn looped her small arms around her neck and whispered, “Happy birthday, Mommy.”

Eleanor smiled and ran her hand through her daughter’s soft hair, then pinched her chubby cheeks. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

“Mommy, let’s cut the cake!” Evelyn’s eyes shone with excitement.

“Alright, let’s do it.” Eleanor guided her daughter’s hand as they cut into the cake together.

Soon, the two little ones had frosting smeared across their faces, looking like a pair of mischievous kittens, which sent the adults into fits of laughter.

Seizing the moment, Joy leaned over and whispered in Eleanor’s ear, “I swear, Xavier’s eyes are glued to you tonight. Aren’t you going to do something about it?”

Eleanor’s ears turned pink. She nudged Joy playfully. “Stop it.”

She’d long noticed Frazier’s feelings for Joy, too. Now, she decided to tease her oblivious friend back. “Ms. Thatcher, you’re so invested in my love life, but what about your own?”

Joy froze, following Eleanor’s gaze toward Frazier. A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks as she shot Eleanor a warning look. “Don’t start.”

Eleanor’s smile grew a little more serious. “You know I’m right.”

Glancing at his watch, Joel rose and lifted his glass toward her. “Happy birthday, Eleanor.”

She nodded gratefully, clinking her glass against his. “Thank you, Joel.”

“I’ve got a video meeting in a bit, so I’ll slip out now.”

Eleanor walked him to the door. “Drive safe.”

Tonight, everyone was sticking to champagne, so no one had to worry about the drive home.

Xavier and Frazier stood out on the balcony, deep in conversation.

Time slipped by in the golden haze of good company, and before long, it was nine o’clock and the party was winding down.

Joy loaded Eleanor’s gifts into the car, while Evelyn, clutching a bouquet, was lifted in with a beaming smile.

“Of course,” Eleanor assured her with a smile.

The car glided through the quiet night, streetlights casting pools of gold across the windshield.

Soon Evelyn was absorbed in her toys again, and Eleanor caught her reflection in the rearview mirror, a soft smile lifting her lips.

Her daughter and her work were all she needed. Everything else… didn’t matter anymore.

When they got home, Joslyn had prepared a small bowl of comforting soup for Eleanor and had set aside a slice of cake for herself. Eleanor always treated Joslyn like family, and Joslyn, in turn, took care of them with all her heart.

While Joslyn gave Evelyn her bath, Eleanor stepped out onto the balcony to rest. Her phone buzzed—it was a message from Joy, who had sent a screenshot.

“What is Vanessa playing at? Of all nights to post this?” Joy fumed.

Vanessa had posted a picture of herself flashing a seven-figure necklace, with a casual caption: [Thank you for your special attention.]

Eleanor stared at the post, her finger gliding slowly across the screen. The timing was just a little too convenient.

Joy sent another voice note, clearly annoyed. “What is she trying to prove? Is she just trying to get under your skin?”

Eleanor laughed softly and replied, “Let her post whatever she wants. It’s not worth our attention.”

She had barely set her phone down when another message popped up.

This time, it was from Xavier: “Did you get home safe?”