No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 367

Ian’s sudden arrival brought a brief pause to the lively chatter on the balcony.

Xavier cut off whatever he was about to say, nodding politely to the older man. “Mr. MacLeod.”

Mr. MacLeod’s face broke into a genial grin. “So this is where all you young folks are hiding out!”

With one hand in his pocket, Ian let his gaze flicker over Eleanor’s pale face before turning to address Mr. MacLeod. “Mr. MacLeod, let’s discuss the Southside development proposal another day. I’ve got some personal matters to handle first.”

“Of course, of course. I’ll leave you young people to it,” Mr. MacLeod replied, taking the hint and making himself scarce.

Eleanor turned to Xavier. “I’m going to head out.”

She had barely stepped off the balcony when Xavier, almost on instinct, started after her. But Ian blocked his path, reaching out an arm. “Xavier, if you really care about her, don’t embarrass her tonight. We only just finalized our divorce.”

Xavier spun around, his eyes sharp with accusation. “What did you just say to her?”

Ian dropped his hand. “Nothing important.”

With a frustrated sigh, Xavier drained the rest of his wine. “Looks like we have a lot to discuss.”

Ian adjusted his cufflinks with a practiced ease. “Not tonight. I’ve got guests to see to. Rain check.”

Xavier tightened his grip on the glass. “Ian, I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of things between Eleanor and me.”

Ian’s lips curled into a faint, nonchalant smile. “If you want to pursue her, that’s your business.”

Xavier’s tone grew firmer. “You and Eleanor are over. She deserves her own shot at happiness.”

Ian nodded. “I understand.”

With that, he strode off the balcony, leaving Xavier alone.

Downstairs, Eleanor was waiting for her car when Faye, clutching her purse, approached from behind. She, too, was waiting for her ride.

Faye shot Eleanor a sidelong glance. “You spoke too soon last time. Don’t be so sure I’ll lose to you.”

Her voice was tight, every word bitten off.

Eleanor frowned but didn’t answer.

Faye’s lips twisted in a mocking smile. “We’ll see about that.”

Just then, Faye’s cab pulled up. She opened the door, then paused to add, her voice dripping with scorn, “I hope from now on, you’ll compete with real skill—not just by relying on men.”

With that, Faye climbed into her cab and was gone.

Eleanor had never needed anyone else’s approval. As long as she stayed true to herself, that was enough. Letting other people get under her skin would only waste her time and energy—she knew better than that.

Later, Eleanor drove to Goodwin Manor to pick up her daughter. By the time they arrived home, it was ten o’clock. After helping her daughter bathe and get ready for bed, Eleanor didn’t finish her own evening routine until nearly eleven-thirty. Exhausted, she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

The next day was Saturday, and Eleanor decided to take Evelyn out for some fun. But Evelyn had other plans on her mind.

“Mom, did you forget? Dad promised to take me to the amusement park this weekend. We even pinky-swore on it!” Evelyn reminded her.

Eleanor felt a headache coming on. She’d been seeing Ian far too often lately, and the last thing she wanted was to run into him again.

“It’s the same if I take you, sweetheart. Let Mom go with you instead,” Eleanor coaxed, kneeling down to her daughter’s level.

Eleanor avoided his gaze. “I have things to take care of.”

“Alright, let’s go then,” Ian said to Evelyn.

Eleanor watched as Ian’s car pulled away, then grabbed her own bag and headed out to the lab.

She’d been distracted by personal matters lately, and her work at the lab had stalled. Even on weekends, she had to catch up.

Eleanor worked straight through the day. As dusk settled, her phone buzzed—it was a message from Ian: “Evelyn’s worn out and fell asleep in the car. I’ll bring her back to your place. When will you be home?”

She glanced at the clock. Nearly six.

“I’m heading home now,” she texted back.

When Eleanor arrived, Joslyn met her at the door. “Mrs. Goodwin, Mr. Goodwin’s here. Should I—?”

“There’s no need to prepare anything for him,” Eleanor interrupted.

Joslyn nodded, understanding. She always checked with Eleanor first; after all, if the couple was considering reconciling, she wouldn’t want to interfere.

Eleanor glanced around the foyer. Ian was nowhere in sight. A cold feeling settled in her chest—was he upstairs, in her bedroom?

She hurried up the stairs and pushed open the door to her room. Sure enough, Ian was sitting on the sofa, leafing through one of her books.

“You can leave now,” Eleanor said bluntly, not bothering to hide her displeasure.

Ian stood, his eyes lingering on the tired lines of her face. He frowned slightly. “Why don’t you rest with Evelyn for a while?”