No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 40

Eleanor froze, caught off guard.

The private dining room was filled with seven or eight people, men and women alike. At the head of the table lounged Ian, looking effortlessly elegant in a tailored suit. Beside him sat Vanessa, stunning in a deep red cocktail dress. Under the soft lights, the two looked for all the world like the perfect couple.

This wasn't some cozy family dinner with the Goodwins—it was one of Ian's carefully curated social gatherings.

Eleanor understood immediately, her eyes flashing with accusation. "Serena, care to explain what's really going on?"

Serena hesitated, guilty. She'd invited Eleanor on a whim, hoping to toy with her, but now, caught in Eleanor's stern gaze, she couldn't find a way out. Flustered, she tried to save face. "Come on, Eleanor. I was just being nice, inviting you out for a meal. No need to get so worked up."

Vanessa seized the moment, rising gracefully from her seat and crossing the room with a polished smile. "Eleanor, since you're here, why not join us? And look—Ian's here too!"

Eleanor shot Vanessa a cold glance. She had no doubt Vanessa was in on Serena's little prank tonight.

Without a word, Eleanor turned to leave.

Vanessa reached out and caught her arm. "Wait, Eleanor. Stay and keep Ian company, will you? I actually have something I need to take care of."

Eleanor turned, looking directly at Ian. He sat there, his expression unreadable.

She had no intention of wasting another minute here. Shaking off Vanessa's grip, Eleanor strode for the door.

Vanessa's eyes flicked over to the pool outside. With a sly smile, she hurried after Eleanor. "Eleanor, you've got it all wrong. There's nothing going on between Ian and me. We're just friends, honestly."

But before Eleanor could react, Vanessa grabbed her arm again. Eleanor's eyes narrowed, but before she could pull away, Vanessa's smile widened—and with a sudden tug, dragged Eleanor straight toward the pool.

With a splash, both women plunged into the deep, chilly water.

Serena, lingering by the door in frustration, spun around at the sound. She saw two figures thrashing in the pool, panic rising in her voice. "Oh my God! Vanessa!" she shrieked, running back inside the dining room. "Ian! Vanessa fell in! Come quickly!"

Ian shot to his feet, and the rest of the group rushed out after him. When he reached the poolside, he realized it wasn't just Vanessa struggling in the water—but Eleanor as well.

Without hesitation, Ian stripped off his jacket and dove into the pool with athletic precision. Everyone assumed he'd swim straight for his wife—Eleanor—but instead, he made for Vanessa.

"Look! Over there—she's going under!" someone shouted. Eleanor was slipping beneath the surface, only a trail of bubbles marking where she'd been.

Another staff member turned to Ian. "Sir, please, you and your wife can follow us to get changed."

Vanessa, hearing the word "wife," flashed a triumphant smile. As she stood, she feigned a slip, prompting Ian to catch her in his arms.

Her little gasp made Eleanor turn. Watching the couple clinging to each other, Eleanor felt her heart grow even colder.

In that moment, being Ian's wife felt like nothing but a cruel joke.

In the lounge, Eleanor changed quickly into dry clothes provided by the staff, then used the blow-dryer on her soaked hair. When she emerged, both Xavier and Ian were seated on the couch, waiting.

Suddenly, Serena burst in, face flushed with anger. "Eleanor, why did you push Vanessa into the pool? How could you be so vicious?"

Eleanor calmly brushed the damp hair from her forehead. "And which eye of yours saw me push her?"

"You—" Serena sputtered, not expecting Eleanor to snap back.

Just then, a gentle, composed voice broke in. "Serena, don't blame Eleanor. It was just an accident. If anyone's at fault, it's me. I'm the one who accidentally pulled Eleanor into the pool."