No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 410

At that moment, the emcee stepped onto the stage, his voice ringing out, “On this joyful occasion, let’s invite the maid of honor, Miss Vanessa, to play a piano piece for the happy couple.”

The crowd burst into applause as Vanessa made her way gracefully to the piano set off to the side. Everyone had assumed the piano was just there for show, a touch of class rather than a real instrument.

But now, as Vanessa took the stage, the room fell silent. A spotlight bathed her in soft light, and for a moment, even the bride’s radiance seemed to pale in comparison.

Vanessa knew how to command a room. Her skillful performance captivated everyone, and the moment her song ended, she was met with thunderous applause.

As she rose from the bench, Vanessa’s gaze drifted in Ian’s direction, her lips curling into a flirtatious smile.

Meanwhile, Eleanor was busy reading emails on her phone, absently picking at her plate. It wasn’t until the emcee announced another live performance that she finally looked up.

Suddenly, Eleanor felt the weight of someone’s gaze. When she glanced up, she locked eyes with Ian, his stare deep and unreadable.

He sat at the main table, surrounded by the city’s business heavyweights. Beside him was Vanessa, who, as the fiancée of Ashford City’s wealthiest man, enjoyed the kind of deference that came with his support.

Xavier, seated next to Eleanor, kept a watchful eye on her. He couldn’t tell if she was upset, but she certainly didn’t look happy.

“Actually…” Xavier hesitated, searching for the right words. “Ian and Vanessa—”

“Xavier,” Eleanor cut him off, looking up. “You don’t have to comfort me. We’re divorced now; he’s free to move on.”

Xavier’s gaze softened, lingering on her. “What about you? Are you ready to start over?”

Eleanor froze, caught off guard by the question. Before she could answer, she noticed Ian approaching, glass in hand.

Eleanor’s expression turned cold. Xavier fell silent as Ian stopped behind them.

“Ian,” Xavier greeted, raising his glass.

Ian clinked his glass with Xavier’s, then turned to Eleanor. “Care for a drink?”

“I’ll pass,” Eleanor replied coolly. She stood and turned to Xavier. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

No sooner had Eleanor left than Ian slid smoothly into her vacant seat, turning to Xavier. “Is your uncle still on the board?”

Xavier chatted with Ian, sipping his drink as they discussed recent business issues.

Eleanor had barely stepped into the restroom when the sharp click of heels echoed behind her. Through the mirror, she saw Vanessa enter, still clutching her bouquet, which she set carefully on the counter.

Vanessa stood beside her at the sink, fussing with her hair. “Beautiful wedding today, isn’t it?” she said, her tone casual.

Eleanor didn’t reply, simply grabbing a paper towel to dry her hands.

A couple of society women walked in just in time to hear the last remark. Vanessa’s face went rigid. “Excuse me? Ian and I have been in love for eight years. You’re the one who came between us. The real mistress is the one who isn’t loved.”

With that, Vanessa snatched up her bouquet and strode out.

Back at her seat, Vanessa scanned the room, only to find Ian sitting at Eleanor’s spot, deep in conversation with Xavier. Her mood soured even further.

At the same time, Eleanor returned, only to spot Ian in her seat. She decided she’d had enough of the evening.

She leaned toward Xavier. “I’m heading out.”

Ian rose. “Dinner’s not over yet. Stay for a bit longer?”

Eleanor barely spared him a glance, her appetite gone.

Xavier stood as well. “I’ll walk you out.” He turned to Ian. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Eleanor grabbed her purse and started for the door, nearly colliding with a passing waiter. She stepped back, and Xavier’s long arm shot out to steady her, slipping around her shoulders.

Once the waiter had passed, Eleanor and Xavier left together.

Behind them, Ian stood by Eleanor’s chair, watching them go. He drained the last of his wine, then stared into his empty glass, lost in thought.