No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 459

Since all the guests and servers were busy in the main hall, no one noticed the newcomers at first.

It wasn’t until Ian led Vanessa and Henry into the brightly lit ballroom that heads began to turn.

Vanessa had clearly put extra effort into her appearance tonight. She wore a champagne-colored mermaid gown, and as she stood deliberately close to Ian under the lights, the two of them looked every bit the glamorous couple—impossible to ignore.

Xavier strode over from the lounge, his steps quickening as he caught sight of the trio. Though momentarily surprised, he greeted them with a warm smile. “Ian, Henry, Vanessa—so glad you could make it!”

“Sorry to drop in unannounced,” Ian replied in his low, reserved voice.

The politeness in his tone made the distance between them obvious.

Henry’s smile faltered for a moment. He turned, clapped Ian on the shoulder, and said, “Come on, Ian—don’t be a stranger. We’re family here, especially with Xavier. How could you possibly be intruding?”

Xavier’s smile never wavered. “I should have invited you myself. I’ve just been a little swamped lately.”

Vanessa chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. “As long as you don’t mind us showing up, Xavier.”

“Not at all,” Xavier replied, chuckling.

At that moment, Mrs. Vaughn approached with her trademark warmth. “Ian, Henry,” she greeted, then paused as her gaze landed on Vanessa. “And this is…?”

“Hello, ma’am. I’m Vanessa—Xavier’s friend,” Vanessa introduced herself with a friendly smile.

“Welcome, welcome! Xavier,” Mrs. Vaughn called out, “why don’t you have someone set a table out in the garden? Let the younger folks enjoy dinner outside together.” Most of tonight’s guests were her own friends, after all—the generations wouldn’t have much to talk about.

At that moment, a voice rang out from the second floor. “Daddy!”

Evelyn’s little head peeked over the upstairs railing.

Vivian appeared beside her, then Eleanor stepped into view as well.

Just then, Vanessa gave a little sway and looped her arm through Ian’s.

From Eleanor’s vantage point above, Vanessa and Ian looked for all the world like a loving couple.

Ian smoothly slipped his arm free, then looked up at his daughter and called out with a gentle smile, “Come on down, sweetheart. Daddy’s here.”