No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 470

“Ian’s the type,” Henry said, looking utterly convinced, “who, once he’s made up his mind, never goes back on it—even if he regrets it later.”

Xavier stared thoughtfully out the window. “So you’re saying he’s really moved on from Eleanor?”

Henry shook his head. “I’m not sure. But I do know, if Ian still loved Eleanor, he’d never just stand by and let you pursue her.”

Xavier’s eyes narrowed as he asked, “Then why did Ian insist on that five-year no-remarriage clause in the divorce?”

Henry thought for a moment, then shrugged as if it were obvious. “Honestly? That was just Ian’s pride talking. You remember how much Eleanor loved him. She spent a year taking care of him while he was in that coma—he only married her because of that. But she’s the one who asked for the divorce.” He took a sip of his coffee and went on, “You think Ian would just let her go that easily?”

“So you believe the five-year clause was just Ian’s way of punishing her?”

“What else? You don’t seriously think he can’t let her go, do you?”

Xavier didn’t answer. Lately, he couldn’t read his old friend at all—couldn’t guess what Ian was really thinking anymore.

Was it possible that Ian’s five-year clause wasn’t just about getting back at Eleanor for leaving? Xavier tried to shake the thought away. He didn’t want to dig any deeper.

Some things just bring more trouble the more you dwell on them.

—

Early Thursday morning, Eleanor got a call from Simone Langley. They were expecting guests from overseas, and Simone asked her to come in as early as possible.

“Is it Dr. Smith’s team?” Eleanor asked.

“You knew?”

“Yeah, we’ve been in touch by email.”

Unbothered, Ian continued, “So—does Xavier know that Mansfield Ellington is chasing after you as well?”

There was a familiar edge of mockery in his voice, one Eleanor knew all too well.

She gripped her handbag tighter, forcing out the words, “That’s none of your business.”

Ian let out a soft, cynical laugh. “Don’t forget what’s in the divorce agreement. That five-year clause—”

Eleanor spun toward him, fury in her eyes. “I don’t need you to remind me.”

His gaze darkened, lingering on her face for a moment. “Just a friendly warning. I’d hate for you to get careless and end up with a lawsuit on your hands.”

At that moment, the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Ian stepped out first, leaving Eleanor standing in the chill of his words.