No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 475

Dinner at the Vaughn household was a lively, generous affair. The two kids competed to see who could finish their plates first, their laughter and enthusiasm setting the parents’ minds at ease. At home, Joslyn always grew anxious whenever Evelyn picked at her food, often so worried that she’d barely eat herself—she wouldn’t rest until Evelyn was full.

But here, Evelyn and Vivian chatted and ate with gusto, savoring every bite, leaving no room for concern.

“Eleanor, please, help yourself. Make yourself at home,” Henrietta said warmly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Vaughn.” Eleanor smiled and nodded. Lately, with work keeping her busy, she’d been eating less—hunger, she’d found, made her thoughts crisper.

“Here, try this.” Henrietta slid a serving dish closer to Eleanor. “Our cook makes it best. You really must taste it.”

Eleanor felt a bit flattered by the attention, laughing lightly. “Thank you, but I can reach it. Please, you enjoy some too.”

Xavier, watching his mother fuss, grinned. “Mom, this isn’t Eleanor’s first time having dinner with us.”

Henrietta chuckled, realizing she might be overdoing it. “No wonder Vivian likes you so much.”

A thought crossed Henrietta’s mind—how wonderful it would be if Eleanor joined the family for good. Then her granddaughter would have a truly remarkable and kind aunt.

After dinner, Eleanor glanced at her watch—it was already eight. She stood to leave.

“Eleanor, it’s still early! Why not stay a while longer?” Henrietta urged.

Xavier quickly interjected, “Mom, Eleanor’s work keeps her busy. Let her get some rest.”

Eleanor shot Xavier a grateful look. Henrietta nodded, not wanting to press further. She watched as Eleanor and Evelyn gathered their things, then turned to her son. “Xavier, walk them down to the parking lot, would you?”

He nodded just as Vivian started begging to tag along. The two girls skipped ahead, giggling as they made their way to the elevator.

Inside, the girls chattered non-stop while Xavier stood beside Eleanor, keeping a respectful distance.

He turned slightly, his gaze catching her profile—she wore a simple blush-pink sweater that made her skin look even more luminous. Even with a hint of fatigue in her eyes, she still looked effortlessly elegant.

“Work been tough lately?” Xavier asked, his tone gentle.

Eleanor nodded. “Very. The clinical trial is at a critical stage.”

“Don’t forget to take care of yourself, no matter how busy you get,” he said. He’d noticed she hadn’t eaten much tonight.

She gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

When the elevator doors opened, the girls darted ahead. Eleanor hurried after them, Xavier close behind.

At the car, Eleanor buckled her daughter safely into her seat, waving goodbye to Vivian.

“Drive safe,” Xavier reminded her.

“Thank your mother for dinner,” Eleanor said softly before getting in.

Gina Quinn adored her granddaughter; Eleanor had always noticed that.

Saturday morning at eight, Ian’s car pulled up out front.

Eleanor opened the door to find Evelyn, her hair in playful pigtails, leaping into Ian’s arms.

“Daddy!”

Ian caught her easily. “Did you miss me?”

“Lots!” Evelyn replied at the top of her lungs.

Ian chuckled, his gaze flickering to Eleanor. “I’ll have her back before nine tonight.”

Eleanor ignored him, crouching to Evelyn’s level. “Be good, sweetheart. Say hello to your great-grandma for me.”

“I will, Mom,” Evelyn promised solemnly.

As Ian’s car drove away, Eleanor’s phone rang—Joy was calling. They’d arranged to meet at a boutique to find dresses for the gala.

Both women chose classic, understated evening gowns: elegant and tasteful, never flashy, and perfect for an event where blending in was just as important as standing out.