No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 488

“Seems fate really does keep throwing us together,” Xavier said, his gaze lingering on Eleanor with an intensity that made her look down, trying to escape the heat in his eyes.

Just then, Evelyn and Vivian skipped ahead, hand in hand. Eleanor smiled, using their distraction as an excuse. “Shall we see the rest of the exhibit together?”

Xavier nodded. “I'd like that.”

So, the four of them continued on as a group.

When they reached the fourth gallery, Xavier paused in front of a painting, quietly studying it. Around the corner, two women entered arm in arm.

Serena’s mood had been sour all afternoon; she’d barely looked at the art. But now, seeing Xavier’s familiar silhouette, her heart leaped and her breath caught. She hadn’t expected to run into him here of all places.

Unable to contain her excitement, Serena was about to call out when Xavier suddenly moved forward, walking toward a woman and two children standing together.

Serena’s steps faltered. The woman wasn’t a stranger.

Vivian and Evelyn—Eleanor’s girls—and standing beside them was Eleanor herself.

Serena’s smile froze, her nails digging into her palm.

Vanessa followed Serena’s gaze and her eyes narrowed. “Well, what are the odds,” she muttered under her breath.

She should have known. Someone like Xavier, with his wealth and status, wouldn’t come to a modest art show alone—not unless he was bringing someone special.

Serena bit her lip, jealousy and bitterness swirling in her chest. She stayed back, not daring to greet him now. Instead, she pulled out her phone and snapped a few quick photos.

Serena’s expression darkened. “If Eleanor actually marries him, I’ll make sure my brother gets custody of Evelyn. There’s no way I’ll let Evelyn become one of the Vaughns.”

Her heart twisted with longing and resentment. She couldn’t stand that Xavier had chosen Eleanor.

Meanwhile, at Goodwin & Co.’s executive office, Ian was reviewing documents when his phone buzzed with a new message.

He glanced down and tapped it open. The photos Serena had sent filled the screen, making his brow crease instantly.

Four figures, hand in hand, the very image of a happy, harmonious family.

Ian’s grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white. Without hesitation, he scrolled through his contacts until he found Eleanor’s number and pressed call.