No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 573

Henry caught the whole scene from his seat at the bar, where he’d already switched from red wine to a glass of whiskey.

By then, Faye had joined Byron and was deep in conversation with a few of the Starnova Group engineers. One of the younger, single engineers seemed particularly interested in her.

Eleanor checked the time and decided to head out. She waved at Xavier as she passed.

“Are you driving tonight?” Xavier’s voice was low as he asked.

“Yes, I am.” Eleanor nodded, then walked over to say goodbye to York.

Xavier considered leaving with Eleanor, but just as he was about to follow, he spotted Henry drinking alone at the bar. With a sigh, Xavier realized he’d have to look after him tonight.

Eleanor finished her goodbyes and slipped out toward the elevator. As soon as she stepped outside, the cool night breeze brushed against her. She was heading for the parking lot when footsteps sounded behind her.

“Eleanor.”

She turned to see Ian standing on the steps, suit jacket draped over his arm.

Eleanor frowned, staring at him.

Ian came closer, and she felt her breath catch for a split second, her irritation clear. “Don’t get too close. Whatever you have to say, just say it.”

The look in her eyes made Ian stop in his tracks. He hesitated, then said quietly, “Nothing. Just… drive safe.”

Without another word, Eleanor turned and strode away, her posture decisive and unyielding.

Ian watched her go, eyes dark. Suddenly, he yanked his tie loose, frustrated, and walked toward his car.

Ten minutes later, Vanessa and Faye appeared in the lobby. Faye was asking, “So, what’s going on between you and Mr. Holt? He was definitely watching you just now—”

Vanessa brushed a hand through her hair and smiled lightly. “We’re just friends.”

“He looked pretty drunk.”

“It’s fine. Xavier will take him home.” Vanessa’s eyes clouded with thought—Henry had clearly lost control of his emotions tonight.

Faye couldn’t help but add, “Ian’s the one who’s actually best for you.”

Vanessa turned to her. “Well, then you’d better step up your game. Outshine Eleanor, and maybe Ian will finally see how incredible you are.”

Faye bit her lip and nodded. She knew her position at Meridian Dynamics was all thanks to Vanessa, and she owed her everything. “I understand.”

Shortly after the two women left, Xavier appeared, supporting a very tipsy Henry as they made their way to the car.

“My parents are pushing for marriage again. What am I supposed to do, Xavier?” Henry mumbled.

“Listen to your dad for once. Go on the dates, get married, do what they want!” Xavier replied, exasperated.

Henry rubbed his temples, wincing. “You know I can’t do that—”

Xavier wanted to snap at him that he deserved it, but held back. He opened the car door and slid inside, ready to drive Henry home.

Later that evening, when Eleanor arrived at Goodwin Manor to pick up her daughter, headlights swept across the driveway as Ian pulled in behind her.

He got out and called over, “I’ll bring Evelyn out.”

Eleanor didn’t reply, but she also didn’t go inside, choosing instead to wait by the gate.

A moment later, Ian led Evelyn over to her. The little girl bounced with excitement, “Daddy, are you and Mommy coming home together?”

“That’s his business, not mine,” Eleanor said flatly.

Xavier paused, then glanced upstairs as the laughter of two little girls drifted down.

“Sounds like those two are having a blast.”

Eleanor smiled, a touch of warmth in her eyes. “They’re best friends already.”

Just then, Eleanor’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen. “Excuse me, I need to take this.”

Xavier nodded, and Eleanor stepped outside—it was Simone, calling about the new medication.

Rising to stretch his legs, Xavier wandered over to a wall crowded with photographs. Every picture was of Eleanor and her daughter, capturing moments from all stages of their lives. His eyes finally landed on a photo of Eleanor as a teenager, awkward and hopeful. His breath caught for a moment.

If only, he thought, he’d met her when she was eighteen.

Nearby, he noticed a set of recent ID photos—extras from a batch Eleanor must have taken for work. In the picture, her hair was pulled back, her features calm and lovely, a gentle smile on her lips.

Xavier picked up one of the photos and studied it, then slipped it into his hand. Just then, Eleanor returned from her call, and Xavier, caught off-guard, stammered, “I’ve got to run. I’ll be back at six to pick up Vivian.”

“She’s welcome to stay for dinner,” Eleanor offered.

“Thank you, that’s very kind.” Xavier’s eyes softened with a grateful smile.

“It’s no trouble at all.” Eleanor smiled back.

As Xavier left, he slid into his car and opened his hand to look at the small photo. After a moment, he tucked it into a slot in his wallet, keeping it safe.