No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 583

The smile faded from Eleanor’s face as she turned away, gazing off into the distance.

Xavier grinned and explained, “I was just complimenting Eleanor on how she handled the shareholders for you this time.”

Ian’s eyes lingered on Eleanor’s delicate profile, his expression a little cold. “She did a remarkable job.”

A heavy silence settled between the three of them.

Just then, the school gates opened. Ian turned to Eleanor. “I’ll go get Evelyn.” He took a few steps, then glanced back at Xavier with a raised eyebrow. “You coming?”

Xavier nodded and fell in beside him. The two men headed into the school to pick up the child.

A few minutes later, Ian emerged, holding Evelyn Goodwin by the hand.

“Mom!” Evelyn darted forward, wrapping her arms around Eleanor’s legs and looking up at her with bright eyes. “Mom, can we have dinner with Dad tonight?”

“Joslyn’s already made us dinner,” Eleanor said, gently ruffling her daughter’s hair.

“But can Dad join us for dinner at our house?” Evelyn pleaded.

Eleanor smiled softly. “He’s busy, sweetheart. He just said he has to go back to work for a meeting.”

“Really?” Evelyn asked, looking up at her father.

Ian met his daughter’s gaze, but felt Eleanor’s pointed look—clearly, she expected him to play along.

“That’s right, honey,” he said, picking up on Eleanor’s cue. “Dad has some urgent work tonight, but I’ll have dinner with you two another time.”

“Okay, then.”

“But hey, it’s still early. I can walk you home.”

“Let’s walk!” Evelyn chirped, handing her backpack to Eleanor. “Mom, I’ll walk with Dad. You can go ahead!”

“Okay! Bye, Daddy!” Evelyn waved, then dashed into the yard.

Ian watched her go, a smile on his lips. When Princess poked her nose out the door, he beckoned, “Come here, Princess.”

Princess bounded over, tail wagging. Ian scratched her head, a little ritual that had become second nature. It didn’t feel right to leave without giving Princess a pat.

After Ian left, Joslyn closed the door and paused.

Had Mr. Goodwin’s temper mellowed? Or was she just imagining it?

That evening, Eleanor video-chatted with Joy Thatcher. Joy’s wedding was only three days away, and she was feeling pre-wedding jitters. Eleanor tried to reassure her.

“I’m so nervous!” Joy chewed her thumbnail on screen. “What if something goes wrong at the wedding? And my college friends are making me sing in front of everyone—and they want Frazier Jeffries to sing too. Honestly, they’re just setting me up!”

Eleanor couldn’t help but laugh.