No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 594

Director Lamont, of course, knew exactly who Xavier was. With a jovial chuckle, he said, “Oh! My mistake. I didn’t realize Dr. Sutton doesn’t drink. I’ll have someone bring you some juice right away.”

Eleanor felt a surge of gratitude as Xavier shielded her from the wine. Across the table, Byron silently breathed a sigh of relief.

If Xavier hadn’t stepped in, Byron knew the responsibility would have fallen on him to look out for Eleanor on Mr. Goodwin’s behalf.

Just then, Byron’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, but when he saw who was calling, his expression sobered. He excused himself and moved to a quiet corner of the restaurant to answer.

“Did the ribbon-cutting go smoothly?” Ian’s voice came through.

Byron replied quickly, “Yes, Mr. Goodwin, everything went well. We’re having dinner now.”

“Eleanor’s there too?”

“She is. And Mr. Vaughn’s with us as well,” Byron added, unable to resist mentioning Xavier. He hesitated, then continued, “Mr. Vaughn just helped Eleanor out with a drink, actually.”

They chatted briefly about Starnova Group business before Ian closed the call with a simple directive: “Keep an eye on Eleanor for me.”

The meaning behind those words was crystal clear to Byron. “Understood, Mr. Goodwin. You can count on me.”

Back at the table, Director Lamont—clearly a seasoned drinker—had a way of coaxing every man present into joining him for a toast. Even Byron couldn’t refuse, downing three glasses in quick succession. Xavier, too, had already polished off two. As the meal progressed, Lamont switched from beer to whiskey.

For reasons he couldn’t quite explain, Xavier didn’t dodge the next round. Instead, he tossed back three shots of whiskey in a row, his movements so brisk and unhesitating that even Byron was impressed.

Eleanor noticed the faint flush rising in Xavier’s cheeks. At this pace, he was bound to get drunk.

She leaned over and whispered, “Xavier, that’s enough.”

He turned to her with a faint, easy smile. “Don’t worry. I can hold my liquor.”

Watching this unfold, Byron couldn’t help but think—Xavier’s doing this on purpose, isn’t he? Trying to get himself drunk so Eleanor will have to look after him? Not a bad strategy, he had to admit.

By the end of dinner, Xavier had mixed beer and whiskey, and though he still appeared composed, he was definitely moving slower than usual as they stood to leave.

“It was worth it,” Xavier replied with a slight laugh. Then, more softly, he added, “If it means you’ll show you care, getting drunk is worth it.”

Eleanor blinked, only now realizing Xavier had done it on purpose. She frowned lightly. “Don’t do it again. Your health matters.”

With that, she stood up and walked over to Byron, who followed her out of the restaurant.

In the parking lot, Eleanor turned to him. “VP Chase, I don’t remember any meetings with Starnova scheduled for today.”

Byron looked a little sheepish. “Eleanor, honestly, with Mr. Vaughn that drunk, it really wouldn’t be appropriate for you to take him home.”

Given her friendship with Xavier, it wouldn’t have been a problem for Eleanor to drive him, but she preferred to keep some distance between them.

“I’m heading to the lab. You go back to the office,” she said.

Byron nodded, watching as Eleanor got in her car and drove off. He couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief—at least Eleanor hadn’t realized Ian had called him earlier, asking him to keep an eye on her.