No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 628

Vanessa leaned toward Henry. “I’m going to say hello to Mrs. Vaughn.”

Henry nodded, and Vanessa, poised and graceful, made her way to the VIP area. The wide diamond bracelet on her wrist sparkled under the lights, catching the attention of anyone nearby.

“Mrs. Vaughn, it’s been a while,” Vanessa greeted politely.

“Miss Shannon, so glad you could make it,” Mrs. Vaughn replied with a warm smile.

Nearby, Evelyn and Vivian were engrossed in their own world, laughing quietly, oblivious to the conversation.

Vanessa turned, feigning surprise as her eyes landed on Eleanor. “Miss Sutton, I didn’t expect to see you here!”

As she spoke, Vanessa lifted her hand to adjust her hair, making sure her diamond bracelet was on full display.

“Oh! I recognize that bracelet—it’s a limited edition, isn’t it? I heard you can’t find it anywhere in the country,” Mrs. Vaughn remarked, her interest piqued. She kept a close eye on the jewelry world and knew all about the latest exclusives.

Vanessa offered a demure smile. “Yes, I picked it up overseas,” she replied, glancing at Eleanor with a subtle, knowing look. “It was a gift.”

Eleanor saw right through Vanessa’s little show. Not long ago, she and Ian had been abroad, and it was obvious Vanessa wanted her to know exactly who had given her that bracelet.

“Was it from Henry?” Mrs. Vaughn asked, curiosity evident. After all, Henry and Vanessa seemed close, and his family had the means for such lavish gifts.

Vanessa’s smile faltered for the briefest moment. Just then, Ian’s tall figure appeared at the entrance. Vanessa immediately looked up, her lips curving into a bright smile. “Excuse me, Mrs. Vaughn,” she said softly.

With that, Vanessa made her way toward Ian, every step carefully measured.

Mrs. Vaughn watched her go, realization dawning in her eyes. She turned to Eleanor, a bit flustered. “Eleanor, this Miss Shannon and Ian—?”

“She’s the one who came between my marriage,” Eleanor answered directly, her tone calm.

Mrs. Vaughn’s face registered pure shock. “What? That was her?”

She’d once asked her son why his marriage to Eleanor had ended, and he’d only said things had changed between them. Now she realized Vanessa was the reason for their breakup.

Henrietta looked at Eleanor with sympathy. “I wish I’d known. If I had, I never would have let Xavier invite her tonight.”

“It’s all right, Auntie. That’s all in the past—I’m doing just fine now,” Eleanor reassured her.

Henrietta’s gaze followed Vanessa, her expression tinged with disdain. Truth be told, she’d never had patience for women who knowingly inserted themselves into other people’s relationships.

Vanessa raised her brows, curious. “And you are?”

The girl glanced at Vanessa, then spoke with frankness. “I’m Mia Brown. Actually, I guess you could call me Mr. Holt’s blind date.”

Vanessa shot Henry a meaningful look. “Oh, so you’ve been busy with matchmaking lately?”

A flicker of panic crossed Henry’s face. He scrambled to explain, “It was just a dinner between our families, nothing more.”

Mia, looking at Vanessa, seemed to recognize her. “You’re Miss Shannon, the pianist, aren’t you?”

Vanessa nodded with a polite smile. “Yes, that’s me.” Then, turning to Henry, she added, “You two should talk. I’ll leave you to it.”

“Vanessa—” Henry called after her, his voice low.

But Vanessa was already walking away, her eyes drifting toward Ian, who was still talking with his daughter, then to Eleanor, deep in conversation with Mrs. Vaughn. Without another word, Vanessa slipped out onto the balcony.

Barely a minute later, Henry followed her outside. Catching sight of him from the corner of her eye, Vanessa let a small, knowing smile play on her lips.