No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 661

From now on, she’d start by simply being Xavier’s neighbor. Even if it meant just being his honorary little sister for the time being, that would do.

At ten o’clock that night, Serena returned to Goodwin Manor.

In the study.

“You want to live at Cloudcrest Manor?” Ian looked up from his paperwork, his sharp gaze landing on Serena.

She bit her lower lip, her cheeks tinged with red. “I just want a change of scenery, that’s all. Don’t you have a place there that’s sitting empty?”

Ian frowned. Gavin had said he’d dropped her at Vanessa’s house, so it wasn’t surprising Serena found out about the other property.

“Serena, promise me you’ll stay out of trouble. I just need some peace and quiet,” she pleaded. “You know how Grandmother is—she’s always lecturing me, and I just can’t help but argue back. It’d be better for both of us if I had my own space for a while, wouldn’t it?”

He had to admit, he’d just heard Grandmother scolding Serena downstairs, and the old lady had stormed off to her room, fuming.

“Fine. You can stay there for a few days.” Ian nodded, then looked up to warn her, “But don’t bother the neighbors.”

Serena blinked. Did he mean Xavier?

“Don’t worry! I’m not a kid anymore. I won’t bother anyone.” Relief and excitement bubbled up in her chest—her brother had finally agreed.

She realized she’d forgotten to ask why Ian had bought a house in Cloudcrest Manor in the first place. Then again, with his wealth, snapping up a new property was hardly worth a second thought.

Starting tomorrow, she’d see Xavier every day. The thought alone made her giddy.

There was no point running away. It was time to face things head-on.

—

The next morning.

Ian followed her into the elevator, his long fingers pressing the button for the twenty-seventh floor.

The air in the elevator felt heavy, tension thickening the silence until the doors slid open. Ian strode out.

Eleanor returned to her apartment, gathering her things for the day. When she stepped into the hallway, Ian was standing outside her door, a deep blue velvet box in his hand.

He met her gaze and held out the box. “A belated birthday gift,” he said in a low, even voice.

Eleanor stepped back, her eyes cold. “I told you—I don’t want anything from you.”

“It’s for Evelyn,” he said quietly, his eyes darkening. “A coming-of-age gift.”

She looked away. “Then give it to her when she’s grown up.” Without another word, Eleanor brushed past him to leave.

But Ian caught her wrist, his grip gentle yet unyielding. “Keep it for her, just for now.”