No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 690

“So what’s been bothering you lately?”

Seeing that his mother wouldn’t let the matter drop, Xavier finally sighed and said, “Eleanor’s got plenty of admirers—most of them better than me. I’m just worried I don’t stand a chance.”

Mrs. Vaughn shot him a look. “You’re hardly second best. Pull yourself together! Eleanor is exactly the kind of daughter-in-law I want, and I’m not letting you miss this opportunity.”

Xavier managed a rueful smile. “Mom, relationships don’t work like that. Eleanor’s been through a lot. She’s not someone you can just waltz into the heart of.”

“All the more reason for you to keep trying,” Mrs. Vaughn insisted. “You’ve got your strengths. Besides, she’s going to have to start a new chapter eventually.”

Xavier fell silent, lost in thought, and let out a long breath.

“Enough moping. Take Vivian to Drexford—perfect chance to run into Eleanor ‘by accident.’”

“Ian’s there too,” Xavier muttered, exhaling again.

Mrs. Vaughn’s tone turned knowing. “A woman who’s determined enough to get a divorce? Trust me, she’s not going back. Especially not after everything she’s endured, with a child in tow. Women like that—they’re done for good.”

“I’ll do my best, then,” Xavier said, a fresh resolve flickering in his eyes.

“That’s my boy.” Mrs. Vaughn nodded in satisfaction. “And remember, don’t wait for the girl to make the first move. Take the initiative.”

Xavier couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, Mom, you don’t have to worry about that.”

…

Meanwhile, in the garden of a stately home, Mansfield’s phone buzzed. He picked it up and glanced at the screen.

“Boss, the Drexford travel request was denied.”

Mansfield saw it coming. He rubbed his temples as another message appeared.

“With tensions abroad, military personnel are under strict travel restrictions. No leaving the country unless absolutely necessary.”

Moments later, Garth Ellington’s name flashed on his phone. Instantly, Mansfield straightened up to answer his father’s call.

“Hey, Dad.”

“What’s going on? Why the sudden request to go to Drexford? Is there something urgent?”

“Uh, not really. Just… wanted to visit a friend.”

“You only just recovered. Don’t push yourself. Nothing’s more important than your health,” Garth said sternly.

“Understood, Dad,” Mansfield replied.

After a few more words of fatherly concern, the call ended.

“It’s wonderful,” Eleanor said, her voice gentle. “But it’s getting late. We should head inside.”

Evelyn looked longingly at the snowman. “Alright… bye, Mr. Snowman. See you tomorrow!”

Eleanor took her daughter’s hand and led her toward the hotel, Ian following behind. They stepped into the elevator, and just as the doors were about to close, a group of tourists piled in, laughing and chattering, making the space suddenly feel cramped.

Eleanor quickly lifted Evelyn into her arms to keep her from being jostled. Ian shifted, giving them the corner and stretching out an arm to shield them from the crowd.

Eleanor tensed, surrounded by people and unable to move. Ian towered over her, his face just inches away. His eyes were intense, almost predatory as he watched her.

She fixed her gaze on the ascending numbers above the door, silently praying for the ride to end.

Ian’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. Since the divorce, this was the closest he’d been to his ex-wife. His eyes drifted to her lips, memories flooding back, making his chest tighten.

After all, they’d been married for six years.

Ding! The tourists got off at their floor.

Eleanor let out a shaky breath, setting Evelyn down. She was slightly out of breath—she’d been holding it for so long that she felt lightheaded.

Ian glanced over, noticing the rise and fall of her chest, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

Eleanor hated how close he was, hated the way his presence still affected her.