No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 703

The airport was buzzing at 7 p.m., its fluorescent lights glinting off polished floors. After a long-haul flight, Eleanor and Xavier emerged from the arrivals gate with their two children in tow. The kids had each managed a decent nap on the plane, so they were still full of energy, while Xavier’s assistant wheeled Eleanor’s suitcase behind them.

“Tired?” Xavier asked with gentle concern.

Eleanor shook her head. “I’m all right.” She’d managed to nap, too, her daughter curled in her arms during the flight.

Just then, Xavier’s assistant approached. “Mr. Vaughn, the car’s waiting right outside.”

“Thanks.” Xavier gave a nod, then turned to Eleanor. “We’ll be home soon. You can rest.”

Since Xavier had already arranged transportation, Eleanor hadn’t bothered calling Ellington.

Suddenly, Evelyn’s eyes widened with delight as she spotted a familiar figure emerging through the crowd.

“Daddy!” she squealed, darting forward.

Ian, dressed casually, strode over to meet his daughter. He scooped her up, then glanced over Evelyn’s shoulder to lock eyes with Eleanor. The brief look between them was icy, tension flickering in the air.

“Ian,” Xavier greeted, standing shoulder to shoulder with Eleanor as he held Vivian’s hand.

For a moment, the two men sized each other up, a subtle undercurrent shifting between them.

“Thank you for bringing them home safe,” Ian said, addressing Xavier. “I appreciate it.”

“It was no trouble,” Xavier replied with a polite smile.

Even in this simple exchange, something unsaid lingered, quietly sparking.

“Evelyn, we’ll ride home with Mr. Vaughn. Come down, sweetheart,” Eleanor called to her daughter.

But Evelyn, having missed her father these past few days, clung to his neck, refusing to let go. “I want to ride with Daddy.”

“Let her spend some time with Ian,” Xavier suggested gently.

Ian’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he turned to Eleanor. “Come with us?” His meaning was clear—he wanted Eleanor to join him in his car.

Xavier’s gaze flickered to Eleanor as well. In that instant, it felt like an unspoken contest between the two men. Whom would she choose?

Oblivious to the adult tension, Evelyn squirmed in Ian’s arms and piped up, “Mom, I’m hungry. Can we get something to eat?”

Eleanor, despite her reluctance to ride with Ian, knew she would go wherever her daughter was.

She turned to Xavier. “Thank you for everything these past few days, Xavier. Let me treat you to dinner sometime.”

Xavier smiled. “No need to thank me. Traveling with you all was a pleasure.”

There were still some expenses she needed to settle with him, given that Xavier had handled all the arrangements, but now wasn’t the time.

“We’ll be off, then,” Ian said, arching a brow at Xavier.

Ian’s assistant stepped over to take Eleanor’s suitcase. As Eleanor and Ian walked away, Xavier watched her for a few lingering seconds. Beside him, Vivian tilted her head up, curiosity bright in her eyes. “Uncle, do you like Ms. Sutton?”

Caught off guard, Xavier looked down at his niece. “Was I that obvious?”

“I’m sorry, Eleanor,” Ian said quietly, voice low and sincere.

Evelyn turned to her mother, harrumphing when Eleanor didn’t reply. “See, Mom’s mad at you. She won’t talk to you anymore.”

“It’s my fault,” Ian said, pulling Evelyn close and pressing a kiss to her hair.

Stubbornness ran in Evelyn’s blood—she had inherited Ian’s pride. She crossed her arms and turned her face away, pouting dramatically.

Ian couldn’t help but smile, doting on her as he tried to coax her back into a good mood. “Daddy’s sorry.”

Just then, Eleanor’s phone buzzed. She fished it out of her bag and checked the message.

“Did you land safely?” The text was from Mansfield Ellington.

Eleanor’s heart gave a small jolt. Was he tracking her flight information?

“Mom, who is it?” Evelyn asked, curiosity piqued.

“It’s Mr. Ellington,” Eleanor answered truthfully.

“Is Mr. Ellington coming to our house?” Evelyn asked, all innocence.

Eleanor was typing a reply as she shook her head. “No, sweetheart.”

Another message pinged in: “I’m in Kingston. Before I return to base, I’ll come see you in Ashford City.”