No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 719

“Mr. Ackerly asked me to take good care of you, and I wouldn’t dare let him down,” Mansfield said with a warm smile.

Out in the parking lot, Vanessa had slipped into the car to rest, but Ian remained outside, making a phone call. By coincidence, Mansfield’s car was parked just across from them.

When Ian hung up, he caught sight of Mansfield stepping over to open the door for Eleanor, helping her into the car with a gentleman’s grace. Afterward, Mansfield gave Ian a polite wave before getting in himself and slowly driving out of the lot.

Vanessa, sitting quietly in the car, had noticed the exchange between Mansfield and Eleanor. She found herself turning Mansfield’s name over in her mind.

All she knew was that he was military, though she wasn’t sure about his rank. He looked so young—at best, probably a major. If Eleanor remarried and ended up with a young officer, well, Vanessa supposed that was good fortune. Frankly, she’d much rather see Eleanor marry a military man and move far away from Ashford City than have her end up with Xavier. Life as an officer’s wife would be quieter, away from all the drama.

As long as they weren’t in the same social circle, that was enough.

Out of the corner of her eye, Vanessa noticed Ian still standing in the same spot, eyes following the car as it disappeared down the road.

Ian finally slid into the driver’s seat and turned to her, “Let me take you back to your hotel.”

“I thought we were meeting Henry for lunch?” Vanessa asked.

“I have something to take care of,” Ian replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Vanessa nodded, sweet and understanding as always. “Alright, you handle your business. I’ll be fine on my own.”

When they arrived at the hotel, Henry was already waiting in the lobby. He watched Vanessa step out of the car, just as the passenger window rolled down and Ian’s sharp features came into view.

“Ian, aren’t you joining us for lunch?” Henry called over.

“Can’t. I have an interview,” Ian replied.

“Alright then, I’ll take care of Vanessa. Good luck,” Henry said with a nod.

Ian gave a small nod in return and drove off.

“Ow!” Vanessa suddenly winced, letting out a small gasp of pain.

“What’s wrong?” Henry asked, concern etched on his face.

“Thanks, I’ve still got plenty to do back at the lab,” York replied, then hesitated. “Eleanor hasn’t left yet, has she?”

“No, she’s still here,” Ian answered.

York nodded, not wanting to intrude further. “Alright, I’ll leave you young folks to it.”

After York left, Ian’s phone buzzed with a call from Gavin.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Goodwin, I’ve tracked down the flight details. Miss Sutton booked the 6:30 p.m. flight tonight. There’s just one seat left—I went ahead and reserved it for you,” Gavin reported, taking the initiative.

The tension in Ian’s brow eased a little. “Alright,” he said simply.

“The seat’s in the same row as Miss Sutton’s,” Gavin added.

“Got it,” Ian replied.