No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1356

He was dressed in a white shirt and formal slacks, his hair styled as if he had just stepped away from an important meeting.

"Ian, you're back," Xavier greeted him.

Eleanor glanced at her watch and said to Ian, "Could you please watch Evelyn for a bit? I need to go up."

Ian nodded. "Of course. Go on, get to your work."

Eleanor then turned to Xavier. "You two chat. I'm heading back."

Eleanor did have an important report to write, and she walked briskly toward the apartment building.

Xavier watched her go. From their brief and natural conversation, it was clear that the distance between them had shortened considerably.

Eleanor's attitude toward him was no longer as resistant or distant as before.

A new, subtle balance seemed to have formed between them, one built on the foundation of co-parenting their daughter, as well as the professional support Ian provided for Eleanor.

He understood completely.

"Looks like you two are getting along better and better," Xavier said, a hint of teasing in his voice.

Ian's gaze shifted from Eleanor's retreating figure to his friend. His smile held a trace of resignation, but also a firm resolve. "It's a long road ahead."

That simple sentence encapsulated his current state of mind. He was fully aware of the boundaries Eleanor had drawn and understood the patience and effort that would be required of him.

Just then, Vivian and Evelyn approached. Xavier checked the time and said to Ian, "I'll take Vivian upstairs now."

"Daddy, will you take a walk with me?" Evelyn asked, taking Ian's hand.

"Mr. Goodwin, shall we send you the photos of Miss Shannon?"

"That won't be necessary," Ian's voice grew colder.

The person on the other end immediately replied, "Understood. We'll continue to monitor the situation and report any developments to you immediately."

Hanging up, Ian opened a small bottle of whiskey. He stood at the window and let the burn of whiskey steady him. He had bought it the last time he and Eleanor had gone grocery shopping, and she had been the one to pay for it.

At noon the next day, a flight landed. Vanessa walked out of the terminal in a foul mood. In the past, a private car was always waiting for her, and she received the best service no matter the time of day.

But now, she stood at the airport entrance, luggage in hand, watching the long line of people waiting for taxis. With no private car, she had no choice but to drag her suitcase over to the queue.

She put on her sunglasses and a hat. A few men stared her up and down, making her uncomfortable. Just then, she caught a whiff of perfume from a girl in front of her. The cheap scent made her frown and instinctively cover her nose.