No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 14

"Be good." Ian smiled helplessly, ruffling his daughter's hair before heading upstairs.

At five-thirty, the housekeeper came to let Eleanor know that they'd be heading out for dinner in ten minutes.

The restaurant was an upscale bistro in the heart of the city. Christmas had just passed, and the streets still glowed with festive cheer. The family seemed in high spirits as they set out together.

When they arrived, Evelyn settled obediently in Ian's lap, her curious eyes darting around the room.

"Daddy, look! Mrs. Shannon—I see Mrs. Shannon!" Evelyn pointed eagerly across the dining room.

Following her daughter's finger, Eleanor spotted a familiar figure by the window, purse in hand, about to leave. Who else could it be but Vanessa?

"Vanessa? What a surprise! You're here too?" Gina called out, genuinely delighted.

Vanessa's face lit up with equal astonishment. "Well, if this isn't a coincidence! What brings you all here?"

"Are you heading out already?" Gina asked.

"My friend just called to cancel, so I was about to go," Vanessa replied, waving cheerfully at Evelyn. "Bye, Evelyn! Next time, I'll take you out for something sweet, how about that?"

"Mrs. Shannon, don't go!" Evelyn reached out, her little voice edged with panic.

"Vanessa, we just got here. Why not join us?" Gina urged her warmly.

Eleanor watched the scene unfold in silence. No one else seemed to notice, but she could see it clearly—Vanessa had arrived early on purpose, and she was only making a show of leaving after the family walked in. The carefully applied makeup, the timing—none of it was accidental.

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