Vanessa leaned toward Henry. “I’m going to say hello to Mrs. Vaughn.”
Henry nodded, and Vanessa, poised and graceful, made her way to the VIP area. The wide diamond bracelet on her wrist sparkled under the lights, catching the attention of anyone nearby.
“Mrs. Vaughn, it’s been a while,” Vanessa greeted politely.
“Miss Shannon, so glad you could make it,” Mrs. Vaughn replied with a warm smile.
Nearby, Evelyn and Vivian were engrossed in their own world, laughing quietly, oblivious to the conversation.
Vanessa turned, feigning surprise as her eyes landed on Eleanor. “Miss Sutton, I didn’t expect to see you here!”
As she spoke, Vanessa lifted her hand to adjust her hair, making sure her diamond bracelet was on full display.
“Oh! I recognize that bracelet—it’s a limited edition, isn’t it? I heard you can’t find it anywhere in the country,” Mrs. Vaughn remarked, her interest piqued. She kept a close eye on the jewelry world and knew all about the latest exclusives.
Vanessa offered a demure smile. “Yes, I picked it up overseas,” she replied, glancing at Eleanor with a subtle, knowing look. “It was a gift.”
Eleanor saw right through Vanessa’s little show. Not long ago, she and Ian had been abroad, and it was obvious Vanessa wanted her to know exactly who had given her that bracelet.
“Was it from Henry?” Mrs. Vaughn asked, curiosity evident. After all, Henry and Vanessa seemed close, and his family had the means for such lavish gifts.
Vanessa’s smile faltered for the briefest moment. Just then, Ian’s tall figure appeared at the entrance. Vanessa immediately looked up, her lips curving into a bright smile. “Excuse me, Mrs. Vaughn,” she said softly.
With that, Vanessa made her way toward Ian, every step carefully measured.
Mrs. Vaughn watched her go, realization dawning in her eyes. She turned to Eleanor, a bit flustered. “Eleanor, this Miss Shannon and Ian—?”
“She’s the one who came between my marriage,” Eleanor answered directly, her tone calm.
Mrs. Vaughn’s face registered pure shock. “What? That was her?”
She’d once asked her son why his marriage to Eleanor had ended, and he’d only said things had changed between them. Now she realized Vanessa was the reason for their breakup.
Henrietta looked at Eleanor with sympathy. “I wish I’d known. If I had, I never would have let Xavier invite her tonight.”
“It’s all right, Auntie. That’s all in the past—I’m doing just fine now,” Eleanor reassured her.
Henrietta’s gaze followed Vanessa, her expression tinged with disdain. Truth be told, she’d never had patience for women who knowingly inserted themselves into other people’s relationships.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor)