No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 88

Faye would never stoop to stealing from Eleanor, but she knew that if she told the truth, her parents would inevitably be disappointed in her.

But…

Growing up, Faye had always been looked down on by the family simply for not being a son. Her father had barely paid her any attention. It had taken years for her to finally prove herself, and she couldn't bear to let him down now.

"Eleanor, it's not that I wanted to take what's yours—it's just that you gave it to me," Faye whispered, convincing herself before stepping out the door.

At the dinner table, Roland showered Faye with compliments again and again. Vanessa, wanting to maintain a good relationship with her younger sister, chimed in with her own praise. Mrs. Yeaton was practically beaming with pride; even though she'd never had a son, she wanted everyone to see that her daughter's accomplishments were every bit as impressive.

"Vanessa, let's invite Mr. Goodwin out to dinner sometime," Roland said. "I owe him my thanks."

"Of course, Dad," Vanessa replied with a nod.

Roland wasn't sure how his eldest daughter had gotten to know Ian, but he knew she'd managed to win over this business mogul—and who knew, maybe someday he'd be Ian's father-in-law.

—

That afternoon, Eleanor didn't pick up her daughter from school; Xavier had texted her to say that Ian would handle it.

At four o'clock, the sound of Evelyn's laughter and Princess's barking echoed from the front hall.

Eleanor came down from the third floor just as Princess bounded over, tail wagging wildly. Evelyn was grinning from ear to ear.

Eleanor knelt down to look at her daughter, and Ian came over. "Evelyn, time to wash your hands."

"I want Daddy to help me!" Evelyn exclaimed, grabbing his big hand in hers.

After dinner, Eleanor settled in with her daughter to read picture books. When they got to a story about not accepting gifts from strangers, Eleanor watched Evelyn's expression closely.

"So if Mr. Vaughn gives me a present, can I keep it?" Evelyn asked.

"Normally, you shouldn't," Eleanor replied, "but since Mommy will buy a gift to give back to Vivian, that's just good manners—returning the favor."

"What about the present Mrs. Shannon gave me?" Evelyn tilted her head, curious.

"Evelyn, it's not good to accept too many gifts from others," Eleanor said gently.

"Is it because she doesn't have children?" Evelyn asked, her little face scrunched in thought.

Eleanor smiled. "That's right. She doesn't have kids of her own, so if you take her gift, Mommy can't return the gesture."

Evelyn seemed to understand. "Oh! Then I won't take any more toys from her."

Eleanor kissed her daughter's forehead. "You're such a thoughtful girl."

They read together until nine o'clock; knowing Evelyn had school the next day, Eleanor helped her brush her teeth and tucked her into bed.

Once under the covers, Evelyn squirmed for a moment, then drifted off to sleep. Eleanor followed soon after.

—

The next morning, Eleanor walked her daughter downstairs. Ian was already waiting for them.

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