No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 820

Seeing that he wasn't leaving, Eleanor ignored him and turned to Xavier. Before she could speak, he offered a gentle smile. "I have a client to see. I'll be leaving tomorrow."

Eleanor nodded, a hint of apology in her voice. "Thank you for coming all this way today. You should get to your work."

"Don't be a stranger," Xavier said, his eyes soft. "Get some rest. Don't push yourself. Call me if you need anything."

He, too, lingered, turning to Mansfield. "Major General Ellington, are you leaving?"

"I'm taking Eleanor back to her hotel first," Mansfield stated flatly.

His words made both other men frown. Ian's expression darkened. "I'm staying at the hotel across the street. I'll walk her over."

Gavin quickly interjected, "That's right. Mr. Goodwin just checked in. He was about to go get his luggage."

Now it was Eleanor's turn to frown. She would rather walk back alone than be escorted by Ian.

"Eleanor and I have something to discuss. Don't trouble yourself," Mansfield said, effectively shutting Ian down. He knew Eleanor wanted to avoid her ex-husband, and he wasn't about to pass up an opportunity to help her do that.

Xavier watched the exchange, a flicker of something akin to pity for Ian in his eyes. Though he was annoyed himself, it was the first time he had seen Ian so thoroughly rebuffed.

Eleanor was exhausted, a dull throb starting at her temples, but she was keenly aware of the silent power struggle between the three men. She looked at each of them, her gaze finally settling on Mansfield. Her voice was gentle but firm. "None of you need to walk me back. The hotel is just across the street. Besides, I need to run to the store to pick up a few things for myself."

As the doors closed, they could hear a faint exclamation from the hallway. "Oh my god, they're all so handsome!"

The three men exchanged complex glances. Eleanor, lost in her own thoughts, seemed oblivious to it all.

At the hospital entrance, Xavier and Mansfield headed toward the parking lot. Gavin turned to Ian. "Mr. Goodwin, I'll bring the car around to the hotel. Are you going to walk?"

Ian nodded, his eyes on Eleanor, who was already walking ahead. He started after her.

Eleanor crossed the hospital plaza and waited at the crosswalk. Just as Mansfield's SUV pulled up to the street, he saw Ian step up beside her. He paused, his foot hovering over the accelerator.