No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 827

Eleanor got home but didn't pick up her daughter right away. Instead, she took a shower and fell into bed for a much-needed nap.

She woke up at eight that evening and immediately called Ian.

"Hello?" his voice came through, sounding raspy.

"I'm home. Bring Evelyn back," she said, straight to the point.

"Alright," Ian replied and hung up.

Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. Joslyn opened it, and Evelyn burst in like a happy little whirlwind.

"Mommy, Mommy!" she cried, finding Eleanor and throwing her arms around her waist. "I missed you so much!"

Eleanor smiled, stroking her daughter's head. "I missed you too, sweetie."

"Evelyn, go play for a minute. Daddy needs to talk to Mommy," Ian said as he stepped inside.

Joslyn gently took Evelyn's hand. "Come on, sweetie."

Eleanor looked at the man before her, waiting for him to speak.

"I have to go abroad for a while," he began, his voice low. "It could be a month, maybe three. I might not be back during that time."

Eleanor turned her head, a flicker of impatience in her eyes. "You don't need to report your travel plans to me."

Ian's gaze deepened. "You're right. But I was hoping you could take care of Evelyn while I'm gone. And maybe… visit my grandmother at the Goodwin Manor sometimes? She's been asking about you."

"Evelyn is my daughter. Looking after her is my responsibility, not a favor," Eleanor said, her tone distant. "As for your grandmother, I'll visit her when I have time."

"Thank you," Ian said. He seemed to want to say more, but seeing the irritation in her eyes, he simply added, "My flight is tonight."

He looked at her one last time, but she wasn't looking at him. He turned and walked out the door.

Ian took a sip of his coffee. "I'm flying to Drexford tonight. I have to take care of some personal matters and will be gone for a while."

Xavier was slightly taken aback, then nodded. "Do you need any help?"

"Everything here is taken care of," Ian said, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of his cup. "I called you because I need to ask you for a favor." He looked up, his expression earnest. "Please, take good care of Eleanor."

Xavier was stunned, then a small smile touched his lips. "Don't worry. I would do that even if you didn't ask."

Ian managed a faint smile and nodded. "She tries to carry everything on her own. With her work at the lab and Evelyn being so young, I'm worried she'll burn herself out."

Xavier heard the deep concern in his voice, and his expression grew complicated. "Ian, you said you wouldn't mind if I pursued Eleanor. I hope you meant it."

Ian's gaze dropped to his coffee for a moment before he looked up, meeting Xavier's frank and direct stare—a look that held admiration for Eleanor, as well as respect and a hint of challenge for his friend.

"I meant what I said," Ian's voice was low and steady, betraying little emotion. "We're all adults. Everyone has the right to make their own choices. I have no right to interfere, and I won't."