No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 855

Ian's breath caught in his throat. He sank onto the sofa, staring at the photos for a long time before finally turning off his phone.

When Serena didn't get a response, she sent another message: "Brother, did you see the photos I sent you or not?!"

Ian's brow tightened. He typed back three simple words. "I saw them."

He leaned his head back against the sofa and closed his eyes, his jaw clenched. A few minutes later, he opened them and dialed a number. "What's the status of the flight crew?"

"Mr. Goodwin, the earliest we can take off is tomorrow afternoon."

Ian grunted in acknowledgment, tossed the phone aside, and rubbed his temples. His gaze fixed on a distant point, lost in thought.

Back in the restaurant, Eleanor propped her chin on her hand, gazing out at the city lights, lost in a momentary daze.

"What are you thinking about?" Xavier asked gently. "Something to do with work?"

Eleanor snapped back to the present and shook her head. "No, just thinking about how quickly time flies."

Xavier nodded in agreement. "It does. It's been what, two or three years since we properly met?" Eleanor paused, her mind drifting back. They had been formally introduced at a private Christmas party hosted by Henry Holt three years ago.

Xavier was clearly reminiscing as well, marveling at how much she had changed in that time. She had transformed from a homemaker into an independent scientist and a single mother.

"I feel like I've watched you grow over these past three years, watched you become more and more brilliant. It's been wonderful to see."

His praise was sincere and understated, never making her feel pressured.

"Yes, they did. Thank you for watching them, and for dinner," Eleanor replied with a small smile.

"It was my pleasure," he said, his gaze lingering on her. "Eleanor, if you ever need help with anything, please, just ask me. You don't have to carry everything on your own."

Eleanor was grateful for his concern, no matter his intentions. "Thank you, Xavier."

The car had just pulled into the underground parking garage. Xavier stopped right in front of her building's elevator and got out, walking around to her side. The children were still sleeping soundly. Eleanor was about to get out first and then lift her daughter from the car.

But just then, Xavier gently closed the car door. Eleanor, who had been adjusting the strap of her bag, looked up and found herself caught in his warm, intense gaze.

"Eleanor," he said, his voice low and direct. "I have feelings for you."