No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 981

"Henry Holt—" her voice caught in a happy sob. "I thought you'd abandoned me!"

Henry looked at her, then held out his hand. "Come on. My car's outside. I'll take you home."

A jolt of delight went through Vanessa Shannon. She knew Henry wouldn't really leave her behind. She slipped her hand into his, grabbed her purse, and deliberately brushed her chest against him as she stood up.

Henry, flustered, quickly steadied her by the shoulders. "Can you walk?"

A playful smile touched Vanessa's lips. She shook her head like a child. "Nope. You'll have to help me."

With a sigh of resignation, Henry wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her toward the bar's entrance.

A triumphant smile flickered in Vanessa's downcast eyes. It seemed Henry had made his choice between her and Selma Quigley. She had been right all along. A man who had been hopelessly in love with her for seven years wouldn't give up that easily.

However, Vanessa's smug satisfaction shattered the moment they stepped outside the bar.

Though she was a little drunk, she could clearly see Selma Quigley standing quietly beside Henry's car.

Hadn't Henry left Selma to come back for her? Why was she still here?

Sensing the shift in Vanessa's mood, Henry glanced down at her and explained, "Vanessa, Selma and I will take you home together."

Vanessa immediately straightened up, pushing Henry's supporting arm away. She smoothed her long hair back, feigning a brave front. "Henry, it's okay, don't trouble yourself. Just take Miss Quigley home. I'll get a cab."

Vanessa struggled against Henry's grip. "Henry, I told you to leave me alone! Let go!"

Henry felt a headache coming on. He turned to look at Selma, who was now walking toward them. He instinctively released Vanessa's wrist.

Vanessa clutched her purse and watched Selma approach, then turned her face away. Selma, however, walked up to her with perfect composure. "Miss Shannon, it's late. Taking a cab alone isn't safe. Henry is just worried about you. Please, get in the car."

Vanessa was taken aback. Frankly, Selma's gracious and understanding demeanor was incredibly grating. Still, she forced a smile. "Thank you for your concern, Miss Quigley, but I can take responsibility for my own safety."

Henry's brow furrowed. "Vanessa, don't be so stubborn. Selma is just trying to look out for you."