No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 989

"Eleanor," Xavier's voice was gentle as he looked at her, then at his mother's tear-streaked face. He took off his jacket and sat down. Mrs. Vaughn asked anxiously, "Xavier, how did it go?"

"Their position is firm. I've hired a lawyer, and we're preparing to take legal action," Xavier said, rubbing his brow. His company had just weathered a crisis, and now his personal life was presenting him with another major challenge.

Eleanor looked at Xavier sincerely. "If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask."

She wasn't sure what she could do, but she wanted him to know she would help in any way she could.

Xavier gave her a grateful look. "Thank you." He didn't want to worry her. "I've spoken with a top lawyer who specializes in international custody disputes. He says we have a strong case, but it will take some time to go through the process."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Mrs. Vaughn's eyes. Her anxiety had made her emotional, but hearing this news from her son brought some relief.

"Eleanor," Mrs. Vaughn said, turning to her. "Xavier hasn't had a proper meal in ages. The children can stay here with me. Would you mind taking him out to the restaurant across the street for dinner?"

Eleanor was surprised, but she knew Mrs. Vaughn was an experienced caregiver and trusted her with her daughter. She looked at Xavier. "Alright, my treat." Then she added, "Mrs. Vaughn, why don't we all go together with the kids?"

Mrs. Vaughn smiled. "No, no, the children are too noisy. You two go and have a nice, quiet meal."

Her intentions were clear: she just wanted Eleanor to spend some time with her son and help him de-stress.

Eleanor didn't insist. "Okay, then. I'll take Xavier out for a quick dinner."

"Go on. And please make sure he eats," Mrs. Vaughn said, her mood brightening considerably.

Xavier looked at his mother's arrangement, feeling it was putting Eleanor in an awkward position. He stood up. "Mom, you're putting Eleanor on the spot—"

Eleanor smiled. "It's no trouble at all. It's my treat."

"Of course, right this way." The waiter led them toward a corridor of private booths.

Xavier was a bit taken aback. He had assumed Eleanor would choose a table in the main hall. He followed her down the corridor.

Gavin, of course, had seen Eleanor and Xavier. When he looked back at his boss, the atmosphere around him had dropped several degrees. The knuckles of the hand holding his teacup were white.

Gavin knew that look. It was jealousy.

"Mr. Goodwin, would you like to join Miss Sutton and Mr. Vaughn for dinner?" Gavin asked helpfully. His report wasn't urgent; it could wait until tomorrow.

Ian's jaw was tight. "Continue," he bit out.