No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 124

Airport.

Eleanor held her daughter's hand as they met up with Joel. The moment Joel laid eyes on the little girl, he was instantly charmed. Evelyn seemed to like him too—after all, even kids can be swayed by a handsome face.

Before they boarded their flight, Joel bought Evelyn a small toy, winning her over completely.

Seeing how well they got along, Eleanor finally relaxed. With Joel there, she'd have some help looking after her daughter on the plane.

Two hours later, their flight touched down without a hitch.

Once they collected their bags, Joel hailed a cab and whisked them off to a five-star hotel near the National Academy of Sciences.

With two days to spare before the award ceremony, Eleanor decided to take her daughter on a proper tour of Kingston's historic landmarks. Joel, now in full-on "dad mode," tagged along. The three of them strolling the city looked, for all the world, like a happy little family.

One afternoon, they wandered along the old city walls. Eleanor led the way, holding Evelyn's hand, while Joel trailed behind with their bags. Suddenly, a woman's voice called out, "Sir, your daughter dropped something!"

Joel turned and saw that Evelyn's little toy had fallen from her backpack. He offered a grateful smile. "Thank you."

"She's a beautiful girl," the vendor said warmly.

Joel paused, then smiled back. "Thank you."

The next evening, Eleanor's phone rang. It was Ian—he'd come to Kingston, too, and wanted to see his daughter.

Eleanor's brow furrowed. She hadn't expected him to track her down, but refusing to see him wasn't an option. If Ian got upset, there was no telling what he might do—and she wanted Evelyn at her side when she received her award tomorrow.

That night, Eleanor arranged to meet Ian at a restaurant. He arrived right on time.

Evelyn's face lit up. "Daddy! Daddy!"

Ian scooped her up, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Did you miss me?"

"I did."

"Then how about coming back to the hotel with Daddy tonight?" he coaxed gently.

Eleanor's stomach tightened. Was he trying to take her daughter away from her?

Evelyn's eyes lit up. "Really? What kind of present?"

Eleanor's hand tightened into a fist as she shot Vanessa a cold glare. Vanessa, feigning innocence, glanced at Eleanor before turning to Ian. "Ian, I'll head up first. See you soon, Evelyn."

She didn't rush—she knew Evelyn wouldn't be able to resist.

Ian had booked the hotel's most luxurious suite and tried to persuade Eleanor to move in so they could all be together. She refused.

Around ten, Eleanor came to Ian's suite to collect her daughter, only to find Evelyn hugging a brand-new doll—Vanessa's gift.

That's when Ian first heard about Joel—from his daughter's innocent chatter.

So this was why his wife had left in such a hurry—she was traveling with Joel and their daughter.

While Evelyn played on the balcony, Eleanor waited quietly in the living room.

Behind her, a voice, edged with displeasure, broke the silence. "Don't you think you owe me an explanation about this trip with Joel?"