No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1266

In a quiet cafe in the city center, the two friends finally met. Joy sized up Eleanor. "Still looking good. I thought that now you're a super-rich woman, you'd be decked out in jewels."

Eleanor was dressed simply in a cream-colored knit top and jeans, her long hair loosely tied up. She wore light makeup and, aside from the watch on her wrist, no other accessories.

Eleanor couldn't help but laugh, gently stirring her tea. "You know I'm hopelessly attached to the old ways."

Joy snorted with laughter. "That's true." Then, her eyes twinkled as she looked at Eleanor with a teasing expression. "So, what are you going to do about Ian, that 'old flame' of yours? Just let him stay 'old'?"

Eleanor's hand paused for a second before she lifted the cup and took a sip. "He's not an object to be dealt with. That chapter between us is long closed. Now, besides work and Evelyn, we each have our own separate lives."

"Vanessa hasn't been causing trouble lately. I also saw the news about Yeaton Holdings going bankrupt. Ian didn't bail them out. Did things fall through between them?" Joy asked curiously.

Eleanor had been too busy to fill her in. She briefly explained Vanessa's status as the sole donor, her falling out with Ian, and her subsequent move to Walden Wells.

Joy's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? She turned around and shacked up with a man older than her father? Wasn't she madly in love with Ian?"

Eleanor narrowed her eyes. "To him, Vanessa was once his mother's only hope for survival, but that's all. Given his personality, he wouldn't waste another second of his energy on her once it was over."

That was Ian. A businessman at heart, profit above all else. Feelings had always barely registered on his scale.

Joy nodded thoughtfully, then another thought occurred to her. "So, has Ian explained any of the past to you? He ought to explain everything, right? There were so many misunderstandings between you two. I think he should get on his knees and beg for forgiveness."

Eleanor shook her head, her voice serene. "No, but it's not necessary anymore." Her voice then became gentle but firm. "We don't owe each other anything. Thinking back on all those past misunderstandings, they just don't seem important anymore."