No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1316

Pinned by Ian's icy gaze, Vanessa's heart sank. She realized she might have gone too far.

Even Laverne, standing beside her, held her breath in fear, agreeing that Vanessa shouldn't have provoked Ian at a time like this.

Ian turned to Eleanor across the table and spoke gently. "You and Evelyn go ahead and eat."

With that, Ian stood up, his eyes fixed on Vanessa. His tone was unquestionable. "Miss Shannon, let's have a word outside."

It wasn't a suggestion; it was a command.

Vanessa's face paled. Looking into Ian's eyes, she knew he was genuinely furious. She forced a smile. "Ian, I won't disturb your—"

But Ian was already heading for the door. Vanessa was left flustered, exchanging a look with Laverne. Just then, she saw Eleanor watching her, and a stubborn refusal to look weak in front of her rival took hold.

"Laverne, I'll be right back," Vanessa said, then followed Ian out, feigning composure.

Laverne's heart pounded, and she couldn't help but follow them.

In a secluded corner outside the restaurant, Ian stood, his tall figure radiating a terrifying chill. Vanessa bit her red lip and approached him from behind. "Ian, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Ian turned slowly, his gaze as sharp as a razor blade.

"Remember your place," Ian stared at her. "If you ever dare to show up in front of Eleanor and Evelyn again, saying things you shouldn't say or doing things you shouldn't do, I will make you pay back every single thing you've ever gotten from me."

Vanessa's heart clenched. She tried to explain, "Ian, I was just joking—"

"I'm not joking with you," Ian cut her off coldly. "If there's a next time, I guarantee there will be no place left for you in this country, or anywhere else in the world."

Vanessa stood frozen, pressing a trembling hand to her lips to choke back a sob. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks.

She was drowning in a sea of humiliation. Even though she knew she had acted like a fool, his cold, merciless treatment—revoking even the right to say his name—was too much.

She finally felt a sense of hopeless despair.

Laverne watched from a distance, her heart aching for Vanessa, but feeling helpless. She could only whisper, "Vanessa, let's go. Don't just stand here. We can find another restaurant—"

Vanessa violently wiped the tears from her face. Without another glance at the restaurant, she turned and strode away on her high heels.

But while the tears could be wiped away, the hatred in her heart coiled around her like a venomous vine.

Behind her, Laverne's brow furrowed. She couldn't for the life of her understand why Vanessa was still so hell-bent on poking the bear with Eleanor and Ian.