No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1367

She had just answered her phone when she froze.

Under the hallway lights, just a few feet away, stood Xavier. His back was to her, and he was also on the phone.

Her partner's voice buzzed in her ear, but Serena couldn't register the words. Just then, she saw Xavier end his call and start to turn. She quickly ducked into a nearby shadow.

Xavier entered the auditorium through another door. Serena let out a quiet sigh, a flicker of insecurity in her eyes. Every time she saw him, her heart raced, but she no longer had the courage to face him.

She knew he deserved someone better.

Xavier's seat was toward the back, but for a moment, he stood in the darkness, his gaze fixed on one spot—where Eleanor was sitting.

He had seen her before the lights went down but hadn't gone over to say hello because of the crowd.

Now, in the dim light, he could clearly see Ian sitting beside her. It was almost to be expected.

Xavier returned to his seat, his expression hidden by the shadows, and turned his attention to the stage. Just then, Evelyn walked out.

A spotlight formed a circle on the stage as Evelyn, dressed in a small pink formal dress, stepped into the light. She bowed to the audience, then sat down primly at the piano.

Her small, delicate hands rested on the ivory keys, and a melodious tune filled the hall—a simple but beautiful etude.

She played with intense focus, and the performance was remarkably complete.

Ian took out his phone, recording diligently. Eleanor's gaze followed her daughter with warmth, her eyes filled with delight.

When the piece ended, thunderous applause erupted. Evelyn bowed once more and scampered off the stage.

After the two-hour performance finally concluded, Eleanor and Ian went to the dressing room backstage to pick up their daughter.

Eleanor suddenly had a guess. She asked softly, "Your mother—"

A flicker of worry crossed Xavier's eyes. He nodded. "The doctors say she has early-stage dementia. We're currently managing it with interventions."

Eleanor's heart tightened. "You must be taking great care of her."

Xavier's gaze drifted to Ian, who was crouching down to listen patiently to the children. His voice was low and sincere.

"I don't think I ever fully understood what Ian went through back then—that desperation to do anything to save his mother. But now, watching my own mother slowly forget things, seeing her struggle to remember and the helplessness in her eyes… now I understand."

Since learning about his mother's condition, he had spent several sleepless nights, filled with anxiety about her future. He desperately wanted to do something, but he knew that current medical treatments could only slow the progression, not cure it.

At this moment, all the money in the world was useless.