No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1447

His response was a laugh, laced with exasperation. “Do we really have to be so transactional about everything?”

Eleanor pressed her lips together. He wasn't short on money, but she couldn't just accept his kindness as a matter of course. It was a habit she had developed over the past three years—an unconscious instinct to draw clear boundaries.

“It’s not about being transactional. I just don’t want you to spend money on my behalf. This is a birthday gift for Grandma, after all,” Eleanor said, her voice clear but firm.

Ian took two steps toward her, closing the distance between them. He was tall, and the light behind him cast a faint shadow that partially enveloped her.

“Are you sure you want to keep score like this?” he asked, his voice deepening.

Eleanor looked up into his eyes, unable to find a reason to argue. But giving someone a gift he had bought for her… it just felt wrong.

“Fine, I’ll accept the gift, but I’ll pay you back—”

“Eleanor,” Ian interrupted, his tone gentle yet unyielding. “I said, you don’t have to.”

Eleanor’s grip on her phone tightened. She could have had Ellington deliver something in time, but since he’d already taken care of it, she sighed softly and relented. “Alright. Thank you.”

“If you really want to thank me, you can treat me to dinner sometime,” Ian said with a low chuckle. “It’s been a long time since you’ve offered to treat me to a meal.”

At least, not since the divorce.

“Okay,” Eleanor nodded.

“Let’s go back. The soup will get cold.”

Eleanor had only had half her soup before she left. She nodded.

They returned to the private room one after the other. Evelyn was nestled in Serena’s arms, the aunt and niece looking very close.

“We’re family, there’s no need for gifts! Just having you here for my birthday makes me happy.” Magdalen turned to Eleanor. “Ellie, you don’t need to be so formal with us.”

“Grandma, it’s only right. Please accept it,” Eleanor said, though she had no idea what gift Ian had chosen. She trusted it would be something Magdalen liked.

Gina had a bodyguard place the gifts in the trunk of their car, then turned to Ian. “You should take Eleanor and Evelyn home so they can get some rest.”

“Okay, Mom,” Ian nodded.

“Ellie, we’ll see you later!” Serena said as she walked to her own car.

After watching the Goodwin family leave, Eleanor took her daughter’s hand. “Let’s head home, too.”

On the way home, Evelyn was so exhausted she fell asleep in Eleanor’s arms. In the quiet of the car, Eleanor couldn’t help but ask, “What was the gift you gave to Grandma?”