No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 274

Eleanor immediately understood what this was about—the spot she’d been hoping for. As Simone sat down, she offered an apologetic smile. “Eleanor, I’d originally wanted to give that spot to you.”

“I understand, Professor,” Eleanor replied. “I’ll wait for the next opportunity.”

Simone hesitated, carefully choosing her words. “I always insist that academic merit is the only standard.” She looked at Eleanor meaningfully. “You could always give Ian a call. Maybe—”

“Professor Langley, as much as I want this, I don’t want to rely on anyone’s connections.” With that, Eleanor turned and walked away.

Behind her, Simone let out a soft sigh and said nothing more.

Her mind drifted back to three days ago, when Ian himself had called to personally recommend Faye. Simone had brought up Eleanor’s name, but Ian had insisted she choose Faye.

***

By Wednesday, the week had flown by. Xavier was waiting at the school gate in a tailored blazer, looking relaxed and effortlessly handsome. The moment Eleanor arrived, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen—Ian.

She declined the call without hesitation.

Almost immediately, it rang again. Still Ian.

Eleanor looked up at Xavier. “Mr. Vaughn, would you excuse me? I need to take this.”

She stepped away, putting some distance between them before answering. “Hello?” Her voice was cool, even colder than she intended.

“It’s me.” Ian’s voice came through, low and clear. “About Evelyn’s field day—I’ve rearranged my schedule. I can make it.”

Eleanor gripped her phone tighter. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve already asked someone to help.”

There was a pause on the other end. “Joel? Or Mansfield Ellington?”

“Who I asked is none of your business. Just don’t come,” Eleanor said, her tone icy.

Ian’s voice dropped, his frustration obvious. “Eleanor, I’m Evelyn’s father. I should be there for something like this.”

Eleanor didn’t bother to respond. She simply hung up.

Sunlight spilled across the elementary school playground, colorful pennants fluttering in the gentle breeze.

Just then, Ian’s phone rang. Vanessa.

“Ian! Mom and I are at the airport. When will you be here?”

“I’m on my way,” Ian replied curtly.

“Great! We’ll wait for you in the lounge!”

The field day wrapped up by noon. Xavier invited Eleanor and Evelyn out for lunch.

Sitting in the car, Eleanor’s phone buzzed with a message from Joy—several photos attached.

Vanessa and Gina were pictured with Ian at a café in the airport.

“Snapped these by chance,” Joy wrote. “Looks like they’re heading out of the country.”

Eleanor let out a bitter, silent laugh. Ian didn’t have time for his daughter’s field day, but somehow he found the time to take Vanessa and his mother on a trip abroad.