No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 463

Vanessa and Henry strolled along the path behind the house, the garden around them hushed and dim. Suddenly, Vanessa spun around without warning. Henry, distracted, walked straight into her—his lips brushed her forehead in the briefest, most accidental kiss.

Henry stepped back, flustered. “I’m so sorry, I—”

Vanessa just laughed it off, easy and unbothered. “It’s fine. I just remembered something I wanted to tell you and forgot you were right behind me.”

He gazed at her, his eyes dark and searching, but Vanessa abruptly grew serious. “Henry, what do you think Xavier and Ian are talking about right now?”

Pulled from his thoughts, Henry’s expression clouded with worry. “No idea.”

Vanessa sighed, folding her arms. “They’re bound to have a falling out over Eleanor. You know what Ian’s like—proud to a fault. Having his ex-wife marry his closest friend? That’s got to sting.”

Henry nodded, his agreement clear. “You can see it written all over him.”

Vanessa’s voice dropped, slow and thoughtful. “Do you think Eleanor’s doing this to get back at Ian? Maybe she never really liked Xavier—maybe she just wants to hurt Ian.”

Henry’s face registered surprise. “What are you saying?”

“My sister told me Eleanor’s been awfully close with some young military officer. I think she’s deliberately trying to get under Ian’s skin, maybe even drive a wedge between you guys.” Vanessa spoke with a certainty that made Henry pause.

“Are you serious?” he asked after a moment, uncertainty flickering across his features.

“You saw it yourself tonight,” she continued. “Even Mrs. Vaughn’s already charmed by Eleanor, and she’s accepted her as a future daughter-in-law. With Eleanor’s reputation in the scientific world, what parent wouldn’t approve? If she wants to break up your friendship, she could do it without even trying.”

Henry’s expression grew heavier with every word.

“I just hate to see a friendship that’s lasted over twenty years get wrecked like this,” Vanessa said quietly, her words sinking deep into Henry’s heart. Friendship meant everything to him—he wouldn’t let anyone tear it apart.

If Eleanor truly cared about Xavier, he’d be happy for them. But if she was using Xavier to get back at Ian? That was unforgivable.

“If that’s how it is—” Henry’s fists clenched at his sides, jaw set. “Then I can’t just look the other way.”