No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 499

On stage, Eleanor stepped down, cradling a bouquet of champagne-colored roses in her arms. Xavier walked beside her, the two of them making their way backstage together.

From the wings, Gwenda and her coworker Valery—both part of the event staff—watched Eleanor and Xavier disappear behind the curtains. Gwenda, always one for gossip, cast a quick glance at Ian, seated in the front row.

Ian’s long fingers loosened his tie, his sharply defined face betraying nothing. He was the picture of composure.

“Is Mr. Vaughn actually seeing Eleanor now? Is this their way of going public?” Valery, barely able to contain her excitement, whispered. Having once worked in Juliette Grayson’s lab, she felt more than a little fondness for Xavier, her former boss. She sincerely hoped he would finally win the woman’s heart.

Gwenda lowered her voice conspiratorially. “Who knows, maybe they’ve been together for a while now. It wouldn’t be hard for Eleanor to marry into a wealthy family again.”

Valery nodded eagerly. “Yes, I hope so too. They’d make a great couple.”

Backstage, Eleanor handed Xavier a cup of coffee. “One of the staff brought this over—thought you could use a little pick-me-up.”

Xavier took the coffee from her, his gaze lingering on her soft, natural makeup and classic ensemble. She moved with an effortless grace, looking every bit the embodiment of timeless elegance.

Just then, Eleanor’s phone chimed. She glanced at the message; it was from Simone at the front desk, reminding her about a luncheon after the conference, where President Maxwell and several renowned medical experts would be present.

Eleanor quickly replied, “Of course, Professor Langley.”

Xavier took a sip of the coffee, then praised her, “Your talk today was fantastic. I hope to see you speaking at the Global Medical Summit one day.”

A smile lit up Eleanor’s face. “That would be a dream come true.”

Xavier’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly, imagining how dazzling she would be when that day arrived—so remarkable that few would dare meet her gaze. But above all, he genuinely wished to see her succeed, for her own sake.

“Would you like to grab lunch together?” Xavier invited.

Eleanor glanced at her wristwatch and offered an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry—Professor Langley asked me to join their lunch. I’ll have to eat with them this time.”

Xavier nodded in understanding. With so many leaders in medical science gathered here, it was only natural for them to connect.

“No worries. Another time, then,” he said.

“And I still owe you a meal, remember? Next time, it’s on me,” Eleanor promised with a laugh.

Xavier’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Anytime. I’ll be waiting.”

Eleanor truly appreciated Xavier’s thoughtful gesture with the flowers. Unlike Ian’s cold indifference, Xavier always made her feel like basking in a gentle spring breeze.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you,” she said, looking at the bouquet.

“Faye, if you’re trying to come between Eleanor and me, don’t bother.” Joel stood and walked away.

The truth was, he genuinely had to decline Simone’s invitation.

Watching Joel’s departing figure, Faye bit her lip before standing to wait for Vanessa at the door. There, she spotted Gwenda carrying the bouquet—Xavier’s gift to Eleanor.

“Gwenda, isn’t that Eleanor’s bouquet?” Faye asked, arms crossed.

“She went to lunch, so I’m taking it back to the office for her,” Gwenda replied.

Faye’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “You two are colleagues, yet Eleanor treats you like her assistant.”

Gwenda’s cheeks flushed. “That’s not true, Faye!”

Faye’s expression was unapologetic, her tone dripping with disdain. “I’m just calling it like I see it.”

Valery tugged Gwenda away. “Come on, Gwenda. Let’s go. We’re not in her league anyway.”

Gwenda ignored Faye and left with Valery.