No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 737

It was as if she absolutely needed to know whether Ian had given Vanessa a Christmas gift.

“So, it’s Christmas—did Mr. Goodwin get you anything?” she asked, glancing at Vanessa.

“Why? Did you get a present?”

“No, just curious.”

“If I get one, I’ll send you a photo later,” Vanessa replied.

“Alright! I bet Mr. Goodwin’s got something planned for you.”

“Let’s grab lunch together sometime in the next couple days,” Vanessa said.

“Sure!”

Half an hour later, Faye was scrolling through Vanessa’s social feed when she saw a new post: a gorgeous bouquet and a delicate, sparkling bracelet. The caption read simply, “Thank you, I love it.”

One look at the photo and message was all it took for Faye to know these were from Ian. She’d known all along that Ian wouldn’t forget Vanessa—not even if the gift came a little late. Her mind was suddenly at ease. There was no way Ian would send a Christmas present to Eleanor. If he was giving gifts, it would only be to the woman he cared about.

As for Eleanor, at most, she and Ian were boss and employee. Nothing more.

—

Goodwin & Co.

The morning sun glinted off the building’s dark glass facade, casting dazzling patterns across the lobby.

Ian sat on the office sofa, scrolling on his iPad. He pointed to a listing on the screen and said to Gavin, “Get this gift ready. I want to give it to Evelyn.”

Gavin took a look: it was a limited-edition Disney princess castle building set. He nodded. “Of course, Mr. Goodwin. I’ll handle it.”

“Wait.” Ian called him back.

“Yes, Mr. Goodwin?”

Ian’s gaze drifted outside the window; sunlight sharpened the angles of his face as he considered for a few seconds. Finally, he said quietly, “Never mind. Just prepare that one gift.”

Gavin hesitated, then asked, “Mr. Goodwin, were you thinking of preparing something for Miss Sutton as well?”

“She wouldn’t accept it.” Ian’s eyes lowered, a shadow flickering across his face.

Gavin understood instantly. Giving a gift that would be refused would only make things more awkward. Sometimes, not giving was the better choice.

At noon, Gavin placed the carefully wrapped limited-edition box on Ian’s desk. On a day like this, the only gift that mattered was the one a father gave his daughter.

When Ian returned after a meeting, he saw the elegantly wrapped present and couldn’t help but smile. He was sure his daughter would love it. At her age, with her quick mind, she was more than ready for this kind of toy.

Maybe it was a father’s pride, but he never doubted Evelyn would inherit his intelligence and talent.

“Mommy, who gave you those flowers?”

Eleanor met her daughter’s innocent gaze and answered truthfully, “Mr. Vaughn gave them to me.”

“Did Daddy get you flowers too?” Evelyn pressed.

Eleanor’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. She quickly changed the subject. “Do you like the present Mommy got for you?”

“I love it!” Evelyn beamed, instantly distracted.

Eleanor drove into the underground garage, parked, and waited for Evelyn to climb out. She was holding the bouquet and the gift box, waiting by the car.

Suddenly, the door of a nearby black Mercedes opened, startling Eleanor. She turned and realized she’d parked beside Ian’s spot—and his car was here.

Evelyn hopped out and spotted her father. Her face lit up. “Daddy! What are you doing here?”

Ian bent down and scooped her into his arms. “I came to see you, sweetheart.” Then his eyes drifted to the bouquet and gift box in Eleanor’s hands.

Evelyn noticed and piped up, “That’s from Mr. Vaughn. He gave Mommy those flowers.”

Ian’s expression darkened for a moment. “Did he?”

“Daddy, did you get Mommy a present too?” Evelyn asked, looking up at him expectantly.