Chapter 20

Eleanor quickly closed the report and pretended to be browsing the news.

lan sat down on the sofa across from her, legs crossed with deliberate ease. His tone was slow, almost lazy, but there was an edge beneath it. “How long are you planning to stay mad at me p>

She froze for a moment, then looked up at him. “I’m not mad p>

“Then why are you acting like this?” His gaze was intense, almost predatory.

“What exactly do you want from me?” she shot back.

lan’s eyes narrowed.

Eleanor had once told herself she’d confront Vanessa and lan head-on, but for now, as long as she didn’t have complete confidence she could win custody, divorce wasn’t an option.

“I understand,” she replied coolly, her voice emotionless.

But lan suddenly leaned forward, closing the distance in a blink. He grabbed her

wrist, his body looming over hers as if a storm was about to break.

“Don’t brush me off.” His voice came from deep in his chest, vibrating with authority and a simmering anger.

Pain shot through her wrist. She frowned. “Let me go p>

His eyes were dark as ink. “Start acting like a wife should.” With that, he released her and walked away.

His anger still lingered in the air long after he left. Eleanor rubbed her aching wrist, her eyes flashing with frustration.

A man who didn’t even deserve to be called a husband-now demanding that she play the role of a dutiful wife?

What a joke.

In the days that followed, Eleanor settled into a routine: she dropped her daughter off at school in the morning, picked her up in the afternoon, and worked through the midday hours. The days blurred into a week. Since that night, lan hadn’t tried to approach her again.

lan was nothing if not proud-a lone wolf who would rather bite his tongue than show weakness.

Today, Eleanor was delayed by a fender-bender near the school gate; traffic was snarled for at least ten minutes. As soon as she managed to park, she hurried into the building.

She reached her daughter’s classroom just in time to see Evelyn, dressed in a pink tulle dress, standing by the door. Vanessa was bent over, fussing with the bow at Evelyn’s waist. “Your mom’s late again, isn’t she? But don’t worry, Mrs. Shannon brought you some hazelnut chocolate… See p>

A wave of anger surged through Eleanor. Vanessa’s words seemed gentle enough, but the intent was clear-she was trying to drive a wedge between mother and child.

Eleanor swallowed her frustration and forced a smile as she stepped forward. “Evelyn, Mommy’s here p>

“Mommy, what took you so long?” Evelyn’s little brow furrowed, her disappointment plain.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Tomorrow I’ll be the very first to pick you up, okay?” Eleanor said, scooping her daughter into her arms.

“Mrs. Shannon, I want my chocolate!” Evelyn chirped, not about to forget the promise of sweets.

For a girl not quite five, the allure of chocolate was irresistible.

Vanessa stepped forward, handing Evelyn the chocolate. Eleanor gently coaxed, “Evelyn, why don’t you go play over there for a bit, okay p>

Evelyn dropped her backpack and scampered off toward the playground.

With her daughter gone, Eleanor’s expression turned cold. She looked Vanessa straight in the eye, her words sharp as glass. “I don’t care what you’re up to. If you ever try to come between me and my daughter again, I won’t let it slide p>

Vanessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile effortless and unruffled. “I’m just here to see Evelyn. Ian doesn’t seem to mind-why are you making such a scene p>

Eleanor turned to leave, fists clenched at her sides. She shot Vanessa a hard look. “If I see you near my daughter again, I’ll call the police. First thing p>