Chapter 224

Nothing else mattered as Eleanor's gaze swept frantically across the burning hallway.

Flames clawed their way up the once-elegant wallpaper, while sparks rained down from the teetering chandelier overhead.

In the smoky haze, she finally caught sight of two figures huddled by the toppled sofa-Hilda and Jeff.

Panic squeezed her chest, but she pushed forward without thinking.

Relief flooded her when she saw their chests rise and fall-they were still alive, only overwhelmed by the thick, choking smoke.

There was no time to rest. She glanced desperately at the main doors, but they were sealed off by a pile of beams and a wall of fire.

Her mind raced for ariother way out, and then she spotted the back door. The flames had not reached it yet,and hope sparked in her heart.

Acting on instinct, Eleanor crouched down and hooked her arms under both Hilda and Jeff, fighting to lift them.

Their combined weight nearly brought her to her knees, but she refused to let go.

Step by step, teeth gritted, she inched forward, carefully weaving around the flames licking at her shoes.

A burnt beam smashed to the floor right behind her, showering sparks everywhere.

For a second, Eleanor realized just howN close she had come to disaster.

Her pulse hammered in her chest, fear threatening to take over, but she forced herself to keep moving.

Every wall around her shuddered as the whole house groaned, splintering wood echoing through the smoke.

Adrenaline took over and Eleanor pushed herself to go faster. Just as she made for the back exit, three shadowy figures appeared, blocking the doorway.

Men in dark suits stood shoulder to shoulder, faces blank, offering no way past.

...

Out on the street, a sleek black Bentley waited just beyond the police barricade.

Nolan threw the door open and sprinted toward the chaos.

Flames devoured the villa in front of him, turning his face pale with shock.

A massive explosion thundered through the night.

The house caved in with a terrible roar, and for an instant, it felt like the entire world held its breath.

Nolan froze in place, every muscle tensed as dread overtook his features.

He shouted her name, voice cracking with panic. "Eleanor!"

Without hesitation, he tried to bolt toward the burning house.

Erick and the nearby security guards caught up just in time to stop him, grabbing his arms and pulling him back.

"Boss, you can't go in there-it's too dangerous!" Erick said.

"A lady just ran inside and hasn't come back out. You can't throw your life away!" one guard pleaded, trying to reason with him.

Wild desperation took over as Nolan's eyes reddened and he screamed at the top of his lungs,"Open the way! I have to go in! Please!"

Knowing Eleanor was trapped inside made the'panic nearly unbearable.

She must be scared out of her mind, all alone in that burning house.

His thrashing grew so violent that the guards nearly lost their grip, barely managing to restrain him as he fought with everything he had. Erick's eyes glistened with tears as he watched his boss unravel. Knowing he had no other choice, he gritted his teeth and knocked Nolan out. "Forgive me, sir. This is for your own good."

Just then, a fleet of sleek Maybachs rolled up to the edge of the police blockade.

Doors swung open and Norwood stepped out, flanked by a group of attendants.

Norwood's eyes immediately landed on an unconscious Nolan. A hint of relief crossed Norwood's face at the sight of Nolan unscathed.

That relief faded fast as he took in the Benton estate, now nothing but flames and ashes. For a brief moment, his eyes narrowed-if Nolan had made it inside, he might never have come back out.

Norwood's tone left no room for argument as he addressed the butler. "Take him home.Now."

"Right away, sir!"