Chapter 257

Once they left the banquet hall, Nolan brought Eleanor directly back to the villa in Regal Heights.

On the sofa, Eleanor reclined comfortably,tilting her face toward the man beside her as he poured water into a glass.

Playfulness danced in her gaze when she said,"Honestly, I think Ms. White suits you well. Why not consider her?"

Nolan's hand stilled, and he set the glass carefully on the coffee table in front of her.

Then he leaned forward, bracing both palms against the sofa's backrest, enclosing her within his arms.

"I don't care how perfect she seems. The only wife I've ever chosen is you, Eleanor," Nolan responded.

Although he knew her words were teasing, the seriousness in his eyes never wavered.

She had a way of provoking him even in moments like this. With so many burdens weighing him down, she still found amusement in jesting.

And still, he loved her endlessly.

Nolan's embrace tightened as he pulled Eleanor close,resting his chin lightly upon her head. "I'll handle everything,"he promised.

The tenderness in his voice stirred her, and she pressed her cheek into his warm chest, whispering her soft reply.

She had always trusted him unconditionally.

Just then, faint commotion sounded beyond the villa,mixed with hurried voices.

Arms spread wide, Fannie blocked Jeff and Hilda, her expression full of urgency. "Mr. and Mrs. Benton,please hear me! What happened today was solely my grandfather's doing-it has nothing to do with my brother!"

Jeff ignored her plea, his sharp eyes scanning inside."Where's Eleanor?"

Exchanging a glance, Nolan and Eleanor rose together and stepped out.

At the sight of Nolan, Fannie flicked her gaze toward him,urging silently for help in easing the Bentons 'anger.

Hilda rushed forward,clutching Eleanor's hand, tears brimming instantly. "Eleanor, you must have been upset. Please, come home with me."

The warmth of a mother's touch carried undeniable comfort.

Eleanor felt Hilda's genuine concern, her own heart softening, her voice turning gentler. "I truly appreciate your kindness, but this path is my decision."

She slipped her hand free and headed back inside,going up the stairs.

Unable to face such overwhelming affection, she chose instead to retreat.

As she watched Eleanor's figure disappear, Hilda's disappointment showed clearly.

Nolan stepped closer to Jeff, his tone steady. "I apologize for everything that happened today. I'll resolve the matter properly, and Eleanor won't bear any unfair treatment."

Jeff's features remained severe, his piercing gaze locked on the young man before him.

"Nolan," he said, "I don't care how tangled your family affairs are. If Eleanor ever suffers harm or injustice, I will never let you go unpunished."

From the study upstairs, Eleanor stood at the window,watching as Jeff and Hilda departed, her emotions in turmoil.

Though she deliberately turned away from that sudden surge of parental love, their sincerity still touched her deeply.

As she wrestled with these thoughts, Nolan's firm footsteps drew near behind her.

She quickly smoothed her expression, meeting him with calm composure. "Enigma Group is releasing new projects this quarter, and I'm organizing a charity gala.I'll be occupied for some time. During this period,I'll stay at Podium Apartments and won't return here."

Nolan crossed the room and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

He understood she was giving him space to handle the troubles with Norwood and the White family.

"Alright." Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss onto her forehead. "I'll assign Erick to serve as your driver."

Eleanor accepted without resistance, nodding softly.