Chapter 286

By the evening of the following day, Nolan's sleek car glided to a stop precisely on time outside the Benton family's stately villa.

Eleanor had just slipped into fresh attire and descended the grand staircase when she glimpsed her mother, Hilda, clinging to Nolan's arm.

Her face was filled with maternal concern.

After all, Norwood was known for his stern demeanor and traditional ways.

He lived and breathed rules, clinging to status as though it were his lifeblood.

Though Nolan had assured her that Norwood no longer disapproved of their union, Hilda's unease lingered like a shadow.

"Nolan, Eleanor has always been her own woman,speaking her heart freely. If her words ruffle your grandfather's feathers, please stand by her. Let any grievances fall on you, not her."

Nolan's gaze met Hilda's anxious eyes with unwavering resolve. "Mrs. Benton, you have my solemn promise.No harm will come to Eleanor under my care."

His steady words carried a quiet strength, soothing Hilda's frayed nerves.

Hilda observed that beneath Nolan's composed exterior lay a man of steadfast dependability.

With a tender pat on Eleanor's hand, she reluctantly released her daughter.

As the car pulled away from the villa, Eleanor caught a fleeting glimpse of Hilda in the rearview mirror,standing rooted to the spot.

A wave of warmth flooded Eleanor's heart, the unspoken bond of family tying her to home.

The car soon arrived at the Stewart family's resident.

Inside, Nolan and Eleanor stepped into the elegantly arranged living room, where Norwood sat regally in a high-backed chair, savoring a cup of coffee.

When Norwood's eyes fell on Eleanor, the usual austerity in his demeanor softened, replaced by a gentle, welcoming glow. "Eleanor, it's a pleasure to see you. Please, make yourself at home," he said,gesturing with a gracious wave.

The long dining table was adorned with an array of dishes, each one carefully chosen to suit Eleanor's tastes.

This didn't just happen by coincidence.

Norwood had,with evident care, acquainted himself with her every preference.

Breaking the comfortable silence, Norwood deftly placed a piece of sweet and sour spare rib on Eleanor's plate. "Tell me, have you two settled on a date for the engagement?" he inquired, his tone warm with curiosity.

A faint, knowing smile curved Nolan's lips. "Not yet,Grandpa. But when we do, Eleanor and I would be deeply honored if you would officiate the occasion."

Norwood's face lit up with a broad, heartfelt smile, his eyes crinkling with joy.

"Splendid! Truly splendid!" he declared, the word "splendid" escaping his lips twice, as though savoring its sound. The lines etched around his eyes seemed to soften with his delight.

"Eat heartily, everyone," he urged, his voice unusually tender as he turned to Eleanor. "Come by whenever you can,Eleanor. Your presence would brighten this old house."

Eleanor responded with a soft hum, her last traces of wariness melting away like morning mist under the warmth of Norwood's kindness.

As Norwood gazed at the well-matched pair, a quiet reflection stirred within him.

He had been wrong before.

The Stewart family didn't need a polished but shallow figure to stand beside Nolan.

They needed Eleanor-capable, astute, and fiercely devoted, a woman who could weather any storm by his side.

Nolan needed her.

Now, with the wisdom of age, Norwood realized that many things lay beyond his control.

Instead of fretting over family quarrels, it was wiser to let the younger generation carve their own path.

What he wanted most was to bask in the uncomplicated joy of being with family.

The dinner unfolded in a symphony of warmth and laughter, the air alive with shared stories and clinking glasses

But just as the evening reached its crescendo, Hector,the butler, burst into the room, his face ashen with urgency.′′Sir, your son has returned!"