Chapter 292

Eleanor had no idea what was brewing behind the scenes.

When she and Fannie got back to the villa in Regal Heights, she found Nolan already downstairs,sitting quietly on the sofa.

With a quick gesture, Eleanor signaled to Fannie and made her way into the kitchen.

Whatever Fannie had whispered to Nolan must have worked,because by the time Eleanor reappeared,his mood had noticeably improved.

In no time, six dishes were arranged on the table.

The three of them gathered around, laughter and warmth filling the room as they enjoyed their meal together.

Once they had finished eating, Fannie, ever the spark of the group,suggested,"Nolan,Eleanor,tomorrow's the weekend. Let's go camping! My friends say the countryside is gorgeous this time of year, and there are fireflies at night!" She had picked up on Nolan's earlier sadness and wanted to cheer him up.

Eleanor and Nolan exchanged uncertain glances.

Not one to give up, Fannie clung to Eleanor's arm and pleaded, "Please? You hardly ever have time for me!All my friends have been there, but I haven't gotten to go yet."

Unable to say no to Fannie's earnest request,Eleanor gave in and agreed.

With Eleanor on board, Nolan saw no reason to object.

Just as their camping plans were settled, Hilda's call came through. "Eleanor, where are you? I made you a nourishing soup. Hurry home or it'll get cold!"

Since the phone was on speaker, Nolan could hear Hilda's familiar, caring voice loud and clear.

It was clear Hilda was anxious for Eleanor to come home.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Nolan rose to his feet. "I'll drive you back."

Soon enough, the car pulled up outside the Benton family's villa.

Eleanor released her seatbelt, but didn't step out of the car.

She shifted her gaze toward the man sitting next to her.

Pale streetlight spilled through the window, outlining his sharply defined features in a gentle wash of shadow.

Nolan met her gaze, his eyes warm and steady. "I'll be here at nine tomorrow morning to pick you up."

"Okay," Eleanor replied, finally unbuckling her seatbelt before leaning over to wrap him in a gentle embrace.

She didn't say a word, but Nolan understood the comfort behind her touch.

He held her close, letting his chin rest lightly atop her head. "Try to get some sleep," he murmured.

The following morning, Nolan and Fannie were packed up and ready to go.

As they headed toward the door, a taxi pulled up,blocking their path.

The taxi door swung open, and a young woman in a white dress stepped out, suitcase in tow.

Her small face looked drained of color, her eyes puffy and rimnmed with red; she had clearly been crying, and the sadness on her face made her look especially fragile.

The moment her eyes landed on Nolan, Elora Tyree froze,her gaze flooding with tears. "Nolan, I've missed you so much."

Nolan looked at her for a moment, his expression unreadable.

Recognition flickered in his eyes and, almost unconsciously,his features softened. "Elora? When did you get back?"

Elora was practically his family, a maid's daughter,raised by Reyna after her own mother died giving birth.

With only a two-year age gap between them, Elora and Nolan had grown up side by side.

Later,when Reyna was expecting Fannie, the maid's widower returned and brought Elora overseas.

From that day forward, she and Nolan had gone their separate ways.

Yet, despite the years, a piece of Nolan's heart had always remained with her. To him, she was like a little sister.

Curiosity lighting up her face, Fannie studied the newcomer.

She remembered Lilah mentioning Nolan's childhood friend.

With a cheerful smile, she stepped forward."You must be Elora, I've heard so much about you."

Elora looked pleasantly startled by Fannie's warm greeting. "And you're Fannie, aren't you?"