Chapter 295

Eleanor froze the moment she saw the scene before her.

Her eyes locked on that familiar face, and for a moment,her mind went blank.

Nolan had told her he was busy with something urgent.Was this what he had meant?

She didn't want to question his loyalty, yet her fingers tightened around Lillian's hand, as if clinging to it could steady her heart.

Nolan met her gaze without flinching. His voice was calm, not a trace of hesitation. "Eleanor, this is Elora Guyton.My mother adopted her years ago. She's like a sister to me."

Elora stepped forward cheerfully, her smile soft and harmless, her tone sweet. "It's a pleasure to meet you,Eleanor. I'm Elora. I've heard so much about you, and you're even more beautiful than I imagined! Nolan kept you hidden from me all this time.Finally,I get to meet you."

The two of them showed no unease, as though nothing was out of place. Still, Eleanor couldn't shake the feeling that Elora wasn't as simple as she appeared.

Pushing down her doubts, she reached out and shook Elora's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you too,Elora."

Elora's eyes lit up as she gave a warm invitation."Are you here for dinner as well? Why don't you join us?The more, the merrier. I've been with Nolan and Fannie these days, and honestly, I'm getting a little bored."

Eleanor's chest tightened at those words.

So this was Nolan's urgent matter-keeping Elora company.

A jumble of emotions weighed her down, leaving her breathless.

Yet,looking at Elora's innocent smile, she wondered if she was simply imagining things.

She steadied herself, masking her feelings behind her usual coolness. "No, thank you. My friend is drunk.I need to take her home."

With that, she helped Lillian up and turned to leave.

Something in Nolan panicked as he watched her go.He hurried after her. "Let me help you." He took the drunken Lillian from Eleanor's arms and supported her firmly.

Glancing back at Elora with apology in his eyes, he said, "Elora, I'm sorry to leave you alone. I'll have a driver pick you up later."

Elora waved it off with a knowing smile. "It's fine.Home isn't far. I'll just grab a taxi."

Nolan gave a short nod,then left with Eleanor,guiding Lillian out.

They dropped Lillian at her house, and soon only the two of them remained in the car.

Silence filled the ride.

Eleanor leaned against the window, watching the world outside, unwilling to speak.

She hated feeling that way.

It was as if her man no longer belonged to her completely.

Nolan's grip tightened on the steering wheel. He wanted to explain,but each time the words rose to his lips, he didn't know how to begin.

By the time he stopped at the Benton family's villa,Eleanor felt a twinge of disappointment. She unfastened her seatbelt, her face unreadable "Thank you."

Her tone was flat, stripped of warmth.

She opened the door, ready to leave, when Nolan suddenly caught her wrist and pulled her back.

He leaned in, wrapping her firmly in his arms

His chin rested on her head, his voice low and rough."Are you upset?"

Eleanor froze, his clean scent softening her heart,though she forced herself to answer, "I'm not."

Nolan sighed and tightened his embrace. His hand stroked her hair gently. "Eleanor, I'm sorry for making you feel neglected. Elora is just like a sister. Once things settle, I'll make it up to you."

Nestled in his arms, Eleanor gave him a light pinch in playful punishment.

The couple stayed wrapped in each other, their closeness pulling them toward something deeper.

Just as their lips were about to meet, Elora's call shattered the moment.

"Nolan, help! He's back in the country.He's following me! I'm terrified-" Her voice cut off with sudden chaos on the other end,followed by silence.

Nolan's expression darkened in an instant.

Fear for Elora left him no choice. After giving Eleanor a brief explanation, he said, "Eleanor, I'm sorry,but have to find her."