Chapter 307

At the campsite on the city's edge, Nolan sat watching Fannie and Elora frolicking on the grass. Though a faint smile curved his lips, his mind wandered, pulled elsewhere by an uneasy thought gnawing at him.

He slipped out his phone, intending to message Eleanor, wanting to know her location and what kept her busy.

Before his fingers moved, a sharp ping rang out-a notification from the Elepdon social circle group.

That chat existed for emergencies only, rarely checked, with Nolan's strict warning that no one disturb him without urgent cause.

Who dared to tag him now?

A frown creased his face as he tapped into the group.

One glance at the feed made his veins burn.

The first image was of Eleanor.

She sat in a booth bathed in neon light, flanked by several stylish men, with Lillian slouched drunkenly beside her.

Following that came a brief clip.

Lillian, words slurred and heavy, rambled about finding Eleanor a man with an eight-pack, while Eleanor failed to resist an escort leaning in close.

Nolan could not bear to watch longer.

He had assumed Eleanor missed the trip because something important held her back.

Yet this was the truth? Drinking with Lillian?

HHis hand stabbed at the screen as he sent a terse message in the group chat. "Where are you?"

Those three words carried the weight of a brewing storm.

Silence swallowed the group. Members cursed themselves for tagging Nolan.

But he had already seen everything.

Moments later, a nervous reply appeared. "Paradise Bar."

Slipping the phone into his pocket, Nolan snatched his car keys and strode toward the parking lot, rage radiating like ice.

From a distance, Fannie and Elora heard the car roar alive and realized Nolan had gone.

They exchanged confused looks.

What urgent matter pulled him away?

...

Inside Paradise Bar,Eleanor remained oblivious to the turmoil forming.

Alcohol dulled her senses, wrapping her thoughts in fog.

Lillian lay sprawled across the booth, fists banging the table while muttering about Fraser being a creep.

Eleanor shook her head, trying to clear it, then checked her watch.

It was already past ten.

Her phone screen showed several missed calls from Hilda.

She quickly texted. "Mom, I'm with Lillian. Everything's fine."

Tucking the phone into her bag, she bent toward the staggering Lillian, preparing to head home.

A nearby escort seized the moment. "Both of you look wasted. It's late. Let us walk you back. Nights like this aren't safe." Fogged by alcohol, Eleanor gave a faint nod, too hazy to think clearly.

Thrilled, the escort slipped one arm around Eleanor, the other around Lillian, and started for the exit with a smug grin.

Before they reached the door, a fierce kick dropped him flat.

He never even saw who struck before darkness took him.

The shock jolted Eleanor's senses.

She lifted her gaze in disbelief, meeting a pair of blazing eyes.

Nolan?

Why was he here?

Wasn't he supposed to be with Elora right now?

While the thought flashed across her mind, Nolan, fury radiating from him, advanced steadily.

The other escorts sensed danger and fled, dragging their unconscious friend along.

Suddenly,the chaotic booth grew still.

Eleanor steadied her throbbing head and forced a faint smile. "Enjoy yourself. It's late. I'm taking Lillian home."

She reached toward Lillian.

But before her hand touched, Nolan caught it and yanked her close, grip unyielding.