Chapter 316

Nolan had barely collapsed onto the sofa when his phone buzzed. Erick was calling.

"Mr. Stewart, we've got something," came Erick's tense voice. "The hospital cameras caught a suspicious guy wearing a hat and mask sneaking around Elora's room."

So Elora wasn't a liar.

The doctor's words had been right all along.

And yet, why couldn't Eleanor try to see things from his side just a little?

Nolan tugged at his tie, frustration coiling in his chest. "Double the security at the hospital. No one steps near Elora's room without my clearance."

"Understood, boss. I'll handle it immediately."

True to his word, Erick moved quickly, not wasting a moment.

Then, as though recalling another detail, he added, "Also, I've taken care of the auction issue, sir."

"Alright." Nolan set the phone down and slumped onto the sofa, massaging his temples in exhaustion.

Quiet steps sounded from the stairs, and Fannie appeared in her pajamas, still rubbing her eyes. "Nolan,you're home? How's Elora?"

His features softened at the sight of his little sister. "She's fine. Everything's under control. Go get some sleep."

Fannie, holding her water glass, muttered under her breath, but loud enough for him to catch."It's been a while since Eleanor was here.Is she mad at you?"

Her confusion made Nolan's jaw tighten. "Elora hasn't done anything wrong. So why's Eleanor making such a fuss over nothing?" The moment she spoke, Nolan's features stiffened. "Careful," he barked sharply. "Don't ever talk about Eleanor like that."

Fannie flinched, her glass tilting dangerously in her hands.

She had always admired Eleanor, so Nolan's sudden harshness took her by surprise.

With a small huff, she set the glass down and stomped back up to her room.

Nolan sank further into the sofa, thoughts spinning like a storm.

Maybe some distance was exactly what he and Eleanor needed.

Eventually, she would see his side of things,right?

Meanwhile, Eleanor, the one who occupied every corner of his mind, had decided to step back from romance for now.

The Warren Foundation still needed her attention, and she was determined to focus on growing her business and saving every bit she could.

The next morning, she arrived at her store, full of energy and purpose.

Inside,Betsy was already in full boss mode, barking orders at the staff.

"What's going on?" Eleanor asked casually, glancing around.

Betsy spun around immediately and hurried over. "Boss, a major client's coming. They say she's extremely picky, so we're cleaning the entire place from top to bottom."

Eleanor nodded quickly and went on her way.

As she headed up the stairs, the glass door swung open once again.

Ryland appeared, stepping in with a grin.

Betsy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Wasn't it supposed to be a lady arriving?

Ryland caught her look and chuckled.′′Mymom got tied up last minute. What, not happy to see me?"

Eleanor's brow knitted.

She didn't want to get caught up with anyone associated with Nolan, not now.

She gave a short nod and walked straight upstairs without stopping.

Ryland froze, taken aback by Eleanor's cold reaction.

Before, even before her relationship wvith Nolan, she would have said something, anything.

Betsy noticed the change too. With a knowing glance at Ryland, she muttered, "Men. They're alI the same.Not worth a second thought."