Chapter 36

Ryland spoke with obvious pride. "Eleanor used to share a dorm with Lillian in college. They both mnajored in finance at Northbridge University. But Lillian always said Eleanor was different-she even took clinical medicine as a minor. A total genius! Honestly, her kids are going to have some top-tier genes."

That final line carried more weight than casual praise.

Eleanor's family name might not be impressive, but if Nolan was serious about her, it wasn't outside the realm of possibility. After all, wealthy families had never been strangers to illegitimate heirs.

The call ended without warning, cut off cleanly.

Ryland blinked at his screen,baffled.

Did Nolan actually just hang up on him?

Unbelievable.

Infuriating,even.

Meanwhile, Nolan-the one being cursed in silence-let a sharp gleam flash in his eyes.

Two degrees, one in finance and one in clinical medicine, both from Northbridge University. With credentials like that, Eleanor's display of skill earlier suddenly made perfect sense.

Still, Nolan couldn't shake the sense that something about her didn't add up.

It didn't matter. Time had a way of revealing secrets, and sooner or later Eleanor's little secrets would show themselves.

While he entertained those thoughts, Eleanor busied herself with the children, helping clear the table before bidding Myah a warm goodbye.

Fannie quickly followed after her, worry written all over her face. "Eleanor, it's already so late. Why don't my brother and I drop you off?"

That offer sounded far too dangerous.

More time around NVolan meant risking exposure.

Yet hailing a taxi in this neighborhood at night was nearly impossible.

After weighing her options, Eleanor slipped into the car at last. "I appreciate it, Fannie-and you as well, Mr.Stewart."

Nolan didn't bother responding. He simply leaned back, eyes shut, as though none of it concerned him.

Thirty minutes later, the car rolled to a stop.

Eleanor stepped out gracefully and gave a polite wave. "Thanks for the ride. Take care on the road.Goodbye."

Without another word, Eleanor turned and disappeared into the residential complex.

Only then did Nolan open his eyes, his gaze fixed on her retreating figure.

Why did it feel like she was running from him?

Tsk.

The more he watched her, the more secrets seemed to pile up.

From the front seat, Erick suddenly blurted out, pointing toward the roadside, "Mr. Stewart, isn't that Mr.Todd's car? What's it doing here?"

Nolan followed the direction of his hand and spotted Jonny's vehicle.

It sat idly beneath a tree, angled just enough to block part of the emergency lane.

Leaning back against his seat, Nolan spoke with cool detachment. "Take a picture and report it to the polic "Understood, Mr. Stewart," Erick replied at once, pulling out his phone to snap a photo as evidence.

Nolan reached over and ruffled Fannie's hair with unusual gentleness. "Fannie, we always follow traffic rules,alright?"

Her wide eyes blinked up at him.

Today,he almost seemed playful.

She couldn't help but like this side of him-it made him feel more human.

Where Jonny's car was parked, Jonny himself was bound to be close by.

Just as Eleanor was about to head upstairs, he stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at him, voice laced with mockery. "Step aside, Jonny."

Instead of snapping back, Jonny crushed his cigarette underfoot and leaned closer.

The sharp scent of smoke mixed with his familiar cold aura, wrapping around her.

"I bought a villa in the city," he said flatly. "You'll move in tomorrow. I admit I was wrong before-l ignored your feelings. From now on, I'll give you three days of my week." With that, he tossed his hair back from his forehead, as if the gesture might impress her.

Eleanor just stared, then lifted her hand and smacked him. "How's that for clarity? Awake now?"