Chapter 49

Half an hour later, Eleanor found herself sitting across from Nolan in a quiet, refined café just opposite the Stewart Group building. Nolan looked his usual self-composed, unreadable, and perfectly at ease.

Meanwhile, Eleanor's attention kept drifting to Lillian,who was perched right beside her like a cat itching to knock something off the table.

Honestly, why had she let Lillian tag along?

She already knew how much Lillian loved meddling,and now her presence only made it harder for Eleanor to speak.

With a quiet sigh, Eleanor shot her a sharp, warning look.

Lillian's lips curved into a little pout, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face.

Still, she knew better than to overstay her welcome,so she rose to her feet.

Leaning close, she whispered in Eleanor's ear with a grin only the two could catch. "Relax. My brother swears those rumors about Nolan being impotent are lies. HHe's definitely good in bed. So go on and snatch him up! I'll cheer for you!"

Then, with a sly wink at Nolan, she swept out of the café looking far too pleased with herself.

Eleanor froze, her mind blanking. What on earth was that?

Lillian was getting bolder and more outrageous by the day.

Shaking it off, she forced herself to focLIS.

After a long breath,she pulled a folder from her bag and pushed it across the table. "Mr. Stewart," she began carefully, "about the Qualen Estates land, I know your company isn't planning to sell, but I need it badly. I'm prepared to increase my offer by ten percent."

Of course, she wasn't just some ordinary buyer. She was the hidden force behind the Enigma Group.

If it weren't not for the risk of exposing herself, she wouldn't be here, lowering herself to ask a favor.

Nolan, however, didn't even blink. His fingers rested lazily against the table as he opened the document,skimmed a page, then shut it again and slid it back toward her. "Not for sale," he said flatly.

Eleanor's lips pressed into a thin line. If it wasn't up for sale, why had he agreed to meet in the first place? Was he playing her?

She clenched her jaw. "Then what will it take for you to agree, Mr.Stewart?"

At that, Nolan finally raised his eyes, their depth unreadable. "Miss Warren, I said it's not for sale. But that doesn't mean other arrangements can't be made." Her stomach tightened. What was he implying?

For a moment, she realized she didn't understand this man at all; perhaps she never had.

Nolan caught the guarded look in her eyes. He noticed it, but it didn't bother him in the slightest.

He then reached into his briefcase, pulled out a folder, and slid a document across the table.

Eleanor glanced at it and froze.

A deed of gift for that land?

He was giving it away, just like that? Her eyes widened in disbelief.

She scanned the page again, and the truth finally sank in.

This didn't make sense. Why would he...

She looked up, blurting the question without hesitation. "Why are you doing this?"

Nolan leaned back with ease, his posture casual, his eyes revealing nothing.

"Our foundation has always backed Hope House.This is no different," he replied evenly, as though it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Eleanor studied him closely, trying to pierce through the calm mask he wore.

Yet no matter how hard she tried, his thoughts remained a mystery.

Still, the issue that had weighed on her heart was resolved,and that alone steadied her.

She pushed aside the swirl of emotions and spoke earnestly. "Thank you, Mr. Stewart, On behalf of the children, I truly appreciate what you've done."

A faint arch lifted his brow, and something playful lit up in his eyes.

Leaning forward, closing the space between them until his presence felt overwhelming,he murmured "And how exactly do you plan on thanking me, Miss Warren?" The effortless authority in his voice only made the air around him feel heavier.

Eleanor's pulse stumbled. Instinctively, she shifted back, trying to create some distance. "If there ever comes a time you need my help," she said softly, "I'lI do everything I can."