Chapter 321

Nolan's arms wrapped around Eleanor out of nowhere,leaving her completely thrown off for a moment.

Without thinking, she gave him a gentle shove and asked,"Nolan, are you alright? What's gotten into you?"

Instead of answering, he tightened his embrace,holding her like he never wanted to let go.

He kept Brodie's message to himself, unwilling to lay that burden on her.

Inside, he berated himself for not protecting her the way he should have.

Taking a shaky breath, he finally remarked, "Eleanor,I know l've messed up. I've treated you terribly. I'm sorry. I swear I'll never let anything come between us again. I'm not letting you go."

Something inside her softened as she heard his voice.

Seeing Nolan,always composed and never rattled,like this left her quietly stunned.

Eleanor felt the shift in him, sensing just how troubled he wvas.

Instead of resisting, she slid her arms around him and rested her cheek against his chest.

She spoke softly, her voice muffled. "I haven't even had dinner yet."

For a second, Nolan stiffened, then realized she was ready to let things move forward.

Releasing her just enough,he laced his fingers through hers and said, "Let's get something to eat, just the two of us."

With a small nod, Eleanor let him lead the way.

Dyer and David, who had just left the hotel, caught sight of them.

The sight instantly made Dyer bristle with anger.

Eleanor had been upset because of Nolan.

He wasn't about to stand by and let things slde.

Dyer clenched his fists, ready to chase after Nolan and tell him exactly what he thought.

Before he could take a step, David reached out and grabbed his sleeve. With a sly grin, he said, "Cool your jets, old man. No wonder nobody's snatched you up. Let them figure it out themselves. Couples argue, then they patch things up. Try not to meddle."

Dyer's scowl deepened, bristling at the jab. He jerked his arm away and retorted, "Look who's talking! Takes one to know one, you hopeless bachelor."

Shrugging off the banter, David gave a lazy wave and wandered off down the street.

Left behind, Dyer stomped in frustration. He called out, "Hey! What about our chess match? Don't walk away now!"

Meanwhile, Nolan picked a quiet, upscale place for dinner.

Candles flickered between him and Eleanor as they sat across from each other, everything around them fading into the background.

Nolan couldn't help but watch her, his eyes saying more than words ever could.

That sense of almost losing her still twisted inside him,a dull ache he couldn't quite shake.

With Eleanor sitting safely across the table, he finally felt like he could breathe again.

From his spot in the shadows, a reporter snapped a quick photo. Within hours, a gossip site ran with the story,and the Internet caught fire.

The picture showed Nolan watching Eleanor with such tenderness, and her soft smile made the whole setting feel like a secret moment.

A bold headline screamed, "Stewart Group CEO Spotted Sharing an Intimate Meal with Former Flame -Are They Rekindling Their Romance?"

Rumors spread like wildfire, but Nolan and Eleanor remained blissfully unaware.

Once dinner ended, Nolan guided Eleanor to his car and steered them through the city's glowing lights.

Eleanor leaned back, letting the peaceful hum of the ride settle her nerves.

The world outside felt familiar again, as if old wounds had finally healed.

Soon enough,Nolan pulled up in front of the Benton family's villa.

He circled the car and opened the door, waiting patiently as she stepped out.

On the steps, Eleanor tugged her shawl closer,nerves threatening to get the best of her. "I'm home," she said softly.

Nolan answered with a gentle hum, but stayed put,unwilling to look away.

Heat crept into Eleanor's cheeks under the weight of his gaze. Unable to stand it any longer, she was the first to look away. "It's not like I'm leaving for good.It's just late, and I really should go inside now."

Just as Eleanor started to turn away, Nolan reached out and gently took her wrist, leaning close enough for his words to be just between them. "Give me one kiss, and I promise I'll let you go," he whispered.

Annoyance flickered across Eleanor's face. She shot him a sharp look. "Nolan, quit messing around."

He didn't back down. Instead, he tightened his hold and moved closer,his scent, a hint of cedarwood and something unmistakably him, wrapping around her.

Her pulse fluttered in her chest.

She scanned the area, making sure they were alone,then stood on tiptoe and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

It lasted barely a second before she darted for the door, disappearing inside thevilla.

Nolan stayed where he was, touching his lips, a quiet laugh rumbling in his chest.

He finally turned, heading to his car with a smile that wouldn't quit.