Chapter 329

Nolan watched Eleanor's figure fade into the distance,and for the first time in his life, a wave of helplessness crashed over him.

The feeling cut deeper than when he had lost the Usepsall project to her three years ago.

Back then, it was only business. A project lost.

But now? It felt like he was losing her.

At some point, Erick had appeared, standing quietly to the side.

He hesitated, then finally broke the silence. "Boss,forgive me if I overstep, but you really hurt Miss Warren's feelings this time. Miss Guyton may be pitiable,yes-but Miss Warren? She has done nothing wrong. Being left hanging without so much as an explanation, not even a single call... that would freeze any woman's heart. And Miss Warren isn't just any woman-she is proud, capable, remarkable."

Nolan knew it already. Every word rang true.

He wanted to set things right. But his messages went unanswered.

His calls were ignored.

And now, when he tried to explain face-to-face,Eleanor cut him off entirely, shutting every door in his face.

With a low curse, Nolan tugged at his tie in frustration,then stepped into his grandfather's hospital room.

Norwood took one look at Nolan's defeated expression and understood everything at once. He let out a derisive snort, eyes gleaming with sharp amusement. "What is the matter? Eleanor giving you the cold shoulder?"

Nolan pressed his lips into a hard line,saying nothing.

Silence was admission enough. Norwood let out a slow sigh, though he didn't soften his words. "Didn't I warn you? It's never wise to hurt your girl for the sake of someone else."

Nolan said nothing.

Deep down, he knew Norwood was right. But reason was one thing-his heart,another.

He couldn't bring himself to let Elora go. She had no one else to rely on in this world. Only him. Norwood, seeing Nolan's obstinate silence,nearly lost his temper.

He thumped his cane hard against the floor."Keep this up, and Eleanor will slip right through your fingers."

The old man had lived long enough to read people like open books.

Elora-always shrinking, always pitiful, carrying her misfortunes like a badge-had grown up under a drunken father's shadow. What good could come from such roots?

And yet Nolan, usually sharp as a blade, was now blinded by so-called duty, unwilling to see the truth.

Nolan's brows knit together, the crease deepening with the weight of his thoughts.

He knew he had mishandled things-Eleanor had every right to be mad-but in his heart, he still couldn't bring himself to blame Elora.

Turning to Norwood, he spoke with quiet conviction."Grandpa, Elora is like my sister. How could I possibly cast her aside?"

Norwood's face darkened,his patience snapping. "She was a stray your mother took in out of kindness.You've already done more than enough for that girl! And Eleanor-she is a treasure. You don't even realize how blessed you are!"

Nolan's lips pressed into a thin line. He didn't want to quarrel. He lowered his voice, steady but unyielding."Grandpa, please focus on your health. I'll come visit another time."

With that, he turned and made for the door.

Behind him came Norwood's weary sigh, heavy wvith disappointment. "Fine, fine. I've said my piece. You've made your choice-just pray you won't live to regret it."