Chapter 331

Nolan had no idea what was about to hit him.

After settling the bill, he glanced at the clock. Almost lunchtime. He decided to take Elora to a restaurant in the mall before heading back home.

By the time the car pulled up at the gates, the butler was already waiting, rushing over with urgent steps.

"Mr. Stewart,something's wrong! Someone snapped photos of you and Elora and posted them online," he said, thrusting a phone into NVolan's hand.

Nolan's eyes scanned the screen. At the top of the trending list was a headline screaming, "Rumored Nolan in New Romance, Breaks Up with Enigma."Several photos accompanied it, all cleverly angled shots from the jewelry store.

His chest tightened.

The pictures looked... suggestive.

He could already imagine Eleanor seeing them.The thought made his stomach twist. "Prepare for a press conference immediately," Nolan ordered,his voice clipped.

"Yes, sir," the butler replied, already moving to follow through.

Elora suddenly stepped forward, stopping him. "Wait,"she said, her hand clutching the edge of her clothes,nervous but determined. She looked at Nolan. "Can we not hold the press conference?"

Nolan was puzzled by her request.

Elora quickly clarified, "I was thinking, if my ex sees this and realizes the guy with me is you, maybe he'll think twice before bothering me. That way,you wouldn't need to worry over me, and you could focus on making things right with Eleanor."

Her voice wavered slightly as she added, "If we show her the surveillance footage from the jewelry store,she won't misunderstand,right?"

Nolan considered it. It was a smart plan with one solution solving two problems.

If that jerk stayed away, Elora's mood could improve,and Nolan could finally focus on Eleanor without distractions.

He nodded. "Here's what we'll do. I'lI talk to Eleanor first. If she's okay with it, we'll cancel the press conference. If she isn't, then we go ahead."

Locking eyes with her, he added, "You have to understand, Elora, Eleanor comes first. I can't let her be unsettled because of this."

Elora smiled faintly,mock relief in her eyes. "Nolan, I understand. Don't worry about it. If she doesn't agree,it's fine. I just want that bastard out of my life."

Nolan felt a small swell of admiration for her maturity.Setting his phone aside, he gave a quick command to the butler. "Find out who leaked those photos."

Then,pulling out his phone again, he quickly typed a message to Eleanor. "Are you free tonight? Can we meet?"

Her reply was nearly immediate. "Sure."

That evening, they met at an upscale, tastefully decorated restaurant downtown.

Eleanor had only just taken her seat when Nolan, with calm determination, showed her the surveillance footage and recounted Elora's words from earlier.

He spoke sincerely. "Eleanor, I don't want you to feel pressured. If it helps, I can hold the press conference right away. Whatever makes you comfortable. Elora stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Eleanor. "I'm sorry. I never meant to create trouble for either of you. It's my fault."

But Eleanor surprised them both. Her expression was composed, her demeanor calm. She parted her lips gently and responded, "Alright. I agree."

Setting down her cup, she rose gracefully. "I have some things to take care of. I'll be going now."

A sharp pang shot through Nolan.

Something in his gut told him that if he let her walk out today, he might lose her for good.

Acting on impulse, he stood up to follow,but at that very moment, a swarm of reporters poured into the restaurant,closing in from every direction.

"Mr. Stewart! Are you and Miss Guyton really in a relationship?"

"We heard you broke up with Enigma. Is that true?"

"Miss Guyton,when did you two get together?"

Questions bombarded him from every side. Trapped and unable to move, Nolan watched nervously as Eleanor walked away.