Chapter 354

Nolan kept his promise without hesitation.

The morning after his conversation with Eleanor,he started taking steps to arrange a new home for Elora.

A realtor led them through several upscale, highly secure apartment buildings in downtown Elepdon.

Elora trailed behind, her steps grew heavier,and the color slowly drained from her cheeks.

It was clear now that Nolan was serious about sending her away.

But she refused to let things end like that.

Losing Nolan's support would leave her completely vulnerable to Ady, and her violent ex would seize any chance to come after her again.

That thought alone left her feeling trapped, with nowhere to turn.

Determined to keep her composure, Elora put on a charming, agreeable smile. "Nolan,didn't Eleanor use to live at that one apartment complex before she moved back with her family? I remember it was really secure. Maybe you could help me get a place there?"

Nolan stopped and weighed her suggestion.

Podium Apartments offered round-the-clock security and excellent management.

Knowing Elora would be safe there gave Nolan a measure of comfort.

After a moment's thought, he agreed.

Within ten minutes, Nolan had arranged for a spacious penthouse for Elora in a separate building at Podium Apartments.

To ensure her safety, he also hired two seasoned female bodyguards along with a professional housekeeper to look after her.

Before heading out, Nolan took the staff aside to give them clear instructions.

"Make sure you watch over her," he told them firmly.

At last, Nolan turned to Elora, his expression conflicted and difficult to read. "Please don't hold this against me,Elora."

Elora responded with a gentle shake of her head,her eyes full of understanding. "Nolan, you've already

done more than enough. I could never resent you for this.Just having a place to live means the world to me."

Nolan felt a weight lift from his shoulders at her serene response and stepped out of the penthouse with peace of mind.

Walking toward the elevator, he pulled out his phone and dialed Eleanor.

"Eleanor, can you meet me at Podium Apartments at seven tonight? There's something important we need to discuss."

He was determined to break the news in person that Elora had moved out.

He also planned to finally return the engagement ring to her hand, where it belonged.

Tonight, he intended to sweep away everything that had kept them apart.

On the other end, Eleanor's voice was faintly weary,but she didn't hesitate and still agreed. "Alright, I'll be there."

Nolan ended the call, a quiet smile tugging at his lips.

What he didn't realize was that Elora was lurking in the hallway shadows, eavesdropping on the entire conversation. Elora remembered Ady's instructions all too well.

Perhaps tonight would finally give her the opening she needed.

That evening, Nolan wrapped up his workday early and made his way to Eleanor's old apartment to get everything ready.

A romantic dinner, softly illuminated by candlelight,was soon arranged on the table.

The minutes slipped by, and just as the clock struck seven, the doorbell chimed right on schedule.

Thinking Eleanor had arrived, Nolan hurried to open the door.

But instead, he found Elora standing outside.

She was dressed in a thin, wrinkled dress, hair disheveled, and cheeks streaked with tears.

What caught Nolan off guard were the fresh love bites scattered across her neck and collarbone.

A flash of anger crossed Nolan's face as he took in her appearance. "Elora, what are you doing here? Tell me what happened."

At that, Elora seemed to crumble, collapsing against him as sobs wracked her body. "Nolan...I...I just stepped out for a minute, and my ex...he forced me into his car-"

Elora's voice faded, but the message was impossible to miss.

Nolan struggled to contain his rage as he gently guided Elora inside, offering what comfort he could.

As soon as they reached the living room, Elora's knees buckled and she sank onto the couch, dragging Nolan down with her.

The unexpected fall left Nolan sprawled on top of Elora,placing them in a situation that looked far more intimate than it should have.