Chapter 365

Once Eleanor was gone, Nolan could not stand being at the venue for another second.

He made his way back to Regal Heights, driving in silence.

When he pulled up, he spotted Elora kneeling beside the garden, fumbling with a tiny trowel in her grasp.

He walked over,his pace measured, and a small crease appeared between his brows.

"Let the maids handle the garden work," Nolan said.

Elora rose to her feet and brushed the dirt from her palms. "Back when Reyna was around, she really loved these roses. I want to plant some on my own."

As he heard that, the stern look on his face softened just a little.

He muttered to himself, "Let her do as she pleases."

With a short nod, he replied, "Don't push yourself too hard."

Nolan turned and went straight into the villa.

Once Nolan reached his study, he sank into his leather chair,letting his fingertips tap quietly on the desk.

Pulling off that partnership at the summit had been nothing short of genius.

Sliding a business deal across the table gave him an excuse to be close to Eleanor-one she could not easily sidestep.

Everything about it felt like the first move in a long game.

With momentum on his side, Nolan wondered how to win her over.

Suddenly, the door to the study flew open.

Ryland stumbled in, eyes shadowed with exhaustion,as if he had not slept in days.

Disdain flashed across Nolan's face as he glanced up.

Without warning, Ryland flopped down onto the couch, letting out an exaggerated groan. "Nolan, I swear, I can't take it anymore. Besty will not see me.She won't answer my calls or texts. So, what's the holdup? When are you getting Eleanor back?"

Nolan pressed his fingers against his temples. "I'm working on it." He broke down the details of his scheme from the summit, for once actually asking Ryland, Any thoughts on how to make this work?"

Just then, a spark of hope brightened Ryland's tired face. "Youever thought about jumping into the fashion world? I remember Besty complaining that they're always stressed about fabric. They can never get enough of the quality they want, and it throws everything into chaos."

Nolan's eyes narrowed as he mulled over the suggestion.

That was more than just an offhand comment. It was a golden opportunity.

Securing the fabric pipeline for Enigma Group meant he could spend more time with Eleanor.

Rising from his chair, Nolan clapped Ryland on the shoulder. "Just watch. It won't be long before she's mine."

He wasted no time and grabbed his phone, quickly dialing Erick.

When the call went through, Nolan's voice was steady and commanding. "Buy out every factory that sells to Enigma Group. Do it now."

Though Erick sounded a bit thrown off, he answered, "Understood, Mr. Stewart."

With the call finished, Nolan glanced back at Ryland,a hint of curiosity slipping into his voice. "You're not just playing around with Betsy,are you?"

When he heard her name, Ryland's expression sobered instantly. "I thought I just wanted to make it up to her,but ever since she started keeping her distance, I can't stop thinking about her. I'm crazy about that woman."

With renewed resolve, he looked straight at Nolan. "I'm serious. I want her to be my wife."

That admission took Nolan by surprise.

Suddenly, an idea sparked. If Ryland ended up marrying Betsy, Eleanor's friend and close colleague,then Betsy could easily become his strongest supporter.

He gave Ryland's shoulder a firm squeeze, his tone sincere. "I'm rooting for you,man."

Ryland straightened up, confidence returning to his eyes. "You know it!"

For a moment, they simply stared at each other,recognizing the same unwavering determination burning inside them both.