Chapter 368

Jeff stormed through the grand doors of the Benton family's estate, grumbling under his breath,every step radiating annoyance.

Spotting his sour expression, Hilda wiped her hands on her apron and met him in the foyer. "What's got you riled up now??"

He dropped onto the sofa, grabbed the nearest mug,and took a long, frustrated gulp.

"It's Jonny!" Jeff shouted.

He launched into an exaggerated retelling of his run-in with Jonny at the club,playing up every slight.

"That punk acted like he held some sway in Vladena -all on someone else's tab. And his mom hasn't even married into that family yet!"

Disgust flickered across Hilda's face. "Ignore losers like that," she scoffed. "They're not worth your breath."

Jeff exhaled sharply, still stewing. "I just can't get over it! What did Eleanor ever see in a guy like him?"

His rant only gathered steam, turning his irritation toward Nolan next. "And Nolan? Don't even get me started. He really thinks dangling a fifty percent offer will change my mind? As if I'd ever push my daughter back to him! Not a chance. Why does Eleanor keep ending up with such hopeless men?

Just then, soft footsteps echoed down the stairs.

Both Jeff and Hilda glanced up at the same time.

Eleanor stood on the landing, her face a little tense.

She had only come down after changing to head out,never intending to overhear her father's outburst.

Still, she couldn't really blame him for venting

She descended, acting as if she had heard nothing at all.

"Dad. Mom." Her tone shifted to brisk and practical."I'm heading over to the fabric factory. Don't wait on me for lunch."

Hilda answered with a gentle smile, while Jeff just grumbled,refusing to meet her eyes.

Eleanor slipped out the door and flagged down a cab,bound for the edge of Elepdon and the factory.

As she stepped onto the sidewalk, a familiar figure caught her eye. Erick lingered near the entrance, phone pressed to his ear.

Eleanor hesitated, a faint crease forming between her brows.

Catching sight of her, Erick ended his call in a hurry and flashed her a well-rehearsed smile.

"Good morning, Miss Warren," he called out, tone polite.

Eleanor kept her expression cold. "What are you doing here,Erick?"

His smile didn't falter, but tension flickered in his eyes.

There was no way he could admit Nolan had plans to buy out the factory.

"Just passing by," he replied lightly, shrugging as if it was nothing.

Eleanor didn't believe a word, but decided not to press him.

After a bit of forced small talk, Erick excused himself and made a quick exit.

Eleanor headed inside, making her way straight to the manager's office.

Without preamble, she looked at Mike Crisp and asked, "Did you find any leads on the fabric I asked about?

Eleanor had envisioned a new design that demanded a rare, elusive shade- something no supplier had managed to replicate.

She had pinned her hopes on this factory to deliver.

Mike looked troubled. "I'm sorry, Ms. Warren. We've run every test we can, but we just can't get that color right. The gap is too big-it still doesn't match your specs."

She had almost expected this outcome; the hue she wanted was notoriously difficult.

She was ready to let it go, but Mike's next words stopped her cold.

"There's something else. The factory might be changing hands soon."

Eleanor's gaze sharpened, suspicion sparking immediately.

Her thoughts flew to Erick she had bumped into.

Could Nolan be behind this?

She kept her tone casual. "Oh? A takeover? Do you know who's buying?"