Chapter 379

Eleanor pulled herself together and looked calmly at Nolan. "Since you clearly have matters to deal with,I'll take my leave."

Without waiting for a response, she turned to leave,but Nolan's expression shifted in panic.

He barked at the maid, "If Elora's unwell, call a doctor,not me!"

Then, almost instantly, he rushed after Eleanor,catching her by the wrist just as she reached the door."Eleanor, let me drive you home," he offered.

Eleanor froze, her eyes falling to the spot where his hand gently held hers.

That single glance was enough. He released her hand as if burned, afraid of pushing her even further away.

But letting her walk out like this, leaving with misunderstanding,was unthinkable. Who knew when he would get another chance to explain?

He opened his mouth to speak, but someone else arrived.

Maverick hadn't even parked properly before rushing over,his eyes quickly scanning Eleanor from head to toe.

Only when he confirmed she was unharmed did his shoulders ease.

He then shifted slightly, standing partly in front of her,and fixed his gaze on Nolan. "Mr. Stewart, since you're already engaged to Miss Guyton, why keep getting involved with Eleanor?"

Nolan's face darkened, his composure snapping."Stop twisting things just to turn Eleanor against me," he growled.

His gaze darted back to Eleanor, pleading silently for her to look at him, to say something.

But Eleanor remained still, silent, not even glancing his way

All she felt was disappointment.

And as for Elora still living under his roof? She didn't care to find out.

She wanted nothing more to do with this house or with him.

Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Nolan watched her figure fading away, feeling completely helpless. Maverick, however,seemed thoroughly entertained."Mr. Stewart, if you're intent on playing both sides.find someone else. Eleanor won't be part of your games," he said with a smirk.

Then,as if remembering something, he added casually,"Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention. Eleanor and I will be announcing our engagement soon. We'd be delighted if you'd attend."

That final statement lit a fuse in Nolan.

Maverick was practically rubbing it in.

His fists clenched, and reason fled his mind. Without thinking, he lashed out, swinging a punch straight at Maverick.

Caught off guard for only a moment,Maverick quickly dodged and retaliated with a sharp blow of his own.

In an instant, two impeccably composed men were tumbling into a wild brawl, looking more like street thugs.

Eleanor had only walked a few steps away when the shouting and crashing sounds made her spin around.

Her eyes widened at the chaotic scene.

She dashed back and quickly forced herself between them. "Stop this, right now!" she demanded. She first gave Nolan a cold look, then turned to Maverick,her brows knitting in concern. "Are you okay?Did it hurt?" she asked.

Maverick pressed a hand to his mouth, hissing lightly,his face twisted in exaggerated pain. He swayed just enough to sell it. "I'm fine," he said. "Just a little dizzy,that's all."

Nolan watched with his fists still tight, feeling the anger spike.

Maverick was putting on a show, and he could see it perfectly.

"He's faking!" Nolan growled, taking a step forward.

"Enough," Eleanor snapped sharply, cutting him off."Nolan,Maverick is my friend. Show him some respect."

Without giving Nolan another look, she slipped an arm around Maverick, who was pretending to be weak,and helped him away.

Nolan remained rooted where he stood.

His chest heaved with restrained fury.

He couldn't believe it!

Maverick had openly tried to get Eleanor right in front of him and even humiliated him in the process. Nolan's eyes darkened with a vow. One way or another, Maverick would pay for this.