Chapter 386

Inside the Benton family's villa, a cleaning frenzy was underway.

Every servant moved busily from room to room,carrying out orders without pause.

Jeff's face was pale with rage as he barked, "Turn this villa inside out! Every single thing Nolan ever gave us must go back. Not a single item stays!"

He was aware that Nolan had once planted his people in his house.

Back then, he had foolishly believed it was a gesture of remorse, a sign that Nolan truly regretted and that he might patch things up with Eleanor.

Now he saw things clearly. He had been blind. Nolan wasn't a worthy match-he was nothing but a scoundrel.

Hilda sat quietly on the sofa, her hands clasped, her face drawn with worry. Again and again, her gaze shifted to the door.

Eleanor hadn't returned. Thankfully, Lillian was with her. That alone brought Hilda a small measure of comfort.

Just then, a servant approached with hesitation. "Mr.and Mrs. Benton, Mr. Todd is here. He brought gifts and says he wishes to see Miss Warren."

The moment Jeff heard the name, his fury reignited."Tell him to get out! He's not worthy of seeing Eleanor!"

The servant flinched at his outburst and quickly backed away.

But less than two minutes later, she reappeared,looking even more nervous. "Mr. Benton, Mr. Cohen is here."

Jeff, still seething, waved his hand dismissively. "Tell him to get out too!"

But as the name sank in, he froze. Wait-who?Maverick?

His tone shifted instantly, still tense but less harsh."Let him in."

Maverick entered briskly, holding an elegant cake box.

His expression was solemn, and the moment he stepped inside, he bowed deeply. "Mr. Benton, I'm sorry. I failed to arrange the event properly, wwhich gave those people a chance to stir up trouble.

As he saw his sincerity, Jeff's anger eased.

He waved his hand, signaling it wasn't necessary."1t′S not your fault.People like that will always look for an opening."

Maverick straightened, his face grave. "Right now there are countless ugly rumors about Eleanor spreading online."

As he spoke, he drew a velvet antique box from his pocket and carefully opened it.

Inside was an emerald necklace, its rich green glow revealing its priceless worth.

"To silence the gossip and defend Eleanor's reputation,I am willing to present our family's hereditary treasure and ask for her hand in marriage," he said earnestly.

Jeff and Hilda exchanged a stunned look, both caught off guard by the weight of his gesture.

Maverick was an exceptional young man, with a flawless family name and impeccable character.

But the problem lay in one thing-they didn't know how Eleanor felt.

Hilda regained her composure first. She rose, walked over to Maverick, and gently helped him up.

"Maverick, we understand and deeply appreciate your sincerity. But this is something Eleanor must decide for herself. We cannot choose for her. You should go home for now," she said softly.

Maverick understood. With a respectful nod, he placed the emerald necklace box carefully on the coffee table and left without another word.

When he was gone, Jeff and Hilda sat staring at the necklace in silence, the weight of the moment hanging in the room.

Then the servant rushed in again, stumbling in fear."Mr.and Mrs. Benton! Mr. Stewart is here!"

At once, Jeff's fury erupted like fire.

Nolan. The audacity of the man to show his face here.

Without hesitation, Jeff stormed toward the door.

Hilda's heart clenched with unease, and she hurried after him.