Chapter 390

Eleanor returned to the Benton family's villa late that night.

The living room lights were still on.

Hilda and Jeff had stayed awake, waiting for her.

When she stepped in, they immediately came forward,careful not to mention Nolan.

Eleanor had already suffered enough; there was no need to add to her pain.

Hilda held her hand and guided her to the sofa.

"Sweetheart, Mlaverick came by today," she said gently.

Jeff added, "Yes. He even spoke about marriage."

The couple exchanged a look.

Hilda then opened the drawer beneath the coffee table and brought out a velvet box. She set it in front of Eleanor and lifted the lid.

Inside was an emerald necklace, its green hue glowing

with rare beauty.

Hilda explained, "This is the Cohen family's hereditary treasure. Maverick brought it especially foryou."

Watching her daughter closely, she added softly,"Of course, the choice is yours. Whatever you decide,your father and I will stand by you."

Eleanor stared at the necklace, stunned.

She had never thought of Maverick that way.

In her mind, he had always been like a younger brother-thoughtful,sensible,and in need of care.She hadn't expected him to reveal his heart in this manner.

Perhaps he had seen the gossip online and wanted to help her through the storm. She was touched by his gesture, but she couldn't accept the necklace.

Closing the box, Eleanor gently pushed it back.

"Dad, Mom, please return this to Maverick. I want to focus on my career for the time being," she said firmly.

Whether it was Nolan, Maverick, or anyone else,she had no energy left for love.

All she wanted was to focus on her work and cherish her family.

Jeff and Hilda understood. They would never force her.

Jeff took the box and said kindly, "Alright, I'll handle it."

Hilda reached out, brushing Eleanor's hair with tenderness. "You must be tired. Go upstairs, take a bath,and rest."

"Okay," Eleanor murmured, rising and heading to her room.

Watching her weary figure climb the stairs, Jeff and Hilda felt a pang of sorrow.

In her room, Eleanor finished her nightly routine and picked up her phone.

A new message had arrived.

It was from David. It was a hospital's address.

Without thinking much, she set the phone aside and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, she left home early.

She didn't call the driver. Instead, she hailed a cab straight to the Elepdon General Hospital and quietly knocked on the door of the room.

"Come in,please," came a frail yet dignified voice from inside.

Eleanor pushed the door open.

On the bed rested an elderly woman,her graying hair and weak frame betraying illness. yet her bearing remained full of authority.

Eleanor froze. David's old friend turned out to be none other than Norah Shaw-Donald's mother.

What startled her more was the sight of another figure in the room-Vickie.

Their eyes met. Vickie's eager smile stiffened instantly.

What was Eleanor doing here?

Vickie's temper snapped, and she nearly shrieked,"Why are you here,you bitch?"

But as soon as the words left her lips, she caught Norah's displeased look.

Awkwardly, she forced a smile.

Norah had never liked Vickie, and now her annoyance was plain. She shot her a sharp glare, then turned to Eleanor at the door. "Young lady, are you the one David recommended?"

Eleanor nodded gently. "Yes, I am."

Norah's expression softened. She beckoned her closer. "Come here, let me take a look at you." David was known for his sharp judgment. Anyone he endorsed surely had real ability

Eleanor was about to step forward when Vickie cut in hastily.

She couldn't let Eleanor get close

If Eleanor said the wrong thing, all her own efforts would collapse.

"Mrs. Shaw, don't be fooled!" Vickie blurted. "She's just a loose woman, always running after men. She knows nothing about medicine! She grew up in an orphanage-she must be here to cheat you!"

Before she could finish, Norah's face darkened."Enough!" she snapped. "Who are you to tell me what to do?"

Her glare bore into Vickie. "David's word is good enough for me. You, get out!"

Vickie's face burned red, then paled.

She hadn't expected Norah to humiliate her so directly in front of Eleanor.

She bit her lip hard, wanting to protest, but Norah's piercing gaze silenced her.

With no choice, she clenched her teeth, cast Eleanor a venomous look, and left.

Eleanor could only marvel at how small the world was.

To think she would run into Vickie here of all places.

But she quickly brushed it aside. She was here on David's behalf, and nothing else mattered.

Stepping forward, she spoke gently. "Mrs. Shaw,may I examine your condition?"

Norah nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, thank you."