Chapter 402

Elora kept her eyes on the storm brewing online.

Leaning against the headboard, she caught her own weary reflection in the phone screen. A wave of emotions stirred inside her, too tangled to name.

Nolan had once treated her with real kindness.

That memory weighed heavily on her, yet she couldn't risk defying Ady.

Never had she imagined driving Nolan to such a breaking point.

She knew this standoff couldn't drag on forever.

Watching him fall apart was something she could never bear.

After a moment of hesitation, she typed a message to him. "Can you meet me at the hospital? There's something important I need to talk toyou about."

When Nolan read it, his brows knit together.

Something important? Was the drama finally reaching its next act?

The game had come to this sharp edge, and to move forward, he had to uncover the enemy's true aim.

He snatched the suit jacket from the chair and strode out.

Erick noticed and quickly followed.

Together, they reached the entrance to Elora's hospital room.

Nolan stopped at the doorway, unwilling to step inside."Shoot."

His piercing gaze startled Elora. She clutched the blanket closer and forced herself upright."Nolan."

He said nothing, his silence pressing down on her.

He had no intention of wasting time.

Elora understood. Her eyes brimmed, turning red."Nolan, I'm sorry."

Tears spilled, streaking her pale cheeks. "I never meant for things to get this far. I didn't plan for any of it."

But her apology felt like a feather against stone.

Nolan almost laughed. If that was all she had to say, then this was indeed pointless.

He turned to leave.

Panic seized her. She stumbled from the bed, nearly falling as she rushed forward. "I know you don't trust me anymore. I can't tellyou why, but... I must finish what Ady asked of me."

Her voice cracked with desperation. "Why don't you marry me?"

The room froze at her words.

Seeing no response, she rushed to explain. "I mean a fake marriage! Just for show! Once the scandal fades,we'll divorce-six months at most. After that, I'll vanish completely. This way, Ady won't blame me, and you can shut down the rumors and protect your company's name. It's the only solution I can think of -for both of us."

She truly believed it was the only path left, a lifeline for them both.

Nolan listened in silence, his face cold and unreadable.

When she finished, his lips twisted into a mocking smile.

Marry her? Use marriage as a tool for this charade?

That would only hand her and her backer the perfect excuse to grasp openly at the Stewart Group.

It wasn't a solution-it was a trap.

He looked at her tear-stained face,and all he felt was disgust. "Your apology means nothing to me. Elora,stop this pitiful act. Do you really think I'm some fool who can be toyed with?"

Without another glance, he turned and walked away.The door slammed shut behind him with a heavy bang.

Elora stared at the closed door, her face drained of all color.