Chapter 405

The announcement of Nolan's impending press conference ignited a whirlwind of online chatter,spreading like wildfire across social media in a mere hour.

Eleanor's devoted admirers inundated Enigma's official channels with a torrent of fervent remarks.

"At last, Nolan's stepping up to set the record straight!I always believed in his character-deep down, he is no jerk. Elora's house of cards will come tumbling down soon enough!"

"Why bother with clarification now? The damage is done;he shattered Eleanor's heart beyond repair. She deserves far better than a man like him!"

"Let's keep our heads cool. If he is not the villain painted, that's progress enough. Their love lives are their own garden to tend-best we don't trample through it."

"Though his past missteps leave a bitter taste, I can't deny his striking allure. Fingers crossed he sweeps Eleanor off her feet once more." Yet,many observers painted a starkly contrasting picture of the unfolding drama.

"Is this his white flag to the court of public opinion?Perhaps he is ready to confess he never cast Elora aside."

"Seems Elora's cunning ploy with the little one is paying dividends-she is scaling the ladder of fortune,one rung at a time!"

"Tch, smells like a slick publicity ploy to me;let the scandal stew, then swoop in with vows of accountability. I wouldn't bet against it unfolding just sO."

"If that's the play, Enigma's fortunes will sink like a stone in the river."

···

Ady, ever vigilant in tracking the tides of sentiment swirling around Nolan, caught wind of his announcement in short order.

She bolted upright on the plush sofa,the triumphant gleam in her eyes dimming to a flicker of unease.

Had Nolan pierced the veil of deception somehow?

With haste, she snatched her phone and fired off a message to Elora. "Have you been unmasked?"

Elora's response trickled in after an agonizing stretch of minutes-longer than her usual lightning-quick retorts-but in her mounting anxiety, Ady scarcely registered the delay.

"No."

Ady's brow creased. With Elora's front holding firm,what shadows was Nolan aiming to chase away?

Might the armchair detectives online have nailed it?Was the mounting scrutiny finally breaking him,pushing him to proclaim he had never forsaken Elora but was, in truth, poised to marry her?

The notion sparked a blaze of delight in Ady's gaze.

Of course!

That had to be the twist in the tale!

He was cornered by the board's demands and the shareholders' disapproval; marrying Elora seemed like his only path ahead.

"Nolan, you'll never outmaneuver me!" Ady muttered under her breath, sinking back into the cushions with a Cheshire cat's grin.

Colson sidled up from behind, his arms encircling her, his tone dripping with honeyed deference. "Baby what has lit that spark in your eyes?"

Buoyed by her scheming victory, Ady thrust the tablet into his hands, jabbing at the breaking story. "Feast your eyes-Nolan is calling the press tomorrow."

She regaled him with her web of suppositions,her voice bubbling like champagne.

But Colson, with his sharper instincts, caught a whiff of trouble in the air.

"What if... just suppose Nolan really did uncover some evidence? Elora isn't exactly sharp; she could have exposed herself without even knowing it."

Ady let out a frosty huff, her stare honing to a dagger's edge. "Should Elora falter at this crossroads,for our son's sake, I'll unleash the hounds on Norwood myself!"

She punctuated her words with a playful sidelong glance at Colson. "You wouldn't shed a tear for the old codger,would you?"

Colson wagged his head like a puppet on strings. "I wouldn't feel sorry for him! He's always tipped the scales to Nolan, dismissing me as dead weight. If you've got a scheme to clip his wings, count me in with bells on!" Ady reveled in Colson's fawning demeanor,though she responded with a lofty hum, her pride barely concealed.

"There are always options, naturally, but those are a last resort. For now, I hope Elora will marry Nolan,and my plans will unfold flawlessly. If not, no one can fault me for wielding a firmer hand."

Colson found comfort in her unwavering assurance.

Whatever path they took,securing the shares would justify any means.

He began kneading Ady's shoulders, his voice dripping with adoration. "Sweetheart, your brilliance knows no bounds. Marrying you was the greatest stroke of fortune in my life."

Brodie, who had quietly joined them, gazed at his mother with awe. "Mom, you're truly remarkable," he said,his voice brimming with pride.

Ady reached out, tenderly tousling his hair, her words warm with maternal devotion. "This is merely the opening act, my sweet. Just wait-I'll ensure every scrap of Nolan's wealth belongs to you."

Once,she had stripped Reyna of everything.

Now, her son would claim Nolan's legacy in the same ruthless fashion.