Chapter 411

Nolan was certain he could rekindle his romance with Eleanor.

In his mind, it was merely a matter of time before she was his again.

Yet, he never foresaw a cunning rival stepping in to challenge his plans.

When Eleanor returned to the Benton family's villa,arms laden with shopping bags, she found Maverick awaiting her in the grand living room.

The moment she crossed the threshold, he leapt from the plush sofa, his face lighting up. "Eleanor,you're back!" he greeted warmly.

Eleanor offered a gentle nod in response.

As her gaze settled on Maverick, memories of the Bentons' earlier remarks stirred a faint crease across her brow.

To her,he was nothing more than a dear friend.

Even without Nolan in the picture, she could never see Maverick romantically. Just as she prepared to clarify her feelings, Maverick spoke first, his voice tinged with regret. "Eleanor, I owe you an apology-I wasn't entirely truthful before,"he said.

After a brief pause, his expression softened with earnest sincerity. "You're someone I deeply admire,the finest person I know. When I saw those cruel comments about you online, I couldn't bear it. That is why I told Mr. and Mrs. Benton I wished to marry you -to shield you from that storm."

His tone grew urgent as he pressed on. "But please,Eleanor, trust me-aside from claiming I had feelings for you, every word was true. If you ever need them,my family's resources are yours to command."

Maverick's approach was both calculated and masterful, disarming Eleanor in an instant.

She had always believed their age gap made romantic feelings implausible.

His explanation rang true, dissolving her earlier suspicions.

Relief washed over Eleanor, sweeping away the prior unease.

She settled onto the sofa beside him, her expression serious yet warm. "It's only natural to want to defend someone you admire. But have you considered how your future partner might feel? If you truly value my advice, take care not to do things that could be misconstrued."

With a playful glint in her eye, she added, "Otherwise,don't come crying to me if you scare off your true love."

Maverick adopted an air of innocent compliance,nodding earnestly. "Understood. I'll follow your lead,"he promised, his face the picture of sincerity.

Tentatively, he ventured, "So, Eleanor, does that mean I can still come to you for guidance or to spend time together?"

Without missing a beat, Eleanor replied, "Of course you can."

Maverick, having deftly achieved his aim, maintained his guileless smile, leaving Eleanor none the wiser to his deeper intentions.

Meanwhile, Jeff and Hilda, eavesdropping from the kitchen,exchanged knowing looks.

Jeff leaned closer to Hilda, his voice a hushed murmur."Maverick is not being straight with our daughter. His eyes give him away-he is absolutely smitten with Eleanor."

Hilda nodded, her expression pensive, sensing that Nolan's quest to win back Eleanor's heart faced a formidable challenge with such a shrewd rival around.

Jeff, on the other hand, viewed the situation with a spark of optimism.

"If Eleanor's feelings for Nolan have truly faded,I would be over the moon if Nolan just faded into the background. Should Maverick genuinely capture Eleanor's heart, we would rest easy knowing she is with someone so devoted."

Hilda's brow furrowed with concern. "I know Eleanor,"she said. "Her heart is steadfast-once she loves someone, it's not easy for her to open up to another."

Seeing her unease, Jeff flashed her a reassuring grin."Don't worry. I'll give Maverick a little nudge. Trust me,I've got this."

Hilda's eyes narrowed, and she reached over, playfully tugging his ear. "I'm warning you, Jeff-stay out of Eleanor's love life!" she scolded.

Jeff flinched, chuckling through a wince. "Alright,alright, baby, I surrender! I was out of line," he pleaded,raising his hands in mock defeat.

Eleanor, blissfully unaware of the scheming and banter unfolding below, remained oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around her.

After Maverick took his leave, she ascended the grand staircase to her room to rest.