Chapter 413

After leaving the hospital, Nolan didn't return home.He drove straight to the factory instead.

The night was deep, and the place lay in silence.

He parked his car in a shadowed corner, waiting quietly with nerves stretched tight.

This batch of fabric meant everything to his future,and he needed to see it arrive safely with his own eyes.

Only at dawn, when a large truck rumbled through the gates, did he finally breathe easy. With his heart settled,he turned back toward Regal Heights.

The next morning, Nolan did something out of character-he called his personal stylist and dressed with extra care.

When he was done fussing over his look, he headed back to the factory.

It was still early, and Eleanor hadn't arrived.

So he waited in Mike's office.

Mike almost didn't recognize him. Nolan stood in a sharp suit, diamond cufflinks catching the light.

In Mike's mind, Nolan was always reserved,never one to flaunt.

What had gotten into him today?

Was this all for Eleanor?

Mike wondered, though his face stayed respectful.

Soon,Eleanor walked in.

Nolan shot to his feet and strode toward her. "Let's go."

Together, they headed straight for the warehouse.

The moment Eleanor saw the fabric, her eyes lit up.

She hurried forward, lifting a bolt to study its color and texture. It was exactly what she needed for her next season's line.

Caught up in excitement, she turned to ask Nolan about pricing.

But with them standing so close, her lips brushed against his by accident.

Their eyes locked.

The air between them crackled with sudden heat. Eleanor's face burned with anger and embarrassment. She shoved him back.

Wiping her lips, she glared. "I'll have Besty follow up on the details. I have other matters to handle, so I'll be going."

She stormed out, convinced Nolan had done it on purpose by standing too near.

By the time Nolan gathered himself, she was gone.

He was about to run after her when his phone rang.

Ryland's voice came through in a panic. "Nolan,you've got to help me! Besty hasn't spoken to me for days!"

Nolan almost snapped, but remembering his own troubles, he held back. "Meet me at the golf course,"he said flatly.

At the Brooks family's villa, Ryland hung up, looking distraught.

Lillian came down the stairs with a glass of water,curiosity in her eyes. "What's wrong now? Who's upset you this time?"

Ryland spilled everything.

Lillian nearly choked on her drink. She gaped at him."You actually said that?"

Ryland nodded with complete seriousness."Yes.Why? Is it a problem? I figured that's what she was upset about. Maybe she thinks we're not close enough."

Then he waved her off impatiently. "You don't have relationships. Why am I even telling you this? I'll go find Nolan. He'll know what to do."

He rushed out the door.

Lillian watched him leave,sighing.

Nolan was struggling to win Eleanor, and Ryland was just as hopeless.

She thought to herself how hard it would be for either of them to win over their women.

Yet, seeing Ryland full of restless energy, she felt a stab of envy.

At least he could see the one he loved.

Her own heart longed for someone far away, across the ocean, out of reach.

The thought weighed on her, but then she clenched her resolve.

She would ask Eleanor if there was a way to bring Fraser back from abroad.

If he returned, with her close ties to Eleanor,moving into the Benton family's villa would be easy.And once under the same roof, she was certain she could win his heart.