Chapter 419

Nolan and Eleanor sat in silence, saying nothing.

After a short time, Ryland and Lillian came running,panic written on their faces.

The Stewart and the Brooks families had been close for years. Norwood was like,a grandfather to them all.

So when they heard the terrible news, fear hit them hard.

Ryland rushed forward, gripped Nolan's shoulders, and demanded, voice tight with urgency, "What happened to Norwood? Tell me-what's going on?"

Nolan stayed mute, as if he hadn't heard a word.

Seeing Nolan's silence, Eleanor stepped in and gave a brief summary of Norwood's condition.

She finished bluntly, "He's out of immediate danger,but he may remain in a vegetative state."

Ryland slammed his foot against the wall and swore,"Damn it! Whoever did this will pay!"

Norwood had been nice to Lillian and him since they were kids.

Whenever he visited, Norwood would squeeze his hand and smile, asking what mischief he had been up to.

To see such a warm,strong man lying helpless now-no wonder Ryland was livid.

Lillian, usually bold and carefree, could only cry. Tears blurred her vision as she staggered to Eleanor,speechless.

Then Nolan spoke, his voice cold. "The servants on duty yesterday at Grandpa's have gone missing.Besides them, there shouldn't be anyone else responsible."

Eleanor's heart lurched. She asked, "You mean Ady and Colson?"

Nolan nodded, fists clenched at his sides. "They must be involved."

Lillian's fury broke into a shout, her voice cracking."Heartless bastard! That's his own father!"

Colson even laid a hand on his own father. That was the lowest kind of cruelty.

A nurse hurried over from the corner.

"Excuse me-who is family of the patient in Room 18? He's awake and can receive visitors."

Room 18 was Hector's.

The four exchanged looks and followed the nurse quickly to the room.

Hector's head was heavily bandaged.

He tried to sit up when he saw Nolan."Mr.Stewart-how is your grandfather?"

Nolan pushed him gently back down. "He's fine."

He didn't add more; words wouldn't help.

Hector let out a long, shaky breath of relief.

Once he had settled, Hector described everything that had happened in the study yesterday.

As they had suspected, it was Ady and Colson.

They had beaten Hector and forced Norwood to sign the share transfer.

Hearing it laid out confirmed the worst: Ady and Colson had no conscience.

Nolan's eyes went hard and cold, his face unreadable but deadly serious.

He turned to Ryland, each syllable ground between his teeth. "Work with Erick. Find the evidence. I want those two behind bars-never to walk free again."

He added quietly, "And keep this from Fannie."

Ryland nodded, understanding the weight of Nolan's command.

As Nolan's closest friend, he wanted to carry some of the burden for him.

Ryland responded, voice steady, "I'll handle it. Take care of yourself.Don't burn out."

He gave Nolan a firm, steadying pat on the shoulder,then strode away, every step filled with anger and purpose.