Chapter 422

Nolan had just reached the ICU door when he saw Ryland approaching.

His stride was quick, his face more grave than ever."Nolan, I had people look into it. All the surveillance cameras at your grandpa's were destroyed. It wasn't random-it was deliberate. And the place was scrubbed clean. Not a single useful print left behind."

Nolan's jaw tightened on instinct.

The precision of it left no doubt-it had been planned from the very start.

Ryland hesitated before speaking again, his tone heavy. "I also asked the police. Norwood's diagnosis is acute heart failure, triggered by emotional strain. Even if Hector and the servants confirm what happened,it still doesn't count as murder.Unless-"

He trailed off, reluctant to finish. "Unless Norwood wakes up to testify himself."

That meant until Norwood regained consciousness,their hands were tied.

The thought made Nolan slam his fist into the wall.A sharp pain shot through his knuckles, but it was nothing compared to the torment clawing at his chest.

He blamed himself.

He had been arrogant, convinced he could control everything.

He had hesitated, giving those two snakes an opening.

He had pushed his grandfather into the abyss with his own hands.

He should have ended the threat the moment he sensed danger.

Ryland flinched at Nolan's sudden outburst and quickly reached for him. "Nolan, stop! Breaking walls won't fix this!"

But Nolan hardly heard him,muttering under his breath,"It's my fault... All my fault."

The sight of him broke something inside Ryland too.

He had known Nolan for years, but never once seen him so undone.

He crouched beside him, hand firm on Nolan's shoulder, speaking with quiet conviction. "Listen, this isn't on you. No one could have guessed they'd go this far. What matters now isn't blame-it's helping Norwood wake up. As long as he opens his eyes, we still have a chance."

Nolan said nothing, tugging at his tie like it was choking him.

Ryland let out a weary sigh.

Words wouldn't reach him right now.

So he simply stayed, sitting down beside him in silence.

Half an hour crawled by before Eleanor, Hilda, and Jeff arrived.

Eleanor froze the moment she spotted Nolan. He looked even more broken than yesterday.

Her stomach dropped. Had Norwood's condition worsened?

She hurried forward, frowning. "What happened?"

Nolan lifted his head slowly, his eyes bloodshot and hollow. "No evidence. Nothing to hold onto."

He repeated Ryland's report, every word heavier than the last.

Eleanor's heart sank, but she steadied herself and reached for his shoulder, her voice firm with resolve."Don't lose hope. Leave it to me. I'll see to it that Norwood wakes up." Hilda nodded quickly, chiming in, "Yes, there's always hope. Don't give in to despair."

Jeff,however,stayed composed.

As the head of the Benton family, he often knew things before others did.

On the way over, he had already heard about the Stewart Group's emergency meeting.

It struck him that Colson and Brodie weren't just ruthless-they were impatient too.

Looking at Nolan, he spoke plainly. "I know about the Stewart Group situation. If you need it, I'm willing to step in. Right now, your shares are evenly split. The side with more shareholder support will win. I still have influence with a few of them."

Nolan blinked in surprise, then bowed his head gratefully."Thank you,Jeff."

The others were stunned. They hadn't expected Colson and Brodie to make a move so soon.

Ryland shot to his feet in fury. "Unbelievable! Those two vultures can't even wait. Norwood's still fighting for his life, and they're already scheming to take power!"

But this was still the Stewarts' family matter. After offering comfort, Jeff and Hilda didn't stay long.

They urged Eleanor to leave with them, but she refused, saying she still had things to handle. They didn't press.

As they waited for the elevator, Hilda muttered, "I've never seen Nolan so defeated."

Jeff gave a quiet chuckle, a hint of pride in his tone."He has been. Back when he begged us for a chance to see Eleanor."

Hilda nudged him, worried Eleanor might overhear."Enough. Let's go before you stir trouble."

Just then, the elevator doors slid open, and she ushered him inside.

Ryland stood again. "Nolan, I'll talk to my father,see if he can rally his old contacts. Maybe they'll lend support."

He gave Nolan's shoulder a firm pat before leaving.