Chapter 424

The night had grown late, and the grand villa echoed with nothing but the soft, rhythmic hum of medical equipment.

Eleanor completed the final step of the evening's treatment, her touch delicate as she stepped out of the room.

Raising her gaze, she found Nolan lingering by the door,his tall frame leaning against the wall. Though his posture remained composed, an unmistakable shadow of sorrow clung to him.

The faint creak of the door stirred him, and he straightened at once, his eyes meeting Eleanor's with quiet intensity.

Eleanor paused, a subtle crease forming between her brows. "Aren't you returning to Regal Heights?" she asked.

Nolan shook his head, his voice rough with fatigue."I'm staying here."

Sensing a possible misunderstanding, he quickly clarified, "I need to watch over Grandpa. I'm worried Colson and Ady might try something again."

Given the cunning ruthlessness of Colson and Ady,their next move was unpredictable.

Eleanor nodded faintly, choosing silence over further discussion, and brushed past Nolan toward the guest room.

Suddenly, Nolan's hoarse yet fervent voice broke the quiet."Eleanor,thank you."

Eleanor stopped in her tracks but didn't turn, her voice even, almost detached. "No need for thanks. You've helped me plenty before. Let's call this square."

Her words struck Nolan like a jolt, and without hesitation,he stepped forward, seizing her wrist. "I don't want us to be square!"

His grip was firm, as if releasing her would mean letting her slip away forever.

Eleanor flinched at the sudden pressure, instinctively trying to pull free, but the warmth of Nolan's hand radiated through her, kindling a spark that stilled her entire being.

Nolan gazed at her slender silhouette,his voice steady with resolve. "I know you still feel something for me."

Eleanor turned slowly, her eyes meeting his,yet she remained silent. Did she?

Even she wasn't certain.

But the sight of his anguish, his vulnerability,undeniably tugged at her heart.

Her silence sparked a glimmer of hope in Nolan's chest.

Softening his tone, he spoke with a sincerity that bordered on reverence. "I know you're wary of complications. But I promise you,I'll ensure there are none moving forward.Just let me prove it to you."

Determined to shield her from any further pain, Nolan vowed silently to eliminate every obstacle in their path.

Eleanor held his gaze for a moment, weighing her thoughts, then murmured,"Okay."

With that, she glided past him, her steps resolute as she made for the guest room.

Nolan stood rooted to the spot, his gaze trailing her until she vanished around the corner.

Had she...

Had she truly agreed to give him a chance?

The realization washed over Nolan, igniting a surge of elation.

Heart pounding, he turned and eagerly pushed open the door to Norwood's room.

But as his eyes fell upon Norwood, still and silent beneath the sterile glow, the spark of joy dimmed."Grandpa," he murmured, his voice thick with hope and longing, "you have to wake up soon. Eleanor...I think she is giving me a chance."

The only reply was the relentless, mechanical pulse of the medical equipment.

A wave of grief tightened Nolan's chest.

From his earliest memories, Norwood had been his steadfast shield, absorbing the consequences of every misstep, no matter how grave.

Now, the man who had been his unwavering guardian lay motionless, tethered to machines.

Nolan's fists clenched, the flicker of vuInerability in his eyes giving way to a smoldering resolve.

"Grandpa, rest easy. I swear, I won't let them escape justice."