Chapter 429

In the opulent office of the Stewart Group's CEO,Erick burst through the door, his breath ragged with urgency.

"Mr. Stewart, we've got a lead on Lightning!"he announced,barely containing his excitement.

Nolan's gaze snapped up, sharp as a blade. "Out with it."

Still catching his breath, Erick relayed the news with fervor."In addition to the bounty for Lightning to confront Ghost,I posted one for their whereabouts on the Underground Network. Someone just claimed it,revealing that Lightning has been hiding in Elepdon for the past three years!"

The spark in Nolan's eyes flickered and faded."What use is that? We're down to the wire with only a day left."

Locating someone in the sprawling labyrinth of Elepdon was akin to finding a single star in a galaxy.

The information, though intriguing, felt like a dead end.

Erick rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'lL... I'll dangle a bigger carrot, see if they'll spill more details.

Nolan tugged at his tie, frustration simmering."Do it.Money is no object."

Erick nodded and hurried out, not daring to linger.

As the door clicked shut, Nolan sank back into his chair,exhaustion weighing heavily on him. He closed his eyes, the ticking clock echoing in his mind.

Only one day remained.

If the system crash wasn't resolved by tomorrow's board meeting at noon, he would be forced to surrender his CEO mantle.

It wasn't the title he clung to or the power he coveted -it was the legacy of the Stewart Group, a century-old empire he couldn't bear to see dismantled by the hands of Colson and Brodie.

His only hope now rested on the mysterious figure who had claimed the bounty. If they held more information about Lightning, perhaps there was still a chance.

Nolan spent the day buried in the chaos of the system crash, tackling a mountain of delayed tasks while his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

It wasn't until night cloaked the city that Erick returned,breathless once more. "Mr. Stewart! They responded!" Nolan's eyes locked onto him, expectant.

Erick ruushed to the desk, his voice brimming with hope."The contact claims to know plenty about Lightning but insists on consulting them first before sharing more with us."

His optimism bubbled over as he added, "I would bet my hat Lightning checks the message by noon tomorrow. If we can resolve this crisis before then,we're in the clear!"

Nolan, however, wasn't so sanguine.

He knew Colson wouldn't sit idly by until noon.

A preemptive strike was all but certain.

Nolan's expression darkened as he issued a command."Tell our team that if Colson calls a meeting tomorrow,they're to stall it until noon, no matter the cost."

Erick caught the gravity of the order, his pulse quickening. "Understood," he replied, nodding sharply before departing.

Nolan glanced at his watch. It was eleven o'clock in the evening.

The hour was late, and lingering at the office for Lightning's response was futile. Nolan grabbed his suit jacket and made his way to the Stewart family's estate.

Upon arriving, he was startled to see Eleanor, bag in hand,poised to leave.

Nolan's heart lurched. "Where are you off to at this hour?" he asked, unable to mask his concern.

Eleanor paused, meeting his gaze with her usual calm."Norwood's acupuncture treatment is complete. Now we wait for him to wake. My presence here won't change anything."

Her words hit Nolan like a cold wave.

Lately, exhaustion had worn him to the bone,his spirit teetering on the edge of collapse.

Yet, as long as Eleanor remained near, he found the strength to press on.

Without her, he feared he would unravel.

For the first time, a flicker of vulnerability shimmered in his bloodshot eyes. "Eleanor, please stay. Not for Grandpa,but for me."

Eleanor's instinct was to decline, but as she met his fragile gaze, her refusal caught in her throat.

Finally, she relented, saying, "I'll stay until tomorrow. But I must leave then-I have pressing matters to attend to."

She needed to begin preparations for the charity foundation, or the children it supported would face delays in their education.

Relief washed over Nolan, easing the knot in his chest."Thank you," he replied, his voice warm with gratitude.

Noticing the weariness etched into Nolan's features,Eleanor felt a pang of concern. "What is happening with the company? Perhaps I can lend a hand."

Nolan shook his head, his eyes holding hers with a quiet intensity.

"Eleanor, the greatest help you could offer right now ...would be a hug."

Eleanor understood instantly. There was no trace of romance in his request, just the raw need of a man stretched to his limits.

Without a word, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a gentle embrace.

Her familiar scent washed over Nolan, a soothing balm to his frayed nerves.

He drank in her presence, a tide of longing threatening to overwhelm him. The urge to hold her closer, to claim her, nearly shattered his restraint, but he tethered himself with every ounce of willpower.

After a fleeting moment, he reluctantly let her go."You must be worn out,too. Get some rest. Once this storm passes, I'll make sure you're properly thanked."

Eleanor, never one to turn down a well-earned reward,offered a small nod before turningtoward the guest room.