Chapter 435

Before Ady could even think of a solution,Norwood stirred.

Nolan, who had been staying vigilant at his bedside,was the first to notice.

He leaned forward at once,breath caught in his chest,his heart pounding with anxious hope. "Grandpa," he asked quickly, "how are you feeling?"

It took Norwood a long moment before his lips finally parted. His voice was faint, but the two words carried strength. "I'm fine."

He reached out, clutching Nolan's sleeve with surprising urgency. "And Hector? How is he?"

Nolan clasped his grandfather's cold hand and replied with quiet honesty, "He's fine. Just a mild concussion -he was discharged the same day."

Relief softened the cloudiness in Norwood's eyes.

To know that Hector, the man who had stood loyally by him for a lifetime, was safe-it eased the weight on his chest. But as the memory before he lost consciousness trickled back, the short-lived relief faded. His brows furrowed, and he asked hoarsely, "Did Colson give you trouble?"

The image of betrayal, of his own son scheming against him for nothing more than shares,twisted in his chest.

He could hardly fathom such cruelty. To him, Colson was heartless,ungrateful-no longer worthy of being called family.

Nolan's gaze flickered, but he held back the full truth.There was no need to burden his grandfather further with the ugliness of Colson and Brodie's schemes.Instead,he offered only the conclusion."They tried to seize power," he replied steadily, "but I've already taken care of it."

Norwood studied him, and with a single glance at the dark circles beneath Nolan's eyes, he understood. His grandson had endured sleepless nights and countless battles in silence.

Rage welled in Norwood's chest, bitter and unrelenting.In that moment, he wished nothing more than for Colson and Brodie-those two unworthy scoundrels -to vanish from this world entirely.

Seeing the shadows darken across Norwood's expression, Nolan quickly shifted the subject."Grandpa, the police have already been here. They said they'll need your personal testimony to formally file the case."

Norwood immediately tried to sit upright in bed, his frail hands gripping the sheets. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's do it now!"

Bitterness cut through his voice.

He had dedicated his entire life to the Stewart family,working tirelessly for its prosperity, only to raise a son as ungrateful and ruthless as Colson.

The disappointment weighed on him like lead, fueling his disgust and his desire to see Colson brought to justice without delay.

Nolan was at his side in an instant, gently but firmly pressing him back against the pillows. "You just woke up," he said steadily. "Your health comes first. We can wait until you've regained your strength. For now, they can't cause much trouble."

Norwood studied his grandson's composed face,saw the quiet confidence in his eyes, and slowly eased back into the mattress.

Nolan, whom he had raised himself,was worlds apart from Colson-steadfast, capable, and far worthier of the Stewart legacy. Those were alI the fair reasons why he felt reassured,leaving the Stewart family in Nolan's hands.

Nolan tucked the blanket more securely around him.After a brief pause, his voice dropped, carrying a deliberate weight. "Grandpa, it's entirely thanks to Eleanor that you're safe this time. I'd like to give her five percent of the company's shares. What do you suggest?"

Norwood's gaze sharpened, a meaningful glint sparking in his eyes. "Is that out of gratitude," he asked slowly, "or just an excuse to bind her to you?"

His lips curved into the faintest wry smileas he added,"Don't tell me you've forgotten-that five percent of the company's shares is reserved for your future wife."

Nolan met his grandfather's teasing stare without flinching. He didn't deny it. Instead, his calmness bordered on audacious. "Both," he replied simply.

Then,with confidence,he added, "Grandpa, while you were unconscious, Eleanor agreed to give me a chance."

At those words, Norwood's face broke into a wide smile. His voice rang with a vigor that erased all traces of the weakness from moments before. "Then what are you waiting for? Go!"

He waved a hand impatiently, almost as if he would throw Nolan out of the room himself. "If you don't win Eleanor back, don't bother visiting me!" His tone was half-scolding,half-urgent,but wholly earnest.

Opportunities weren't meant to be hesitated over-they had to be seized.

And in Norwood's heart, he had already set Eleanor as the only choice for Nolan's wife. No one could change that.

Seeing his grandfather's spirit restored, Nolan finally felt a weight lift from his chest.

He leaned down, tucking the blanket more securely around Norwood before straightening again with determination. "Alright," he said firmly.

In that moment, his eyes sharpened with resolve.

No matter what it took, he was going to win Eleanor back.