Chapter 439

Before long, the car glided to a stop in front of an upscale restaurant, its warm lights spilling onto the pavement.

Nolan stepped out first, his movements swift yet graceful, circling to the other side to open the door for Eleanor.

With a gallant flourish, he held the doorframe protectively, his tone light as he said, "This place serves some truly delightful dishes. I've dined here a few times and thought you would enjoy the experience."

Eleanor offered a gentle nod, stepping out of the car with poise.

Together,they strolled side by side into the restaurant,their steps in quiet harmony.

Inside,the grand restaurant was a vision of elegance,with only the attentive, uniformed waiters moving about-no other customers in sight.

The space had clearly been reserved exclusively for them, a gesture that didn't faze Eleanor in the least. She had always gravitated toward serene settings,and the tranquil ambiance wrapped around her like a soft embrace.

A waiter, ever courteous, ushered them to a beautifully set table reserved just for them.

No sooner had they settled in than a parade of exquisite dishes began arriving-each course, from delicate appetizers to decadet desserts, perfectly aligned with Eleanor's tastes.

Nolan picked up his knife and fork with ease,slicing his steak into neat, bite-sized pieces before seamlessly swapping his plate with hers.

The gesture was so fluid, so instinctive, it felt like second nature to him.

Eleanor gazed at the meticulously cut steak, her mind drifting for a moment.

The scene stirred a pang of nostalgia, asif they had stepped back into a time long past.

In another life, one untouched by the twists of fate,they might already be sharing a life together.

But reality held no room for"what ifs."

Nolan's gentle voice broke through her reverie."Eleanor?" Eleanor blinked, her eyes meeting his with a touch of confusion."Yes?"

As he noticed her faraway look, Nolan's expression softened, a warm glint in his eyes. He repeated himself, his voice steady. "I heard your foundation is facing a bit of a funding shortfall lately."

This tidbit had come to Nolan from Ryland.

Eleanor hadn't expected him to bring this up suddenly,but she nodded calmly.

Nolan leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest. "As it happens, we're hosting a major business conference next week. I could propose that the companies securing contracts contribute one percent of their profits to your foundation."

Eleanor recognized the gesture for what it was-an effort to please her, to bridge a gap. Yet, she couldn't turn down such an offer.

The funds would be a lifeline, a chance to bring hope to countless children in need.

After a brief pause, she met Nolan's gaze and nodded."On behalf of the children, thank you."

Nolan's gaze locked onto Eleanor, his eyes alight with a depth of emotion that flickered like a storm,impossible to decipher fully. "You don't need to be so distant with me. You know my heart has always belonged to you."

The sudden confession hit Eleanor like a wave,leaving her momentarily adrift, her thoughts scramnbling for solid ground.

She averted her eyes, reaching for her glass with a trembling hand, taking a slow sip to steady herself.Rising abruptly, she murmured, "L.. I think<I'm finished here. There is some urgent work waiting for me at the office,so I'll head out now."

With those words, she turned and hurried away.

Nolan watched her silhouette vanish through the doorway, a shadow of panic in her wake.A sharp pang of regret twisted in his chest as he silently berated himself.

Why hadn't he held back?

This fragile moment, this rare chance to reconnect,was too precious to risk with reckless words, as he had done in the past.

Rising swiftly, he called after her, his voice urgent,"Eleanor, hold on. Let me drive you home."