Chapter 268

The next morning, Eleanor learned about the turmoil surrounding the Stewart Group from the news.

Her phone screen dimmed gradually, and her fingers tightened with sudden tension.

The Perry family, holding certain sway in political circles, would never act without concrete proof.

Nolan must be grappling with a difficult situation.

Without thinking, she decided to text Nolan.

Her fingertips hovered briefly, typed a few words,then erased them with frustration.

She wanted to know how he was holding up and offer support if he needed it.

Yet she knew such questions might only burden him further.

A man as proud as Nolan would never reveal weakness to outsiders, much less to her.

What he required now was not idle concern but unwavering faith.

Any intrusion from her would merely distract him.

She had to place her trust entirely in him.

With that realization, Eleanor set her phone aside,swallowing the rush of emotion.

Still, a peculiar restlessness lingered in her chest.

Nolan must be swamped, and he was probably skipping meals again.

After a brief pause, she called the driver. "Prepare the car. I need to run to the nearby supermarket."

The driver responded promptly, his tone respectful,"Understood."

Two hours passed, and Eleanor emerged carrying two heavy grocery bags.

As she headed toward the car parked along the curb,two familiar figures caught her eye under a sunshade nearby.

It was Wray and Trudy.

Thoughts of the Stewart Group's crisis made her pause instinctively, then she moved closer.

Just then, Wray's exasperated voice rang out."Trudy! What exactly are you up to? You've nearly destroyed me! I've lost my CEO position and now face legal trouble. I'm warning you, tell your family to back off. Otherwise, everyone will know you're responsible!"

Trudy stirred her coffee lazily, her composure completely unshaken. "Instead of threats,you should convince Nolan to honor the marriage agreement.Otherwise, the Stewart Group will collapse."

Her confidence soared, bolstered by Tyler's support.

She no longer just wanted to be Nolan's lawful wife; she wanted him kneeling, begging for her favor.

Wray seethed at her audacity, yet found no words to respond.

He understood that even exposing the truth would accomplish nothing against Trudy.

After all, the former chief financial officer appointed by Brodie was corrupt, and the current tax problem was entirely his responsibility.

The Perry family was merely exploiting the situation to exert pressure.

Seeing Wray silent, Trudy sneered, her gaze full of disdain.

She straightened her dress, rose elegantly, and walked away.

With her back turned, Eleanor remained unnoticed.

Wray,however, noticed immediately.

He stormed toward her, voice sharp with accusation.

"You troublemaker! This is your fault! Had you not provoked Trudy, the Stewart Group wouldn't be in this chaos, and I'd still be the thriving interim CEO!"

Eleanor had no desire to argue with a man like Wray.

She ignored him completely and slid into her car.

Her eyes followed Trudy's departing figure, a frown forming.

Eleanor hadn't anticipated that the Perrys were merely pressuring Nolan to force concessions, and that Trudy would go so far to make Nolan marry her.

Clearly, Nolan faced immense challenges this time.

Yet she believed he could endure and prevail.

Just as she reached home and prepared to start cooking, her phone rang. It was Hilda.

"Eleanor, I heard about the Stewart Group," Hilda said cautiously.

Her grip on the phone tightened, memories of yesterday's photo flashing in her mind. Hadn't Hilda endured so many hardships over the years?

While she lingered in thought, Hilda's anxious voice came again. "Eleanor, don't worry. Your father and I will definitely support them."

Eleanor snapped back to reality, intending to decline,yet somehow replied, "Thank you."

Her voice sounded awkward, leaving Hilda utterly stunned.

Even after hanging up, Hilda remained frozen in disbelief.

Jeff, standing beside her, caught her reaction and quickly asked, "Honey, what's wrong?"

Hilda turned toward him, her expression brightening with joy. "Jeff, Eleanor just accepted our help and thanked me."

Could this mean she was beginning to forgive them?

Jeff understood immediately, and elation washed over him. "That's wonderful, truly wonderful."

They embraced, tears streaming as relief and happiness overwhelmed them.