Chapter 273

Ryland and Lillian didn't linger; they departed quickly.

Eleanor planned to climb to the third floor for rest. As she lifted her foot onto the first step, firm arms slid around her waist from behind.

Nearby servants averted their gaze immediately and hurried away.

Nolan rested his cheek against her shoulder. His words hinted at desire, yet his tone carried fatigue."Eleanor, I want to share a room with you tonight," he murmured.

Eleanor felt sympathy for him and nodded.

Receiving her consent, Nolan lifted her effortlessly carrying her from the first floor straight to the third.

Exhaustion soon claimed Eleanor, and she drifted off to sleep in his arms.

He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Sleep well, Eleanor," he whispered, wrapping her completely in his embrace and closing his eyes,finding calm.

When morning arrived, light spilling through the windows, they woke again.

Nolan's phone rang incessantly, and surprise struck them when Trudy's name appeared.

She had prepared to meet them.

By the time they reached the café, Trudy was already seated.

She stirred her coffee with deliberate elegance,ignoring them until they were settled.

Finally, she met Nolan's gaze and laid down her conditions bluntly. "If you beg and consent to marry me obediently, I can have my grandfather intervene.Otherwise, the Stewart Group will collapse for certain."

Finishing,she shifted her sharp gaze to Eleanor,eyes glinting with disdain. "You, however, have two options. Leave Elepdon immediately and vanish from Nolan's life forever, or kneel and plead. I may allow you to remain his secret mistress. Oh, and post on Twitter admitting publicly that you're a shameless mistress."

Her plan was clear: humiliate Eleanor in front of her followers.

Nolan ignored Trudy entirely, leaving his refusal unspoken but unmistakable.

Eleanor, in contrast, smiled faintly, lifting the glass of lemonade before her and swirling it gently.

They had come curious about Trudy's schemes, yet this immediate attack had surprised them both.

"Are you really that confident?" Eleanor asked, lips curling with half-amusement.

Trudy leaned back effortlessly, nodding. "Yes, completely. As long as my grandfather stands firm,the IRS will spare nothing from the Stewart Group."

A skeptical eyebrow rose. Eleanor's tone dripped with irony."Oh,really? He may hold influence here,but what if the higher authorities intervene?"

Trudy's reply was sharp, almost defensive."Impossible! People that high up aren't reachable by you or the Stewart family!"

Before she could elaborate, Tyler's call cut through."Sweetheart, I can't handle this. Someone went over my head straight to the higher-ups. It wasn't urgent before, but now they've spoken, demanding impartial resolution..."

The rest of his words were lost to Trudy's ears.

Hands shaking, she clutched the phone, staring at Eleanor in disbelief. "How... how did you manage that?"

Eleanor set the lemonade down and rose, looking down at her. "You don't need to know. Just remember: no one can control every outcome from behind the scenes. Not even your grandfather."

Without waiting for a response, she left, Nolan walking quietly beside her.

In the car, Nolan said nothing.

Sensing his thoughts, Eleanor reached out and rested her hand on his. "Don't overthink it. You would find a way even without my intervention. I just wanted to do this for you."

Turning his head, Nolan met her clear gaze. The shadows in his heart lifted, replaced by warmth.

How could Eleanor be so perfect? She shone in a way he wanted to protect, hiding her from the eyes of anyone who might desire her.