Chapter 167

Eleanor, completely unaware that she had been set up, had just wrapped things up at the Hope House and was preparing to head-back.

The moment she stepped outside, her eyes fell on the familiar black Bentley quietly parked by the curb.

Without a second thought, she walked over, pulled the door open, and slipped inside.

Nolan's gaze instantly shifted toward her. His eyes lingered on her face, noticing the faint tiredness etched across her features.

But instead of speaking, he just kept staring.

Eleanor adjusted her posture in the seat and suddenly let out a soft laugh. "Nolan, you've been watching me so intently. What is it? Are you afraid I'll suddenly vanish on you?"

Her words were meant as a lighthearted tease, but in the blink of an eye, Nolan flipped the tables on her.

His lips curved into the faintest smile as he leaned in, closing the distance until his breath brushed against her lips. "Of course. You're so breathtaking.. if I lost you, where in this world could I ever find another like you?"

Eleanor shot him a glare, though her eyes betrayed more amusement than anger."Can't you talk properly for once?"

She wanted to scold him, but deep down, being cherished so openly warmed her in ways she didn't expect.

The only problem was this man was growing more and more sentimental by the day.

Nolan,however,was captivated.

That playful glare of hers lit something inside him, and he couldn't help but wonder how he had overlooked this side of her for so long. He was just about to close the distance and claim her lips when a black sedan screeched to a stop right in front of them, and a familiar figure stepped out of the car.

Jeff.

What on earth was he doing here?

Before they could process it, Jeff stormed over, his face twisted in rage. He yanked open the car door and raised his hand, ready to slap Eleanor across the face.

But before the blow could land, a strong hand caught his wrist mid-air.

Nolan had already stepped out without anyone noticing. His presence was like a sudden chill, his gaze cutting through the air with deadly calm.

A jolt of pain shot through Jeff's wrist as Nolan tightened his hold.

How dared he try to raise a hand against Eleanor?

Nolan's cold stare was enough to freeze anyone in place, and a surge of anger bubbled under his calm.

With just a little more force, he could easily disable Jeff's hand.

"Where are your manners?" Nolan's voice was dangerously calm."Or have you thrown away every shred of dignity you had, Mr. Benton?"

Jeff's face went pale from the pain, but Nolan's words only made his own anger flare hotter.

Dignity?

He didn't need dignity.

According to the recording Lainey had sent, Eleanor was the one who had tried to hurt Hilda.

Fury had driven him straight here without even waiting for Fraser.

Not killing Eleanor already felt merciful. Dignity was the last thing on his mind.

Eleanor noticed the hatred in Jeff's eyes and frowned in confusion. However, before she could ask anything, more cars pulled up.

Lainey was the first to leapo out, rushing toward the scene.

Right behind her came Fraser, followed by a woman being held back by a couple of bodyguards.

The guards soon forced the woman to her knees.

The moment she caught sight of Eleanor, she acted like she had found a lifeline, dropping to her knees and bowing desperately. Her face was wet with tears and streaked with snot.

"Miss Warren! I can't hide it fromn you any longer! Please, just confess everything! You told me to-"

Eleanor listened quietly and then smirked.

She gently released Nolan's hand and took a few calm steps forward.

Among the furious and puzzled stares of the crowd, she crouched down slowly, meeting Millie's terrified eyes."Do you realize that framing someone is against the law?"

Eleanor's voice was soft, but each word made Millie shiver uncontrollably.

All at once, the threats Lainey had made, the promises of safety for her family, and her own fear collided in Millie's mind.

Yet in the end, the strongest instinct won out-the will to survive.

Taking a shaky breath, Millie found her voice. "Miss Warren, you told me to do it! I got caught because of you.How can you just turn your back on me now?"