Chapter 172

About half an hour later, a Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the Podium Apartments.

Eleanor unbuckled her seatbelt and gave Fraser a polite nod. "Thanks for the ride, Mr. Benton," she said softly.

Fraser returned a gentle smile. "No problem. Glad to help."

As he noticed her slightly reserved air, his expression softened.

"You know," he said, "my mom isn't very good with directions. She tends to get lost if she's out alone."

Eleanor paused, a flutter stirring in her chest at his words.

She pressed her lips together, then decided to speak. "About Mrs. Benton..."

Fraser turned his head toward her, his eyes clear behind the gold-rimmed glasses. "No need to explain.I trust you."

Eleanor paused for a moment with her hand on the car door, then whispered her farewell and stepped out.

Just as she steadied herself, a familiar purple roadster skidded in and came to a dramatic stop beside her.

The door flung open, and Lillian stepped out, her heels clicking energetically as she strode over.

"Eleanor! You're finally back!" she exclaimed, her eyes immediately darting toward the Rolls-Royce.

For just a second, her face lit up.

"Oh wow, it's him again," she thought.

She couldn't resist.

Whoever he was, she would charm him first and worry about the rest later. Letting go of Eleanor's arm, she moved closer to the car, leaned on the door with one hand,and bent slightly to give him a playful whistle.

"Well, hello there. Fancy meeting you here. How about a drink?"

Her tone was bold, and completely unrestrained.

Eleanor groaned quietly, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Lillian was perfectin so many ways, but when it came to a good-looking man, she couldn't help herself.

Fraser, seated inside, raised an eyebrow at the bold display.

The vibrant young woman in front of him was Lillian, a member of the Brooks family and Eleanor's college roommate.

According to the information he had gathered, she was bold and always shielded those close to her.

He had only met her briefly before, and he had to admit that she lived up to her reputation.

He probably should have ignored her forward approach, but it was actually a good chance to learn more about Eleanor's life.

A subtle smile formed as he studied her over his glasses. "Sure," he replied, keeping his voice calm.

The grin that spread across Lillian's face was instant.

She dashed off to park her car, then came bouncing back, hopping straight into the passenger seat as if nothing could slow her down.

Before driving off, she threw Eleanor a cheeky look. "My beautiful Eleanor! Looks like tonight's all yours!"

Eleanor wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at her friend's antics.

By the end of the night, Lillian got nothing out of her little stunt, and she ended up utterly drunk instead.

Fraser didn't fare any better. He had hoped to sneak some details about Eleanor's past from Lillian, but she kept rambling about how much she respected Eleanor and how she was rooting for her and Nolan. Not exactly the intel he had wanted.

Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit reassured knowing Lillian genuinely cared about Eleanor.

Loosening his tie, Fraser got out of the car,the scent of alcohol strong around him.

The driver hurried out to help him. "Sir, be careful," he said.

Fraser waved him off, insisting he was fine, even though each step wobbled slightly.

As he rubbed his forehead and headed toward the villa, movement in the shadows caught his eye.

Instantly alert, he froze. Something wasn't right. He gave a sharp nod to the head of security behind him.

"Get them," he commanded.