Chapter 229

The nurse, her mouth clamped shut by a bodyguard's hand, was so terrified her body gave out completely,and she even wet her pants.

What had she just seen? Lainey, covered in blood, murdering someone right in front of her!

Lainey finally turned, as though only now realizing the nurse's presence.

Her face was streaked with Darleen's blood, her lips curled into a twisted grin that made her look less like a woman and more like something dragged straight out of hell.

The nurse shook violently, tears and mucus streaking her face. Her muffled sobs broke free in desperate gasps as soon as the guard loosened his hold. "Please... don't kill me. I, I won't tell anyone... please."

Lainey cocked her head, feigning innocence as she smiled sweetly."Oh,, I don't mind letting you live. But you'll have to do a little something for me."

Half an hour later, the nurse's trembling hands clutched a clipboard as she handed over the forged medical file.

Her voice cracked as she spoke.

"It's... it's done. Just like you said, it claims Miss Faulkner regained consciousness unstable... and... and that she killed herself."

Lainey skimmed the page, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips.

She dropped the bood-soaked dagger on the floor, then calmly wiped her hands clean with a wet tissue.

With a small signal to one of her bodyguards, she turned on her heel and walked out as if she had just left a fashion show instead of a slaughterhouse.

The bodyguard caught her meaning instantly. The moment the door shut behind Lainey, he drew a knife and, without hesitation, slit the nurse's throat.

Then he wiped the blade and followed after her.

However, neither of them noticed that, hidden behind the curtains, a man had been filming the entire scene on a cellphone.

Once the coast was clear, the man slipped into the room in a hurry.

What greeted him was a nightmare. Darleen and the nurse sprawled on the floor, both lying in their own blood,already long gone.

He quickly pulled out his phone and made the call.

"Erick, it's confirmed. Lainey killed Darleen and a nurse. I've got the whole thing on video."

Within seconds, the report traveled through Erick to Nolan.

Hearing it, Nolan slowly raised his eyes, a chilling smile tugging at his lips. Lainey's game was almost over.

Right then, footsteps echoed from outside the room.

Wray walked in, his eyes dark with resentment, though he forced himself to keep a respectfultone."Nolan,Norwood wants to see you."

Inside,his chest burned with bitterness. If Eleanor hadn't suddenly died, if Norwood hadn't decided to hand Nolan another chance, the general manager's seat at Stewart Group would have been his.

That power, that title...it had been within his grasp, only to be stolen away. How could he not resent Nolan for it?

Nolan slowly stood up, dusting off his clothes like they had collected dirt. His calm eyes gave nothing away as he prepared to leave.

Then Wray stepped right into his path. A smug smirk curled his lips, convinced he had the upper hand."Don't think you're untouchable. Eleanor's gone, and you've already let Norwood down. He'll never really trust you again." Nolan paused,still as composed as ever.

Beside him, Erick wiped at the sweat gathering at his brow. Wray had no idea he was poking a lion with a stick.

Nolan didn't even bother looking at Wray.

His voice was light and dismissive, yet it cut deep. "Because Grandpa tossed you a few crumbs of favor,you think you're important?"

And with that, he brushed past without another glance.

Wray's face burned red with rage.

How dared a man who had already fallen out of favor act so high and mighty?

One day, when power was in his hands, he would crush Nolan completely.

In the grand hall, Norwood sat upright in his chair, his expression dark and severe.

When Nolan entered, Norwood raised his eyes and motioned for him to sit.

"The Bentons' funeral is the day after tomorrow," Norwood said."As for your marriage with Lainey, if you don't wish to attend, then-"

Nolan cut in smoothly, "I'll be there."

Norwood's hand halted midair, the coffee cup trembling slightly before he set it down.

His eyes fixed on Nolan as he tried to read him.

What was this about?

Only a few days ago, Nolan had looked like he would throw his life away for Eleanor. And now, this sudden shift inattitude?

Still, if he was willing to go through with it, then it was good news.

After all, a marriage with the Bentons would only strengthen their position. Still, if he was willing to go through with it, then it was good news.

After all, a marriage with the Bentons would only strengthen their position.

Norwood allowed himself a small breath of relief, assuming Nolan had finally seen reason.