Chapter 233

Nolan's eyes darkened as he sat beside Eleanor.

He stared straight into her eyes.

"What really happened?" he asked, his voice rough. "And what about those remains they found in the fire?"

Eleanor lowered her gaze and told him everything clearly.

"Lainey tricked me. She called me, saying my parents were trapped in the house. When I got there, thefire was already raging. I found my parents and was about to get them out when three men appeared.Lainey must have sent them. I managed to stop them and got them out through the back before the house collapsed. Then we made it back to my apartment."

Nolan's eyes narrowed as he understood immediately.

The remains at the fire weren't the Bentons and Lainey-they were the three men Lainey sent.

She hadn't just tried to burn Jeff and Hilda alive. She wanted to kill Eleanor too. Ruthless. Heartless.

A dangerous intensity flared in Nolan's eyes.

He wouldn't let Lainey get away with this.

Eleanor felt the vengeance radiating off him.

She gently pressed her forehead to his, and spoke softly. "I hate her too, but you don't need to deal with her personally. Even if she left no trace in the Benton family's estate, the hospital incident, killing those two people, can't be ignored. She'll face justice this time."

She paused and added softly, "It's not worth dirtying your hands for her."

Nolan felt his anger ease a little.

He kissed the corner of her mouth and murmured, "Alright." Their quiet moment was broken by Hilda's footsteps.

They pulled back and sat properly.

After a few more knocks, Hilda rushed over, panic all over her face."Eleanor!"

Hilda hurried to her, holding her hands and looking her over from head to toe."Are you okay? Did Lainey hurt you? Are you dizzy or in pain anywhere?"

Jeff came right behind Hilda, looking conflicted.

He knew this mess was his fault. He hadn't recognized his own daughter, and allowed Lainey to manipulate everything.

The weight of guilt pressed down on him.

He had even caused Eleanor pain because of Lainey's schemes.

Eleanor was so overwhelmed she couldn't find the words.

She tried to pull her hand back instinctively, but Hilda's grip tightened.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Benton," Eleanor replied quietly, her tone distant, almost detached.

Hilda froze, worry fading slowly as she looked at Eleanor.

Then her lips trembled. "Sweetie, you won't even call me Mom?"

It hurt Hilda to hear it.

She and Jeff had failed Eleanor for so many years, leaving her alone to struggle and suffer.

So asking her to forgive and accept them immediately was too much.

Tears streamed down Hilda's face as guilt and sorrow took over.

Jeff moved closer, hands shaking as he steadied Hilda, who wobbled under the weight of her emotions.

Eleanor didn't even acknowledge Hilda,let alone him. His voice shook as he spoke, "Eleanor, I was the one who failed you. I trusted Lainey and caused you so much pain. You have every right not to accept us."

He looked into her clear eyes, and his heart ached with regret. "I promise, I will make things right. I've even arranged for an official statement to be released, telling everyone that you're our real daughter."