Chapter 238

Eleanor could hardly believe it.

Lainey had slipped through the noose. With Zerovia citizenship as her shield, she had managed one last cunning escape.

Eleanor's eyes followed as court officers dragged Lainey away. She was still screaming, refusing to accept prison. Eleanor's face remained calm; she was untouched by the scene.

Execution would have been quick, almost merciful.

But a life behind iron bars was a slower torment. Each passing day would strip Lainey of hope, until despair consumed her completely.

In truth, that fate might be far crueler than death.

Eleanor turned away and walked toward the courthouse doors. Beside her stood the renowned lawyer.She gave him a polite nod."Thank you for your effort."

The man pushed his gold-rimmed glasses higher, his tone respectful."You're welcome. I only followed Mr.Stewart's instructions."

He bowed his head slightly. "I still have other matters to handle, so I'll take my leave."

With that, he blended into the crowd, vanishing with his briefcase in hand.

Eleanor lingered, scanning the faces around her. She searched instinctively for Nolan.

He had disappeared the moment the trial ended.

She had no idea where he had gone.

As her thoughts wandered, a soft voice called to her, "Eleanor."

She turned and met Hilda's gentle eyes, brimming with motherly affection. Jeff stood nearby, his gaze complicated-part guilt, part worry, and a faint hope for forgiveness.

Hilda stepped closer, reaching for Eleanor's hand. "Why don't you come home for dinner tonight? I'll make everything myself.I already bought the ingredients for your favorite dishes."

Her tone carried a trace of caution.

Eleanor glanced at the hand extended toward her. Almost without thinking, she stepped back, avoiding the touch.

The movement was slight, yet it struck Hilda and Jeff like a knife to the heart.

To Eleanor, their sudden warmth only stirred unease.

She had long grown used to solitude, to carrying her burdens alone.

Careful kindness now felt heavy, almost foreign.

Lowering her gaze, she hid her emotions. "Thank you, Mrs. Benton. That's thoughtful. But I already have plans to eat with Lillian tonight, so I won't trouble you."

Her voice was steady, giving nothing away.

With that, she turned and walked out of the courthouse.

Hilda's hand lingered in the air, her eyes misting.

Jeff rushed to steady her, his chest tightening as he watched Eleanor's figure retreat.

They had wounded her too deeply. Over two decades of absence couldn't be erased in a single night. They had pushed her away themselves, and now reaching for her again was anything but simple.

Outside the courthouse, the cold wind cleared Eleanor's restless thoughts.

On the stone steps, she pulled out her phone, ready to call Nolan.

Her finger hovered over the familiar number-then froze.

Not far ahead, by the marble pillars, stood two men. One was tall, composed, carrying the quiet authority she knew so well-Nolan.

The other wore a black baseball cap, brim low to hide his face.

He leaned slightly forward, his posture edged with provocation, as if taunting Nolan.

Eleanor started to move toward them.

Just then, the man in the cap gave a low laugh.

Lifting his head, he revealed sharp brows and a smug smile. His eyes locked on Eleanor before sliding back to Nolan. "Long time no see, my dear brother."

The voice was the same one that had exposed Lainey's nationality in court.

Eleanor's eyes narrowed.

Nolan only had one brother.

So the man was Colson's illegitimate son-Brodie Stewart.