Chapter 21

Erick caught the faint curve of a smile tugging at Nolan's lips.

He kept hearing Ryland's whispers in the back of his mind, unable to shake them off.

Was it possible? Could it be that the unshakable Nolan was actually falling in love? Snapping back to reality,Erick quickly responded, "I'm on it, sir."

By chance, the place chosen for their meeting happened to be a newly opened restaurant Jonny had mentioned.

The refined sign above the entrance caught Eleanor's eye, leaving her puzzled.

Why would Nolan invite her without warning?

Still, she remembered how he had rescued her from embarrassment at David's exhibition.

Since she owed him for that,paying the debt felt only fair.

Holding onto that reminder, she straightened herself and stepped inside.

Nolan was waiting by the window when she entered the restaurant.

He wore a plain white shirt with the sleeves loosely rolled, and there was a quiet elegance about him that stood apart from the lively chaos surrounding him.

She approached with quiet poise. "Mr. Stewart, with everything on your schedule, you still find time to have me here for this meal?"

Her voice drew Nolan's gaze upward, his eyes carrying a flicker of interest.

A subtle, unreadable smile formed as his dark eyes lingered on her.

Erick received a brief glance from him, one loaded with unspoken meaning.

Catching the signal, Erick pulled a file from his briefcase and presented it with formal respect.

Curious, Eleanor extended her hand and opened the file.

Her face immediately clouded over.

Hope House?

Why would Todd Group target such a place?

The land was isolated and held little commercial promise,while relocation costs would be staggering.

Jonny would never come up with something this shortsighted.

She understood Jonny better than anyone.

To Jonny, nothing mattered more than money and prestige.

Tearing down an orphanage offered no real gain, only the risk of branding him as cruel and merciless. That very morning, Todd Group's internal networks exploded with chatter: Lainey had appeared out of nowhere, installed as Jonny's personal secretary, and placed in charge of the entire Usepsall project.

There was no doubt that Lainey had been the one behind this!

Still, what puzzled her was Nolan's effort to make sure she knew.

With that thought pressing her, Eleanor asked him outright.

Nolan's fingers slid idly along the edge of his glass,his tone calm and smooth. "I simply value our connection, Miss Warren. And if you require assistance..."

Before he could continue, Eleanor snapped the folder shut, interrupting him. "I appreciate it, Mr. Stewart,but I'll have to refuse your offer."

After all, every businessman had his own motives.

It was impossible for her to accept that Nolan's motives were purely generous.

Hearing her answer, Nolan made no attempt to argue.

Setting his glass aside, he drummed his fingers on the table and spoke in a measured tone. "You've been informed, Miss Warren. Handle it however you like. It's getting late-I'll head out now."

He got up from his seat and made his way out without another word.

Following after him, Erick could hardly hide his confusion.

All that trouble for a quick conversation with Eleanor -was that really the point?

After they exited the restaurant, Nolan handed down more orders. "Assign someone to watch her. Tell me the moment she makes a move. And for the Todd Group-pull out every bit of our investment."

Erick could foresee the fallout the Todd Group was about to face. "Understood,Mr.Stewart." Out of everyone they could have challenged,the Todd Group chose the very person who had caught Nolan's attention. It was clear their days of standing strong were numbered.