Chapter 258

The next morning, as thefirst light spread across the sky,Eleanor quietly packed a small suitcase and left the villa.

Nolan stood there, watching her car fade into the mist until it vanished from sight. Only then did he turn around and head for the Stewart family's estate.

Inside the dining room, Norwood and Trudy were sharing breakfast. Their conversation flowed easily,almost like a picture of a warm family morning.

However, that warm scene lasted only until Nolan stepped into the doorway.

The moment he appeared, the laughter died, replaced by an awkward silence.

Norwood slowly raised his eyes to meet Nolan's. A bitter chuckle slipped out as he tapped his spoon against the plate, the sharp sound breaking the silence.

"Well, what a rare sight. Did you come just to check whether I'm still alive?" he said with open sarcasm.

Trudy immediately set down her fork and knife, interjected in a gentle tone. "Norwood, don't say that.Nolan cares about you, I'm sure of it. Otherwise,why would he come back so early this morning?"

Norwood only snorted in response. He knew his grandson far too well to believe such words.

Nolan never showed up without a reason.

Norwood rose with a stern expression, striking his cane hard against the floor. "You, come with me to the study!" he commanded.

Without another word, he turned and headed upstairs.

Nolan didn't move right away.

Instead,he crossed the room to where Trudy sat, his eyes steady on her. "Miss White, let me be clear-l won't marry you. If your family is forcing you into this,I can help arrange another marriage for you, one even better than tying yourself to OUR family."

Trudy hadn't expected him to be so direct. His words cut straight through her, leaving a sting in her chest.

She had cared for him since they were children,always dreaming of being his wife, and she had chosen this path willingly.

Pushing down the ache in her heart, she lowered her voice, speaking softly. "Nolan, I know your feelings aren't with me right now, and that your heart belongs to Miss Warren."

She looked up and locked eyes with him. "But that doesn't matter. I want to marry you anyway, to stand by your side as your wife. I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes, until you're willing to look my way again."

She lowered herself completely, but Nolan's face didn't shift in the slightest.

Since she had already decided to wait, he saw no reason to waste more words.

Without hesitation, he turned and strode upstairs.

In the study, Norwood was standing by the window,looking stern.

When he finally turned, his eyes burned with restrained fury. "Kneel!" he barked.

Nolan dropped down without a second thought, but his back stayed stiff, his spine straight as a rod.

Norwood grew even angrier at his grandson's unbending stance.

His voice thundered through the room. "Look at what you've become! Have you completely lost your senses? Trudy is an excellent girl, yet you ignore her for Eleanor, a divorced woman! If you're so attached to Eleanor, then keep her out of sight,away from this family. Did you not hear what Trudy said? She's cool with it. But when it comes to your wife, the one who stands at your side, it must be Trudy!"

Norwood's tone left no room for doubt. There was simply no way he would allow Nolan to throw away the Stewart family's golden alliance with the Whites and the powerful Perry family just for one woman.

Nolan, however, was unmoved. His eyes held that same stubborn fire. "Grandpa, if the White family alliance means that much,then let Wray marry her.He fits your plan well enough."

The room fell silent in an instant.

Norwood looked at Nolan in shock, then lifted his cane and brought it down hard across Nolan's back."How dare you!" he roared.

To him, the idea of letting Wray, a distant relative,marry Trudy and gain access to the Perry family's influence was unthinkable.

That kind of move would shake the very foundation of the Stewart family's power.

Norwood looked at the grandson he had placed all his hopes on, and his heart sank under the weight of disappointment. After a long pause, his voice came again, this time hoarse with fatigue. "I'll ask you one last time. Will you marry Trudy or not?"

Nolan lowered his head and said nothing. His silence spoke louder than words.

When Norwood saw the unyielding look in Nolan's eyes,anger surged so strongly that he felt lightheaded.

He stumbled back and had to brace himself against the desk to keep from falling.

"You just refuse to listen, don't you?" he said coldly."Fine. Go to the basement, receive the punishment,and kneel there until I say otherwise!"

Nolan didn't argue. Without a word, he rose to his feet and walked out of the study.

The moment he left, Norwood's temper exploded. He swept everything off the desk in a fit of rage.

Had Nolan lost his mind? Whose blood did he carry to be this defiant?

His stubbornness was enough to drive himmad.