Chapter 259

When darkness settled, light rain began falling, and the air grew colder.

Trudy lingered in the corridor, quietly watching the man confined in the basement.

Nolan had remained on his knees there for ten long hours.

His suit clung to his back, soaked in blood, forming a ghastly picture beneath the faint glow. After enduring fifty lashes, he never let out a single cry.

This man proved even more unyielding than she had believed.

His indomitable pride and raw endurance awakened a sharper craving inside her-possessiveness burning hotter.

The harder he was to break, the sweeter the triumph of mastering him.

Hector arrived from behind. "Ms. White," he said. "Mr.Stewart wishes Nolan to be entrusted to you." Trudy inclined her head slightly. "I understand. Thank you for helping, Hector."

With that, she lifted her skirt and moved elegantly into the basement.

"Nolan,why subject yourself to this?"she asked softly."I already pleaded with Norwood, and his anger subsided. Allow me to bring you back for rest."

Trudy extended her hand toward Nolan.

The instant her fingers touched his skin, the burning heat shocked her, and she jerked back in alarm.

Was he feverish?

Yes,illness rendered any man weakest. This offered the perfect chance for closeness to blossom.

Clenching her teeth, Trudy guided Nolan's arm over her shoulder and summoned all her strength to raise him."Come with me."

Eleanor, at that moment, had come back to Podium Apartments.

Lilah helped remove her coat, speaking anxiously "Erick mentioned that Mr. Stewart visited his grandfather early this morning and still hasn't returned." Eleanor knitted her brow, reaching for her phone, when the sound of the electronic lock clicked at the door.

A moment later, the apartment door flew open

Trudy stumbled inside, supporting Nolan's weight

His tall frame sagged against her, his face ashen, his eyes shut-he had collapsed entirely.

Eleanor's pupils shrank as she rushed forward to take him from Trudy.

His body radiated frightening heat.

She pressed her palm to his forehead, frowning deeply.

Why had his fever risen so suddenly?

And those bloodied bandages across his back... what exactly had happened?

Trudy stood aside, smoothing her loosened hair before speaking with a courteous smile. "Miss Warren,there's no need to worry. Nolan's condition isn't grave.Before bringing him here, I had someone bind his wounds and give him medicine for the fever."

Eleanor said nothing, guiding Nolan steadily toward the room. Trudy, unfazed by the cold shoulder, allowed her voice to trail pleasantly after her. "Miss Warren, I appreciate you caring for Nolan tonight. Once he and I marry, I'll certainly repay such kindness."

Assumingthe stance of Nolan's bride-to-be, she declared imperiously. "But Regal Heights belongs only to each Stewart head and their partner.Please make sure you don't leave anything there; otherwise tongues may wag."

Eleanor halted briefly, tilting her head so her frosty gaze met Trudy's face. "Ms. White,perhaps you speak too soon."

She turned back, her tone utterly flat. "Lilah, escort our guest outside."

Lilah, long irritated by Trudy, she replied instantly,"Yes, ma'am."

With a stern look, she motioned for Trudy to leave."Please,Ms.White."

Though irritation surged within her, Trudy's expression stayed composed as she exited gracefully.

At first, she intended for Nolan to remain at the Stewart family's estate, sharing quarters to seal their bond. However, Nolan insisted on returning to Podium Apartments,refusing any other option.

She had no alternative but to escort him here.

Still, it hardly mattered; plenty of time lay ahead.

Once she officially became Nolan's wife, countless means existed to handle unwelcome rivals.

Stepping outside, Trudy glanced toward the corner where a planted reporter waited and offered a subtle nod.

The reporter instantly caught on and gave a confirming nod in return.