Chapter 296

Nolan couldn't turn his back on Elora, not when she was practically family.

Swallowing the odd feeling that rose within her,Eleanor replied in her usual calm tone, "I'll come with you."

With no further hesitation, Nolan started the engine and pulled out.

He kept one hand steady on the wheel and used the other to call Erick and shared Elora's phone number with him. "I need you to trace this number. Do it now,"he ordered.

Erick responded instantly, not missing a beat."Understood, Mr. Stewart."

As expected, Erick worked quickly. In under a minute,a small red dot started blinking on the dashboard's GPS.

The signal pointed straight to a deserted alley in Westhaven.

Nolan made a sharp turn and sped in that direction. When he and Eleanor arrived, they spotted Elora huddled in the shadows, arms wrapped tightly around her knees,her body shaking.

As footsteps echoed toward her, Elora's head snapped up,eyes wide with mock fear.

The moment she recognized Nolan, she scrambled upright.

Without thinking, she flung herself into his embrace,her tears spilling freely.

"Nolan! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to drag you into this.I was just... I was terrified. I kept thinking he'll come after me again, and I wouldn't make it out this time."

Nolan's body tensed for a moment, but then he gently rested a hand on her back, offering what comfort he could. "You're safe now. I promise."

Eleanor hung back a few paces, watching the scene unfold with a quiet sense of distance.

In that moment, she felt like an outsider rather than a part of their world.

Sensing Eleanor's presence, Elora quickly stepped out of Nolan's embrace.

She brushed away her tears, offering Eleanor a small, apologetic look. "Forgive me, Eleanor. Whenever1′m frightened, I've always turned to Nolan. It's just how it's always been since we were little. I hope you don't misunderstand."

A subtle, unreadable smile appeared on Eleanor's lips."No worries. I understand," she replied simply.

Turning to Nolan, she spoke gently. "It's late. Let's get her home."

Half an hour later, they pulled up at the villa in Regal Heights.

Eleanor had suspected Elora might end up staying,but watching her disappear into the guest room still left a faint ache in her chest.

The atmosphere in the house felt noticeably different now.

Still, Elora had done nothing wrong, and Eleanor couldn't find any reason to ask her to leave.

Noticing the subtle shift in Eleanor's mood, Nolan pulled her into a soft embrace, his chin resting lightly on her hair. "I'm sorry I've been so distant lately Eleanor."

He leaned in to press a kiss to the corner of her lips.

But for reasons she couldn't quite name, Eleanor instinctively turned away.

She tried to keep her expression composed, meeting his eyes with practiced calm. "It's fine.I understand."

Though Eleanor's words were flat and emotionless,Nolan couldn't shake the sense that something had shifted between them.

An unspoken distance settled between them, subtle yet impossible to miss.

But how could that be possible?

He had only stepped in for Elora out of an old friendship. Nothing improper had happened, and Eleanor was always so reasonable. Surely, she wouldn't be upset over something like this.

Deciding he was simply reading too much into things,he tried to let the worry go.

Just then, the awkward silence between them was broken as Fannie came bounding down the stairs.

"Nolan, where's Elora? Erick told me her ex has been stalking her. I wNas so scared!" Fannie said with concern.

Nolan nodded toward the guest room. "She's alright I brought her home, and she's resting now."

Fannie let out a relieved breath,then spotted Eleanor and lit up.

She rushed over, latching onto Eleanor's hand."Eleanor! You're here! I've missed you like crazy lately!"

Eleanor tried to get a word in, but Fannie was already chattering on.

"Don't be mad at me or Nolan, okay? This is all because of that horrible ex of Elora's. You wouldn't believe how bad it was! Elora came here half-starved,covered in bruises, crying every other minute. Oh! You know something about medicine, right? Could you take a look at Elora for us?"