Chapter 299

The underground garage was dim and silent as Elora escorted Ady to her car, politely opening the door for her.

Ady slipped a check from her bag and handed it over."Take it."

Her eyes were cold, her tone sharper still. "Did anyone see you leave?"

Elora's heart raced as she clutched the check, her fingers trembling with excitement. "Don't worry, Ady.Nolan's been so busy lately, he's hardly ever home."

Ady's gaze narrowed. Her voice cut like a blade."Remember your task.Fail me,and you know the price."

Elora shivered. The joy drained from her face,replaced with fear.

She couldn't go back to that man.

She would end up dying at his hand.

Ady had dragged her out of that nightmare, and she wasn't ready to lose the little peace she had found. Her voice wavered as she spoke quickly. "Ady, trust me. I won't disappoint you."

She paused, then explained carefully, "I'm taking it slow. Nolan and Eleanor are too close. If I rush, I might ruin everything."

The frost in Ady's expression softened, approval flickering in her eyes. "Good. Keep it that way."

The door shut, and the sleek black car disappeared into the night.

Elora stood frozen, gripping the check so tightly her palms broke into a cold sweat.

At the villa in Regal Heights, Elora had barely taken off her shoes when she bumped into Fannie,glowing with excitement after her tutoring session.

Fannie's cheeks were flushed. "Elora, were you out?"

Elora lifted a paper bag with a calm smile. "Nolan's been buried in work. I thought he could use something to relax, so I picked up lavender candles."

Then, as if casually, she added, "By the way, do you know what's keeping him busy? He hasn't been home much."

Fannie leaned closer, lowering her voice like she was sharing a secret. "He's proposing to Eleanor in public today! I was just about to tell you. Come on, let's go see!"

A proposal?

Elora's stomach dropped.

Nolan and Eleanor were already close, but a public proposal would seal it. If that happened, Ady's plan would crumble.

Elora had to act quickly.

She masked her panic behind a gentle smile. "I'd love to,but I don't feel up to it. I'd hate to ruin Nolan's big moment. You go ahead, though. Take plenty of pictures for me-I want to share the excitement too."

Her words were flawless, warm enough to leave no suspicion.

Fannie beamed and dashed out the door.

Meanwhile, Eleanor had finished dinner with her mother, and the two strolled through the mall,chatting and laughing.

The mood was light, but unease tugged at Eleanor's heart.

What exactly tied Elora and Ady together? The evening sky deepened into shades of rose when Eleanor's phone rang sharply.

Her face softened at Lillian's name flashing across the screen.

The moment she answered, a dramatic wail spilled through.

"Eleanor, where are you? I'm miserable. Let's go out and go wild tonight!"

What was Lillian playing at now?

Eleanor couldn't help but sigh in amusement. Lillian hadn't changed a bit-still loud,still over the top.

But she was her best friend.

Eleanor glanced at her mother, silently asking.

Hilda smiled and patted her hand. "Go on. Have fun.I'll head home myself."

Relieved, Eleanor answered, "Alright, send me your location."

The pin came through instantly.

Enigma store?

Her brows lifted in surprise. What was Lillian doing there?

Then she understood.

Business had been booming there, and even the laid-back Lillian had been pitching in, often working late with Besty.

She was probably too tired to go elsewhere.

Eleanor brushed it off, kissed her mother goodbye,and flagged down a cab at the curb.

The cab slipped into traffic, carrying her toward the address.