Chapter 300

The taxi pulled up infront of the Enigma flagship store.

Eleanor paid the fare and stepped out.

The shop stood in darkness, looking deserted.

Was Lillian pulling another prank?

With that thought, she pushed open the glass door.

"Lillian, are you here?" Her voice echoed as she groped for the switch on the wall.

Before her hand reached it, the room bloomed with light-not from overhead bulbs, but from candles flickering to life.

A long red carpet stretched from the entrance to the far end,lined with people in Enigma fan apparel.

Every one of them held a single red rose.

The first girl stepped forward and offered a flower."Wishing you happiness,Enigma."

Then another, and another. One by one, fans placed roses into Eleanor's arms,each with warm blessings.

Soon the bouquet in her arms grew heavy.

Memories of Nolan's proposal at the Hope House surfaced in her mind.

So this was why he had been so busy? Had he been planning another proposal?

The thought melted away her irritation over Elora.

At the end,Lillian stepped forward with the final rose,her grin wide and playful.

"Well? Surprised? Didn't expect this, did you?" She wiggled her brows proudly, secretly hoping for praise.

She had worked for days under Nolan's orders-even broke a nail-to make this happen.

Eleanor laughed at her friend's antics.

Clutching the bouquet, she instinctively looked down the carpet.

Lillian, understanding, stepped aside. The stage was ready for the main character.

Everyone's eyes turned toward the empty space,waiting for Nolan. A minute passed. Then another.

But no one appeared.

The end of the carpet stayed silent.

A restless murmur swept the crowd, turning sweetness into awkwardness.

Eleanor's smile faltered. She clutched the roses tighter.

What was going on?

Where was he?

Just then, Besty burst inside, heels clicking sharply.

"Mr. Stewart and his sister got a call and rushed out!"

The fans traded uneasy glances.

What could be more important than a proposal?

Poor Enigma.

Eleanor's gut told her Elora was involved. But in the end, it came down to Nolan not putting her first.

Was she hurt?

A little. Broken?

Not quite.

She realized she could no longer pin her hopes on love.

The night had unfolded like their relationship itself-surprise,romance, anticipation, then disappointment.

Seeing her face, Lillian rushed forward. "Eleanor, don't think too much. Maybe... Maybe Nolan really had an urgent matter!"

The fans chimed in quickly, "Yeah! Don't be upset,Enigma.He must have been delayed!"

"That's right-we trust Mr. Stewart!"

Eleanor forced a smile at their comfort.

She wasn't sad, just humiliated.

Abandoned in front of a crowd-how could she not feel embarrassed?

She was about to excuse herself when a mocking voice cut through the room. "Well,well...Mr. Stewart already bored of you? Looks like your charms aren't what they used to be." Eleanor turned to see Vickie at the door,arms crossed, smirking with glee.

She had come for the mall sales, planning to impress other society wives, but instead heard the gossip about Nolan leaving mid-proposal.

To her,Eleanor deserved the humiliation.

Eleanor ignored her, heading straight to Besty to dismiss the fans and have small gifts prepared for them.

But Lillian wouldn't let Vickie's words slide. She strode up,eyeing her from head to toe. "Mrs. Todd? Why are you wearing last season's clothes? Didn't you swear you'd never touch out-of-date fashion?"

She tlted her head,smiling wider. "Oh,right-I forgot.Your family's bankrupt. Who knows how long what's left will last? Next time I see you begging on the street, maybe I'll toss you a tip."

Vickie's face burned red. If not for Eleanor, they wouldn't have fallen so low.

Once proud, now she had to scavenge through sales racks.

She shot Eleanor a venomous glare but left in fury,though vengeance still brewed in her heart.

Lillian huffed in satisfaction, only to notice Eleanor already outside, raising her hand for a cab. Her chest tightened, and she hurried after her. "Eleanor."

Eleanor turned back with a calm smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry.Go home,too."

A taxi pulled up, and she slipped inside.

Lillian stood on the curb, stomping in frustration.

Damn it-where had Nolan gone at such a moment?