Chapter 39

After the polite greetings were exchanged, Sallie finally cut to the reason she had asked Eleanor out.

"Eleanor, I hate to burden you with this," she began gently, her tone almost hesitant. "But the Todd Group... it represents the work and sacrifice of our family for generations. I've heard you're on good terms with NJolan Stewart. Do you think... maybe you could persuade him to reinvest?"

The request left Eleanor momentarily stunned.

Her lashes lowered, masking the swirl of emotions in her eyes.

If it hadn't been for Sallie's help years ago, the Hope House would have crumbled.

Eleanor had carried that kindness like a stone in her heart, the weight of it leading her, at one point, to marry Jonny without hesitation.

But that debt had long been repaid.

Besides, Nolan wasn't someone whose choices could be swayed so easily. He was unpredictable,unreadable-a man who kept even his closest rivals guessing.

There was no bond between them.

Why would he alter a business decision just because she asked?

Sallie, noticing Eleanor's silence and the faint crease in her brow, let out a tired sigh. "Eleanor, if it's too much to ask, then forget I said anything. This is our family's mess. It shouldn't trouble you anymore."

Her voice carried a weary acceptance, as though she had already resigned herself to the worst.

Eleanor's heart softened. "Sallie," she said quietly,"if the opportunity comes, I'll bring it up to Mr. Stewart."

It was, after all, only a matter of words. Whether fate chose to spare the Todd Group, that was something no one could control.

When Eleanor left the restaurant, she pulled out her phone. Her eyes lingered on a name glowing on the screen.

How was she supposed to bring this up to Nolan?

Maybe it would be better to wait for another time.

With a small sigh, she slipped the phone back into her bag.

But Nolan was well-informed.

He didn't need her to speak for him to know what had happened.

By the time half a day had passed, his network had already fed him the details.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, a smile slowly tugging at his lips.

Would Eleanor come to him for Sallie's sake? He thought she would.

She disliked Jonny, but her heart was soft. How could she watch Sallie, aging and worried, carry the weight of a crumbling company?

It would only take her a fewv words to ease Sallie's burden.

Yet,Nolan was wrong.

Days passed, and Eleanor never mentioned a thing.

Well,it seemed he had underestimated her.

In rare good humor, he turned to Erick. "Get the car ready. We're going to the Hope House to pick up Fannie."

"Yes,sir."

Luck seemed to be on Nolan's side that day.

When they arrived, Eleanor, broom in hand, was carefully sweeping leaves from the yard.

Nolan crossed the distance in long, confident strides. What,you weren't going to ask me for a hand?"

Eleanor froze for a moment before lifting her head,her eyes narrowing slightly.

Typical.

In Elepdon, little escaped Nolan's notice.

Still, she hadn't thought he would confront her about it so directly.

Meeting his gaze, she replied coolly, "Well, message delivered. Whether you reinvest in the Todd Group,that's up to you."

Without waiting for a reply, she turned away and began sweeping in another corner, not sparing a single word in defense of the Todd Group.

Nolan felt the corners of his lips twitch with a quiet amusement.

He was just about to speak again when Fannie came running over, her eyes bright. "Nolan, what are you and Eleanor talking about in hushed voices?" He shifted his attention to her, his tone casual."Nothing important. Eleanor just owes someone a debt."

Fannie tilted her head, her clear eyes blinking in thought. "Then why not help her? If it's too expensive, just dock it from my allowance next month."

A faint glimmer passed through Nolan's eyes.

He had already made up his mind to help.

Clearing Eleanor's obligations to the Todd family was an investment worth every bit.

What intrigued him more was how she would choose to repay him in the end.

For the first time, he found himself genuinely anticipating it.