Chapter 67

The instant Eleanor and Lillian left the hotel, the noise of the hall fell away.

Lillian spun around, eyes wide with mischief, and all but exclaimed, "Eleanor, don't tell me Nolan just confessed to you!"

Eleanor clapped a hand over her friend's mouth, flustered. "Cut it out! He was only lending me a hand. Don't make it sound like something it's not."

Her hand dropped as her expression turned firm. "Honestly, romance is the last thing on my mind. What I want is to keep Hope House running-and maybe even open more so more kids can have a safe place."

That was her truest priority, the only goal that felt worth chasing.

Lillian knew Nolan's reputation well. He wasn't exactly famous for kindness, which made his behavior toward Eleanor even more puzzling.

But seeing how serious Eleanor was, she swallowed her teasing and slipped her arm through her friend's instead. With a grin, she said, "Fine, I won't push. If you're building more orphanages, then I'm all in-money,effort,whatever it takes."

She then continued, "But you, missy, also need a break. Come on, let's go. I'm dragging you out for some fun before you bury yourself in work again!"

Lillian's gleaming purple convertible tore down the street, the engine growling until it finally vanished from sight.

By the time Nolan and Ryland stepped outside, the air was still heavy with the stench of exhaust.

Ryland tipped his sharp jaw upward, clicking his tongue in amusement.

With a sly grin, he bumped his elbow against Nolan. "Well? You're not going after Eleanor? She sped: off because of you.Perfect chance to explain yourself-and who knows, maybe win her over while you're at it." It was true. Nolan had been a breath away from blurting out that he liked Eleanor-far bolder than usual.

His eyes lingered on the empty stretch of road, unreadable.

Only after a long silence did he finally shift his gaze back, the corners of his lips curving slightly. "No need.She won't escape me."

Ryland arched a brow, intrigued.

Confidence like that didn't come from nothing-and if Nolan was this certain, then Eleanor was already his in one way or another.

Ryland's worry turned out to be pointless.

What had unfolded today would spark delight for some yet leave others bitter.

If the rest of the Stewart family caught wind of it, their reactions would be far from simple.

Thanks to the scandal, Jonny and Lainey's wedding collapsed into a public farce, whispered about all over Elepdon.

Lainey shut herself indoors for days, too humiliated to show her face.

Even worse, Jonny never came home after the wedding night.

He vanished completely-ignoring her calls, leaving her messages unread, as though she didn't exist.

And every bit of it, in Lainey's mind, was because of Eleanor.

Her nails dug into her palms as she fumed. Why couldn't she measure up to that woman?

Why did everyone jump to Eleanor's defense?

That bitch walked around unbothered, even with Hope House on the brink of being forced out. Not a trace of worry showed on her face.

Lainey clenched her teeth. Could Eleanor already have found another location?

No-impossible. Elepdon's housing prices were outrageous. Even if she did find a land, there was no way she had the money to pay for it.

Lainey's doubts never found answers.

No one in their wildest dreams would have believed that Nolan had outright handed Eleanor an entire plot of land.

If the truth came out,people would look at her in a very different light.

But land wasn't the only thing he gave away. He gave his time.

Day after day, Nolan remained at the orphanage, personally supervising the new building as if it were his own project.

Ryland finally lost patience. "Nolan, chasing after a woman doesn't mean you have to tie balloons and run errands like a volunteer."

Nolan lifted his eyes with a calm that cut like ice. "And that right there explains why your parents keep fretting about your future."

Ryland nearly choked.

Was this really Nolan-the aloof, untouchable man he had known for years?

"Alright, alright, I get it," Ryland muttered, throwing up his hands. "Just don't blame me if your grandfather blows a fuse when he realizes you're skipping the company."

He stalked off, shaking his head.

Left behind, Nolan rose slowly, his gaze drifting toward the window. Inside, Eleanor was laughing with the children, her warmth filling the room in a way that tightened something deep in his chest.

Time spent with Eleanor carried a rare ease, a comfort Nolan hadn't felt in years.

It gave him a reason to remain by her side without forcing the closeness.

Over the past few days, she no longer held him at arm's length. Her guard had eased-not because she trusted him fully, but because he never pressed where she didn't want him to.

He let her keep her secrets. That alone was enough to let him stay within her circle.

And once someone crossed into the realm of "friend," Eleanor treated them with a quiet courtesy.

Until Hope House finished its relocation, that fragile understanding bound them together.

Fannie's heart fluttered with excitement. Could Eleanor really become her sister-in-law one day?

The idea lit up her imagination, a wish planted deep inside her chest.

But for now, it remained nothing more than a fragile dream.

Eleanor stood before the freshly completed orphanage, satisfaction softening her expression.Extending her hand, she said with quiet formality, "I appreciate your help, Nolan."

Nolan's gaze dropped to her offered hand, his brows arching with faint amusement.

After a pause, he clasped it lightly, his voice low. "No need for thanks. I've got my own reasons."

Eleanor pulled her hand back, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. Instinctively, she asked, "What reasons?"

A glint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.

Leaning just a little closer, he said in a deliberate drawl, "Because I want to stay near you."

It was as close to a confession as he had ever given.

Caught off guard, Eleanor quickly deflected. "Don't joke like that. Anyway, remember the ribbon-cutting ceremony the day after tomorrow."

Before he could reply, she turned and hurried off, her retreat almost too quick.

Nolan watched her go, a slow, knowing smile curving his lips.

"Eleanor, once I decide to pursue you, running won't save you," he muttered under his breath.