Chapter 152

"Eleanor!" Nolan called out, following her without hesitating for a moment.

He had barely taken a step when harsh coughing rang out behind him. Norwood's furious voice cut through the air. "Nolan, go after her, and I'll disown you,do you hear me?"

Nolan stopped in place, refusing to look back.

Hle stood there, rigid and cold as stone.

Norwood caught the hesitation and thought he had finally gotten through to his grandson. With labored breaths, he played his last hand. "This is the last time I'll ask. Will you be engaged to Lainey or not? Refuse,and I'll move into a nursing home tomorrow!"

Just outside the room, Eleanor heard every word as she left. She paused for a split second, but she didn't turn around or wait. She simply walked into the elevator and disappeared.

The echo of her footsteps left Nolan's heart aching.

He turned to face his grandfather at last, his voice turning icy. "Grandpa, Eleanor is the only person I'll ever love. That will never change."

There was no room for argument in the way he spoke. "And if you want to move out and find some peace, I'll make sure you get the quietest, most comfortable place possible. No one will disturb you."

The entire room went silent.

Even the doctors seemed to hold their breath in shock.

Everyone could see this wasn't obedience; it was Nolan standing his ground.

"You're such a disappointment!" Norwood shouted so furious that the edges of his sight turned hazy. He never thought the grandson he raised would turn against himn like this. All for the sake of a woman.

Nolan didn't bother to say anything else. He glanced at the attending doctor, giving him a silent message.

The doctor caught on right away. He hurried over to check Norwood's vitals, speaking softly tocalm him down. "Mr. Stewart, please try to relax. You've just regained consciousness, and getting worked up isn't good for your recovery."

Nolan sent a final look in Norwood's direction,then walked out of the room.

Norwood's desperate voice trailed after him. "What did I do to deserve a grandson like him?!"

Meanwhile, Hilda had arrived at the hospital. As she turned down the hallway, she spotted Eleanor leaving, every step purposeful. Her heart squeezed with recognition; her daughter was right there.

She almost moved to go after her, acting on pure instinct. A soft voice pulled her back.

"Mom, where are you headed?"

Lainey had slipped up beside her, slipping an arm through hers with an affectionate smile.

Hilda stopped short, holding back the words she wanted to say.

She glanced at Lainey and forced a smile. "I left the supplements I got for Norwood in the car. I'll go and get them."

Lainey shook her head. "Forget about the supplements for now. Let's see Norwood first and show him we care. We can bring the supplements after we've checked on him."

Without waiting for an answer, she steered Hilda toward the elevator.

With no other choice, Hilda followed along, her chest tight with regret over missing another chance to connect with her daughter. When they stepped into Norwood's room, he was propped up against the pillows, his face still dark and worn.

At the sight of Lainey, he seemed to relax a little.There was finally a trace of approval in his tired eyes.

At least this girl knew to visit first.

He gave Hilda a brief nod before focsing on Lainey."Keep working at it. If you manage to get Nolan to let go of Eleanor, I'll see to it myself that you two get married."

As she heard this, Lainey's heart soared. To her, this sounded like a promise from Norwood.

Everything she hoped for was finally within reach.

She did her best to hide her excitement and answered with a gentle nod, "I'll give it everything l have,Norwood."

Norwood felt even more pleased.

In his eyes, Lainey had the composure and charm a proper lady should possess.

Eleanor was a different story. She always struck him as wild and headstrong, clearly not the type to settle down.

Meanwhile, Hilda lingered by the side, completely distracted. She couldn't·stop thinking about Eleanor's distant figure, the image haunting her thoughts. She barely registered the conversation between Norwood and Lainey.

After a moment, she made up an excuse to step out.

Finding Denny waiting in the hallway, she leaned in close and spoke quietly. "Look into everything Eleanor Warren's been up to lately. I want details.Keep this between us, and don't say a word to Jeff."

Denny,who had served the Bentons for years, looked surprised by her tone.

He nodded respectfully. "Understood, Mrs. Benton."