Chapter 191

News of the Todd Group's collapse exploded across the media, plastered on every headline.

Hot on its heels came the announcement that the Stewart Group had taken full control of the Usepsall project.

Propped up against the hospital bed, Eleanor let her gaze drift from the flashing television to the man beside her, who was carefully carving neat strips of apple skin.

Her lips curved with mischief as she remarked,"Nolan, you make it look effortless. Toppling a company in the stock market as if it were child's play."

Nolan's lashes lowered as he trimmed the last curl of peel, then brought the fruit to her lips with calm precision. "It doesn't amount to much," he replied smoothly.

To him, the Todd Group had been nothing more than a small obstacle.

The Usepsall project, however, carried weight-because it was where he had first crossed paths with her,impressed by her.

The knife clinked softly against the tray as he set it aside, and then he leaned in close enough for his breath to stir her hair. "Tell me something.Watching Jonny fall this far-don't you feel even a trace of pity?"

Eleanor didn't bother lifting her eyes, though amusement sparked inside her.

Honestly, could he be any more transparent?Jealousy fit him like a second skin.

Deciding to messing with him, she let out a languid sigh and tipped her head back dramatically. "How could I not? I'll admit it-there's still a corner of my heart that remembers him."

Nolan only chuckled, easily recognizing her mischief.

Instead of bristling, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss against her forehead."That's fine. Because at the end of the day, I'm the one who gets to stay by your side."

Heat rushed to her cheeks, painting them a betraying shade of red.

Before she could fire back, the hospital door creaked open.

Erick slipped inside, his eyes landing instantly on the couple nestled together.

His face froze in horror.

Damn it, why did he always walk in at the worst possible moment?

Just his luck-another paycheck deduction was practically guaranteed.

The sudden silence shattered when Nolan's voice cut through, cold and unyielding. "Well? Spit it out."

Jolted back to himself, Erick straightened and blurted out, "Boss, your grandfather insists you come see him."

No reply came from Nolan.

Eleanor nudged his arm with quiet insistence. "You should go. If you keep Norwood waiting, it won't end well."

She already knew from Erick that Norwood had shown up in person earlier, only for Nolan to send him away without a word.

Since the old man had sent someone again, she understood it would only damage Nolan's standing if he refused a second time.

The last thing she wanted was for him to argue with his family because of her.

After weighing it for a moment, Nolan finally inclined his head, loosened his hold on her, and rose to his feet. He adjusted his collar with a precise motion, slipping back into his composed and authoritative demeanor.

Before turning away, he pressed her hand firmly. "Get some rest. The guards are stationed outside-call them if you need anything."

Eleanor offered a small nod, giving him reassurance.

Was he really treating her as though she couldn't fend for herself?

She was the Soul Surgeon, for heaven's sake. Taking care of her own injuries was the least of her skills.

The moment the door clicked shut behind him, she scanned the room to ensure no one lingered.Satisfied she was alone, she began administering her own treatment without hesitation.

Waiting for her body to recover naturally would take far too long. With her methods, the healing process would be swift and decisive.

None of this was seen by Nolan, who by then had already entered the study at the Stewart family's residence.

At Norwood's side stood a young man whose face was unfamiliar.

He appeared a touch younger than Nolan, his features polished and his bearing confident.

Norwood wasted no time on pleasantries. As soon as Nolan entered, his voice rang out. "This is Wray Stewart-one of our distant relatives. He graduated from Kingswell University, and his abilities are exceptional."

Wray rose quckly, extending his hand with smooth composure. "Nolan, it's an honor."

Nolan's eyes lingered on him, sharp and unreadable.Instead of reaching out, he gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Norwood ignored the tension, his cloudy eyes flashing with authority as he dropped his verdict."From this day forward, Wray will oversee the Usepsall project."