Chapter 197

Eleanor had no clue danger was looming.

Her eyes were fixed on the suitcases scattered across the villa's living room, with confusion written all over her face.

Were those really her things from the apartment?

It looked like everything had been relocated.Had she just moved in without anyone telling her?

She stared in silence, her mind running circles before she finally turned toward the obvious culprit beside her. Her voice was calm, but suspicion colored every word. "Nolan, care to explain what this is supposed to mean?"

Nolan didn't even flinch. His expression stayed composed, and his voice was as even as ever."Lainey is being reckless these days. I don't feel comfortable leaving you to live by yourself."

Eleanor almost laughed to herself.

What a righteous excuse.

If he could only hide the unease flashing in his eyes,she might have almost bought his act.

Still, she couldn't deny the convenience of the situation.

Living here meant easier access to a driver,fewer hassles.

She straightened her expression and told him firmly,"I'll take the third floor for myself. No one's allowed up there without my permission. That includes you,Nolan."

Her privacy was non-negotiable. After all, some secrets couldn't risk being exposed.

That was the bottom line for her.

Nolan studied her for a moment, then simply nodded.

He knew when to stop pressing.If she were willing to stay, even under her rules, he would take it.

Once the servants had been instructed to sort everything, evening settled in.

Nolan slipped on his suit jacket, leaned in to kiss her,and said casually, "I've got a meeting at the office.It may run late, so don't wait up."

Eleanor blinked, momentarily thrown off. Why did his tone sound so much like a husband speaking to his wife after years of marriage?

The thought unsettled her, though she didn't let it show. She only gave a faint nod.

Once he left, the quiet pressed in until the maid, Lilah Guerrero, appeared with her usual gentle smile.

"Miss Warren, dinner is ready. Would you like to have it now?"

Eleanor was about to ask Lilah to call Fannie for dinner when her phone suddenly rang.

The number flashing on the screen was unfamiliar. She answered anyway and froze at the sound of Lillian's slurred, drunken voice. "Fraser, you bastard!How could you leave without saying goodbye? I've been looking everywhere for you."

Eleanor frowned. What on earth was going on with Lillian?

Before she could press for answers, another voice came through the line. This one was calm and polite,and clearly he was a bar staff member.

"Hello, do you know this lady personally? Our bar is closing, but she's still here and quite drunk. Could you come pick her up?"

Eleanor immediately straightened in her chair. "Send me the location. I'Il be there right away."

The moment she hung up, she turned to Lilah."Make sure Fannie eats dinner. I need to step out. Please ask the driver to bring the car around."Upstairs, she changed her clothes for something more comfortable,then headed straight out. Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a place called Nightfall.

The driver, noticing the dim lights and rowdy crowd outside, looked uneasy. "Miss Warren, should I accompany you inside?"

Eleanor shook her head firmly.

Lillian was drunk, and she was still a young woman.lf she had taken off her clothes or done something embarrassing in the booth, it would only mnake things worse with a man present.

"I'll be quick. Wait here." With that, Eleanor opened the door and strode toward the entrance.

Inside, the bartender immediately pointed her toward the back after she explained why she was there. She moved fast, weaving through the noisy crowd.

But just as she was nearing the private booths,the overhead lights went out with a loud buzz, plunging the bar into darkness.

Her heart skipped. A power outage? Of all times? She quickened her pace. Lillian hated the dark, and if she was drunk, she would be even more terrified.

Just as she was thinking about this, a sharp rush of air came from behind.

Her instincts screamed at her to dodge, but she was half a beat too slow.

Suddenly, a blunt force slammed hard into her shoulder.

Pain exploded, and her vision blacked out as she collapsed.

Her last thought was one of pure frustration. She hadn't even gotten the chance to show what she was capable of.