Chapter 220

As soon as Nolan stepped through the door, an unfamiliar scent drifted in from the kitchen.

This wasn't the usual aroma from Lilah's carefully prepared meals.

Slipping into his slippers, he made his way toward the dining room, curiosity piqued.

There,he found Eleanor, who was wearing an apron,was setting down the final dish with practiced care.

A smile crept across Nolan's lips. He hadn't expected this,a home-cooked dinner from her.

Moving quietly, he came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.

"I must be the luckiest man alive," he murmured, voice soft and sincere.

She stiffened, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

Gently pushing his arms away, Eleanor turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "Let's eat before it gets cold."

The meal unfolded in a heavy silence.

Nolan ate heartily, savoring every bite, but Eleanor only picked at her food,her mind clearly elsewhere.

A jumble of memories tugged at her, everything Nolan had done for her, every sacrifice, every gesture.

Gratitude and something deeper warred inside her,but a shadow of discomfort lingered.

Still, an unfamiliar and creeping sense of unease lingered just beneath the surface, impossible to shake off.

She refused to live as someone who needed shielding.She had both the strength and the right to stand by his side, ready to whatever life threw their way,side by side.

All at once, she set down her fork.

Nolan paused,halfway to reaching for another helping,and glanced up.

"Tell me about the shares, Nolan." Her gaze locked on his,steady and clear.

For a moment, he was taken aback.

He set his utensils down with measured calm, his face giving nothing away. But in his eyes, a flash of understanding stirred.

So,Lillian,always too quick to talk, had let the truth slip out.

Without a word, Nolan rose and walked around the table,pulling her gently into his arms.

Nolan drew her close, his tone light as if they were chatting about dinner plans instead of life-altering decisions.

"Grandpa's been feeling nostalgic for the office,so he's decided to step back in. Honestly, it might work out for the best. I'll have more time for us," he replied,brushing off the seriousness with an easy smile.

Eleanor only watched him, her gaze calm and unwavering, not buying the casual act for a second.

That unwavering look made Nolan falter, his smile slipping away.

He always struggled when she was like this, so composed, so clear-eyed, always seeing straight through him.

He lowered his gaze, lashes throwing shadows across his cheek, his voice suddenly vulnerable "You know, I handed over the reins at Stewart Group.Don't tell me you're going to abandon me now."

A laugh escaped Eleanor despite herself, though she rolled her eyes at his dramatics. "Cut it out."

Nolan caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her fingers,his earlier playfulness replaced with genuine warmth.

His eyes met hers, earnest and sure.

"Everything's under control. Grandpa's just sulking.Once we're engaged,he'll come around. I promise."

Eleanor swatted his arm, half in jest. "Something this big, and you didn't think to fill me in? Wle're supposed to be in this together. Next time, tell me first. I want to be the one you lean on."

A rush of affection swept through Nolan, leaving him oddly breathless.

He wrapped her up in a steady embrace and nodded,voice low and sure. "You have my word."