Chapter 243

Word of Nolan's lavish engagement preparations spread quickly, soon reaching the Stewart family's estate.

When the butler reported the news, Norwood nearly exploded on the spot. His face flushed red, and his chest heaved as though he might lose his breath entirely.

Watching him like that, Wray immediately stepped forward."Norwood,please, don't work yourself up. It's not worth risking your health. I'm sure Nolan isn't thinking clearly right now. Once he cools down, he'll come to his senses."

Norwood slammed his palm against the armrest with a loud crack. His whole body shook with fury. "Not thinking clearly? That boy is under the spell of that scheming woman!" he bellowed.

The heir he had molded with his own hands,his carefully chosen successor, was pushing against him again and again, all for the sake of a divorced woman.How could he remain calm?

He turned,snarling at the butler, "Go! Drag Nolan back here at once!"

The butler froze, clearly conflicted. After a hesitant bow, he said softly, "Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Benton are waiting outside."

The Benton couple?

Norwood's anger hit a sudden pause, like a flame doused with water. His expression remained dark, but he held himself back.

Their sudden visit could only mean one thing-it had to be about theengagement.

After a moment's silence, he finally muttered in a deep tone, "Let them in."

When Jeff and Hilda walked into the living room, the atmosphere felt heavy.

Norwood sat straight, his face stormy and unwelcoming. Beside him, Wray appeared composed and obedient.

Jeff and Hilda looked at each other, already knowing what they had to do.

They had finally met their long-lost daughter, and since she truly liked Nolan, they couldn't let her suffer

Whether Norwood liked it or not, they had to intervene for her sake.

Breaking the silence, Jeff put on a polite smile."Norwood, forgive us for showing up unannounced.Since Eleanor and Nolan are about to be engaged, we felt it was only right, as her parents, to come and pay you a visit."

His tone was warm and respectful, carrying a quiet authority of its own. "The marriage between our families had some issues before, but luckily things are settled now. We know we owe Eleanor a great deal.To make it up to her and show our blessings, we've decided to double the value of the wedding gifts we first planned."

Saying this, he pulled out an embossed gift list from his briefcase and passed it over.

The butler accepted it with care and quickly presented it to Norwood.

Norwood took the long list without even bothering to open it.

It was clear the Bentons valued Eleanor dearly, as the lavish gifts were proof enough.

But to him, it made no difference.

In his eyes, Eleanor brought nothing but disgrace. Nolan's involvement with a divorced woman had already dragged the Stewart family into ridicule.

And now, on top of that disgrace, he wanted to throw a grand engagement party, as if parading their shame for the world to see.

He would never allow his grandson to be dragged down by such a woman.

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the thick gift list onto the polished coffee table as though it were nothing more than scrap paper.

"The matter from before was nothing but a misunderstanding," he said coolly. "Our families never agreed to any engagement. As for Nolan-"

His words cut off with a sharp snort. "He's young and reckless. I will never approve of this marriage."

Jeff's polite smile faltered. His brows knitted together,but for Eleanor's sake, he forced down the frustration rising inside him.

He opened his mouth to respond, but Norwood had already lifted a hand, signaling he had heard enough."I'm tired. I'll rest now."

He then signaled the butler, "Show our guests out." At that, Hilda's stomach sank. Her fingers instinctively curled around her husband's sleeve,as though clinging for reassurance.

Jeff gave her hand a gentle pat, his eyes steady as he looked at the old man sitting stubbornly.

But in the end,he didn't argue. He just shared a quiet Look with HHilda before leading her out.

Once outside, they got into the car.

The ride was weighed down with silence until Hilda finally couldn't take it anymore. With worry all over her face, she turned to her husband. "Baby, what are we supposed to do now?"

Jeff gently took her hand and said softly, "Don't worry.Nolan's a man who stands by the people he loves.He'll stand by Eleanor."

To him, Norwood's harsh refusal wasn't entirely bad.

"If, in a few days, he still refuses to budge, we'll take them both back to Breoqua. There, at least,they'll have us and our family to support them. With us around, no one will dare make them suffer."

His words were reassuring, yet a knot of unease still lingered in Hilda's heart. She knew her daughter better than anyone.

Eleanor's roots, her love, her dreams, everything was here.

Asking her to leave would be like asking her to tear her heart in two.

For the moment, though, there didn't seem to be any other way.