Chapter 253

Nolan had no idea that Norwood was already plotting out his marriage like it was some cold business arrangement.

Right now, he was in his study, lounging back with a flashy little romance guidebook in his hands, staring at the pages as if they held the secrets of the universe.

When Erick walked in carrying a stack of documents,he nearly doubted his own eyes.

He could hardly believe that his sharp, no-nonsense boss was actually reading a book like that.

He had to clear his throat to cover the laugh that was threatening to escape. "Mr. Stewart, is there anything | can do for you?"

Nolan didn't even bother to look up. "What could a single guy like you possibly know about this?"

The jab hit Erick right in the pride.

He stood there, silently licking his wounds, when he suddenly heard Nolan mutter under his breath, "How do I make the proposal stand out?"

Erick blinked, then pushed aside his bruised ego and started thinking seriously. "Well, Mr. Stewart, what matters most to Ms. Warren?"

The answer that almost slipped out of Nolan's mouth was "me." But he bit it back.

Instead, he said, "The Hope House."

Erick's eyes lit up as an idea struck him. "Then why not propose there? Let the children join in. It would be meaningful, and she'd never forget it."

Nolan's entire expression shifted. Energy sparked in his eyes.

The book was tossed onto the table in an instant, and he was already grabbing his car keys, striding toward the door with purpose.

Just before leaving, he paused, turned back,and clapped Erick on the shoulder. "This month, your salary's doubled."

Erick was stunned, then practically glowed with excitement. It felt like he had been struck by fortune itself.

Over the next few days, Nolan's schedule changed.He was in and out constantly, leaving early and coming home late. Eleanor didn't think twice about it.

In her mind, Nolan was probably just caught up in another round of heated clashes with Wray. Being busy was nothing new for him.

That afternoon, she had just finished sketching out a new design when her phone buzzed.

It was Myah calling.

"Eleanor, the orphanage just got a huge donation of supplies from a charity. Can you come help me sort and count everything?" Myah said.

"Of course. I'll head over right now," Eleanor answered without hesitation.

After ending the call, she picked up her bag and rushed out.

Soon,she arrived at Hope House and pushed open the rusty iron gates.

Just as she stepped inside, soft rose petals began to fall from above.

Before Eleanor could process it, a little girl ran up to her, holding a single red rose in her tiny hand. She beamed as she held it out. "Eleanor, this is for you."

Eleanor accepted the flower, still in a daze.

Then another child appeared. Then another.One after the other, they came running to her, each handing her a rose with the brightest smile.

Her arms were slowly filled with roses, and her eyes began to sting.

She was starting to understand.

When the last child had skipped off, leaving her clutching a bouquet of roses, she saw Nolan standing at the far end of the path lined with petals.

Dressed in a perfectly fitted black suit, he was holding a diamond ring that sparkled brilliantly under the sunlight. His steps were solemn as he walked straight toward her.

Finally, he stopped, lowered himself onto one knee,and looked up at her.

For once, the unshakable Nolan seemed nervous.

"Eleanor," he began, his voice gentle but tinged with emotion, "I love you. Will you marry me?"

Before she could even respond, Eleanor caught sight of movement in the distance.

Several familiar faces peeked out from behind a nearby tree-Hilda and Jeff, along with Lillian, Fannie, Ryland,and Myah.

Everyone important to her was there, quietly witnessing the moment.

Her heart clenched.

She hadn't expected Nolan to be this thoughtful, to bring all the people she cared about together.

Even if she wasn't ready to face Hilda and Jeff yet, a part of her still wanted her parents to be present on such an important day.

Her tears spilled over as she nodded. "Yes, I will."

Joy lit up Nolan's eyes as he slid the ring onto her finger with practiced care.

Then he got up, swept her up into his arms,and carried her forward, the sound of laughter and cheers ringing out behind them.

Back at the villa in Regal Heights, their steps turned into whispers against the floor as Nolan laid Eleanor gently onto the bed.

Their lips found each other, breaths mingling.

The air grew heavy, almost electric, as if the world around them had disappeared. And just when the moment was about to tip over the edge,Nolan suddenly stopped.

He pressed his forehead to hers, his voice coming out low and husky. "Not yet. Let's save that for our wedding night."

Eleanor's chest heaved as she tried to calm her racing heart. Their passion subsided slowly, replaced by a quieter,deeper warmth.

Nolan pressed a gentle kiss on Eleanor's forehead as he murmured, "The Stewart Group is holding its hundredth anniversary next week. Will you come with me?"

Her foggy thoughts cleared slightly at his words. She blinked, hesitant. "Do you really think your grandfather will accept me?"

A faint laugh slipped from Nolan's lips. His thumb traced the outline of her mouth. "You don't have to win him over. The only one you need to satisfy is me."

At his words, Eleanor rolled her eyes, though her lips curved despite herself. Somehow he always twisted the conversation to suit his own desires.