Chapter 276

Nolan drifted through a haze of thoughts before steering toward Regal Heights.

Exiting the car, he spotted Hilda lingering by the gate,hesitant.

Her hands gripped a thermal container, pacing with nervous energy, fingers brushing the doorbell before recoiling,her face a map of uncertainty.

Nolan took measured steps toward her. "Mrs.Benton."

Her fingers clutched tighter, voice catching before she said, "I heard the Stewart Group is safe. ls Eleanor coping all right?"

She and Jeff had taken the liberty of intervening to help the Stewart Group without announcing themselves, and she now fretted Eleanor might see it as an intrusion.

She wanted to spare her daughter from worry.

Seeing the anxiety in her eyes, Nolan stepped aside,clearing the doorway."Come in."

Hilda shook her head sharply, startled. "No, no."

She thrust the container into Nolan's hands. "I prepared this myself. You and Eleanor enjoy it. I won't overstep."

With those words, she moved on swiftly.

A few steps away, she looked back, eyes glimmering with tearful tears.

Nolan, container in hand, remained silent.

He entered the living room where Eleanor lounged on the couch,absorbed in her book.

His footsteps drew her attention, and her gaze fell on the container, pausing.

It wasn't takeout. This came from the Bentons. Nolan spread the dishes on the dining table."Eleanor, dinner's ready," he called.

She set her book aside, moving slowly.

Why hadn't Hilda come inside?

Was it hesitation, or fear of seeing her?

Eleanor stopped at the table, hands frozen above the cutlery. "Where's Mrs. Benton?"

Nolan placed the last dish down and hesitated briefly. "She didn't want to bother you and left," he replied.

A heavy weight pressed on Eleanor's chest, and her eyes fell.

Nolan stepped closer, covering her cold hand with warmth.

He sensed the tension inside her-the tug between longing and fear.

For over twenty years, Eleanor had walked alone. Looking into her eyes, Nolan said softly, "Eleanor,whatever path you choose, I'm here."

She stayed silent, lifting her fork to taste the food.

Could this really be her mother's cooking?

She had never eaten it before, yet it carried a sense of familiarity, like a memory she had always carried.

She bit slowly, her thoughts wandering.

After the meal, Nolan tidied the table while Eleanor stepped outside for a walk.

Lost in thought, she wandered until the orphanage gate appeared.

Myah stood in the courtyard, enjoying the evening breeze.Spotting Eleanor, she waved warmly.

Eleanor stepped inside, drew a stool close, and lay her head on Myah's lap.

She didn't know what to do.

She truly didn't. Her mind replayed Myah's words.

Losing a child weighed hardest on parents.

She remembered the Bentons' kindness vividly.

Eleanor knew they had quietly acted to save the Stewart Group. She hadn't spoken it, yet gratitude ran deep.

Still, accepting it felt impossible.

Two decades of absence didn't vanish in a night.

The word"parents" feIt heavy, strange.

Their sudden return left Eleanor unbalanced, caught between fear and confusion.

Feeling Eleanor's light shiver, Myah touched her back tenderly."My dear, you already know what you want,don't you?"

Eleanor froze for a moment.

Myah's smile softened.

"You keep returning here, looking through that notebook, not to prove they abandoned you, right?You're really looking for proof they cared, that letting you go was never meant to happen. Perhaps things were misunderstood in the beginning. But deep down, their love reached you."

Eleanor lowered her gaze slowly.

Yes.

She had returned repeatedly, seeking roots, needing reassurance that she wasn't forsaken.

That faded photograph, delicate outfit, wooden rabbit...

All whispered of a love once present.

She hadn't dared confront it until now.

After a pause, Eleanor lifted her eyes, misty yet determined. "I get it now, Myah," she said.

Myah saw the clarity in her expression and smiled with relief.

Eleanor had finally conquered her fears and stepped forward.

"Go home, my dear. Your parents are waiting."

Rising, Eleanor bowed deeply to the woman who had nurtured her.

Then she walked out, passing through the gate.

As she approached the gate, she caught sight of the familiar figure.

Under the streetlight, Nolan lingered, the soft radiance crowning him in a faint halo.

He said nothing, made no move to hurry her-simply watched.

Their eyes locked.

Nolan stepped closer, warm fingers enclosing her cold hand. "Eleanor, where are we headed?"

Her final trace of doubt melted as she met his gaze."To the Bentons'."

A faint smile curved Nolan's lips as he tightened his grip. "Let's go."