Chapter 309

A cool breeze brushed Eleanor as she wandered along the quiet avenue.

Earlier, her words had struck too sharply.

Elora had been cautious, so it made sense Nolan hadn't believed her.

Eleanor slowed her pace, waiting for him to catch up with her.

Yet even after a long stretch, the street behind remained deserted.

Nolan had chosen not to follow.

A faint, ironic smile curved Eleanor's lips.

Perhaps that was simply male nature: once desire was satisfied, attention faded.

He had once loved her fiercely, Eleanor could sense it in every shared glance and touch.

Now,that devotion seemed to erode gradually, piece by piece.

It didn't matter.

She was no longer that woman, who would throw away her pride to try to win a man over.

Emotions could now flow freely without restraint.

Since Nolan no longer wished to embrace her heart, she would release him completely.

···

Meanwhile, Nolan gripped the steering wheel, a sudden ache tightening his chest as if a crucial part of him had vanished.

Assuming it involved his grandfather, he pressed the accelerator hard and called Erick, instructing him to send reinforcements to the Stewart family's estate immediately.

Racing through the city, he reached the aged villa within minutes.

Before Nolan stepped inside, Colson's smug tone carried through the air.

"Dad, you're aging. I'm your true heir. Who else deserves your fortune? Just sign the papers. Nolan's occupied elsewhere. No reason to wait for him."

Arrogance radiated from his words, coupled with an unshakable belief.

Ady had orchestrated the chaos perfectly, creating enough friction to distract Nolan and strain his bond with Eleanor.

Tonight belonged to him, a rare opportunity to seize control.

Colson's confidence evaporated quickly. Nolan's mocking tone sliced through the room from the doorway.

"Oh,really?"

Nolan stepped forward, his presence sharp and commanding.

Erick flanked him, a line of impassive bodyguards following in precise formation, all dressed in black suits.

Colson froze.

Wasn't he supposed to be away camping?

Before any reaction formed, Erick motioned calmly.

The guards immediately moved to encircle the living room.

Those bold moments ago-the members of the Stewart family and lawyer-now appeared frozen, dread etched across every face.

One old man, braver than his peers, wavered slightly, forcing a smile uglier than a grimace. "Nolan, we...we were just-"

His words stumbled as he searched for a justification that never arrived. Nolan's gaze passed the flustered man, landing on his grandfather, Norwood, who sat trembling with restrained fury.

A reassuring glance met Norwood s eyes before Nolan drifted to the sofa, sitting with effortless composure,legs crossed elegantly. Cold eyes swept the room.

"You should remember I am head of this family. Inheritance matters are serious, yet you didn't inform me?Who allowed such overreach?"

The old man nearly crumpled under the weight of those words.

Sweat trickled down his temple as he mumbled, "It's a misunderstanding, Nolan! We heard Norwood was unwell and merely came to check on him."

Others nodded eagerly, seizing the chance to flee, practically tripping over themselves.

After all, opposing Nolan directly for Colson's promised gain was far too dangerous.

Colson had assured them he would be absent tonight, which justified their presence.

Now an excuse appeared-when else could they escape if not immediately?

Panic flashed across Colson's face as he looked toward Ady for direction.

She gestured sharply to retreat.

"Uh, Dad, you and Nolan should rest," Colson said awkwardly. "I'll visit later."

He grabbed Ady and bolted, terrified Nolan's men would intercept.

Seeing them depart, Erick and the guards withdrew methodically.

Only grandfather and grandson remained in the silent room.

Norwood sank into.his chair, relief mingling with despair.

How had he fathered such an ungrateful boy in this lifetime?

Thankfully, Nolan stood by him, molded and raised through his guidance. Without the grandson, pride in his lineage would have vanished entirely.

Taking a deep breath, Norwood focused on Nolan."You-"

Darkness swept over him before words could finish, and he collapsed.

Nolan reacted instantly. He caught him in a rush and yelled toward the doorway. "Hector, call 911!"

Hector, stationed just outside, charged in. The moment he saw the scene, his face paled with shock.

Without hesitation, he fumbled for his phone, fingers trembling.