Chapter 311

Before heading to the Benton family's residence, Nolan made sure the car was loaded with gifts.

As he rolled into the driveway, he spotted Jeff jogging back from his morning run. The man slowed, scowl already in place.

"Well, well, look who it is," Jeff drawled, voice thick with sarcasm. "Mr. Stewart graces us with his presence.Shame I didn't prepare a red carpet."

Nolan didn't flinch. He stepped out carefully, carrying the gifts, his voice even and polite."Mr.Benton,I've come to see Eleanor. Is she home?"

The words made Jeff's anger spike. This was the man who had left his daughter miserable for days, and now he had the nerve to show up and ask for her?

"Oh,you still remember my daughter?" Jeff sneered. "I thought you were far too occupied with your close _"

Before the jab could land, Hilda appeared at the doorway.

She shot her husband a sharp glance, and his words died in his throat.

Hilda turned to Nolan, her tone calm, almost regal. "Go ahead upstairs. Eleanor's in her room."

She knew her daughter's heart better than anyone else.

Sometimes, the best way to support her was to step back and let her navigate her own life.

Nolan nodded in gratitude, set the gifts aside, and hurried up the staircase.

Inside, Eleanor was hunched over her sketchpad, absorbed in her designs. The moment she saw him, her hand froze mid-stroke.

"Wha are you doing here?" she asked. The second those words left her mouth, he pulled her into a warm hug, burying his face in thecrook of her neck.His voice was rough. "Baby, I'm sorry. I haven't been there for you."

Eleanor stiffened for a fraction of a second, then gently pulled back, creating the space she needed. "I'm not angry" she replied softly. "I've just been swamped. There's a shipment of artifacts arriving soon. Dyer and I are buried in research and auction preparations."

Nolan caught the indifferent look in her eyes and felt that familiar sting of helplessness. "How about I attend the auction with you?" he asked.

Eleanor looked at him, her eyes calm and distant. "Elora isn't doing well. You should be there with her more."

She was tired of hope constantly turning into disappointment.

For him,showing up or not might have been just a matter of words, but for her, it was a repeated letdown.

His presence, or absence, no longer shifted her world as it once had.

When he heard her words, panic prickled in Nolan's chest.

He gripped her hand, a little tighter than necessary. "Baby, I promise. This time, I'll be there. I won't let you down."

She offered only a soft hum in acknowledgment and withdrew her hand with calm deliberation.

Nolan stared at his empty hand, the creeping fear of losing her grasped him like a vise.

He floundered for an excuse, a lifeline. "How about lunch? I'll take you to your favorite restaurant."

She shook her head, replying, "I can't. I have to meet Dyer this afternoon."

The finality in her voice left no room for argument.

Nolan's shoulders tensed. He knew her stubborn streak all too well.

Pushing would only deepen her annoyance.

With a sigh, he made his way toward the door, casting glances back at her every few steps. Just as he reached the doorway, a thought struck him. He stopped abruptly."Oh,, Eleanor, Grandpa's in the hospital. He's been asking about you."

With that, he left, carrying a mix of regret and restraint.

Eleanor's hand, holding the pen, paused slightly.

Norwood's health was delicate, and he couldn't take much more strain.

She needed to visit him.