Chapter 147

Lainey had never thought the Faulkner family would crumble so easily. Just a single hit from Nolan, and they were wiped out overnight.

She was livid, clenching her phone so tightly her knuckles turned pale. Once again, Eleanor had walked away untouched.

Just then, her screen lit up with a new message from the informant she had planted inside the Stewart household. "Nolan was punished by Norwood. He's been sent to reflect in the basement."

Lainey's frustration instantly transformed into excitement.

If Nolan was being disciplined, then surely it was because of the Faulkners' downfall. And at the core of that matter was Eleanor.

Norwood must already loathe Eleanor, and now he would despise her even more.

If Lainey seized the chance to stand out now,Norwood might finally acknowledge her.

Heart racing, she rushed downstairs and found Jeff in the study, poring over documents.

"Dad! Nolan's being punished by his grandfather,and it's because of Eleanor! Didn't yousay you'd help me? The opportunity is right in front of us!"

She didn't bother to sugarcoat her words, relying fully on her father's indulgence.

Jeff wasn't offended in the least. All he saw was the bright spark of determination in his daughter's eyes.His tone softened as he nodded. "Alright. I'll reach out to Norwood sincerely in the next few days. By his birthday banquet, I'll make sure your wish comes true."

In truth, he had already crafted a plan long ago.

He was simply waiting for the right timing.Now,with the stage set, success was only a matter of execution.

At his reassurance, Lainey's face lit up with delight."Really,Dad?"

Jeff smiled warmly, patting her head with fatherly pride. "I would never lie to you."

To him, Lainey was a priceless treasure he had gotten back, and he was determined to stand by her no matter what.

So what if she was a little spoiled?

With a joyful laugh, Lainey threw herself into his arms. "Dad, you're the best!"

In her mind, everything was falling into place.

Soon Nolan would be hers, and she couldn't wait to see how Eleanor would dare challenge her then.

But at the doorway, Hilda stood frozen, having heard everything.

Nolan's girlfriend. It was the third time she had heard Lainey say that name. Eleanor.

Hilda felt her heart skip for reasons she couldn't explain.

Pushing down her unease, she hurried back to her room and quickly dialed Denny.

Her voice was rushed and urgent as she said, "I need a full background check on Nolan's girlfriend,Eleanor Warren. Everything you can find. Don't let Lainey hear a word of this."

Though puzzled, Denny didn't question her. "Yes,Madam."

He was quick.

The notification buzzed, and within minutes Hilda had the photos in hand.

She tapped them open, and the moment the first one loaded, her whole body went rigid.

Her grip on the phone nearly slipped.

The girl staring back at her had eyes that curved when she smiled, the faintest hint of dimples, a sharp little nose, and lips that curled just so at the corners.

Hilda's breath caught. She knew that face.

It was like looking into a mirror from years ago.

Even in a picture, the resemblance was undeniable.

In person? It would be impossible to miss.

Her chest tightened as her eyes welled up.

She didn't need a second opinion.

That was her daughter.

But then a bitter thought struck her. Jeff must have seen her before, so why didn't he recognize her?

The second Jeff stepped into the room, Hilda didn't hesitate.

She stormed up, grabbed him by the collar, and stared at him with blazing eyes. "Jeff," she said, her voice trembling with both fury and heartbreak, "how could you fail to recognize your own daughter? How could you?"

Her anger only burned hotter as she thought about the contrast.

Lainey walked around like she owned the world,lording her so-called status over everyone, while her real daughter was left out there, struggling. It was unbearable.