Chapter 201

Ryland burst into the room, and the scene before him immediately sent a shiver down his spine.

He hurried over to Nolan, lowering his voice to a tense whisper.

"On my way here, Erick sent a message. A private jet left for Zerovia last night, and someone at the airport reported seeing a woman who looked exactly like Eleanor on board."

For the first time in a while, Nolan's icy intensity softened just slightly at the news.

His sharp eyes swept over the three people in the room, noting their mixed reactions. He turned to the bodyguards, his tone was sharp. "Nobody goes anywhere. Not a single person leaves without my say."

It was basically a house arrest with luxury.

Among those trapped inside were the former leader of the Stewart family and one of Breoqua's most influential elites.

The absurdity of it all wasn't lost on Ryland. He opened his mouth to protest, but Nolan had already pivoted and was storming toward the exit.

Ryland swallowed and fell in step behind him.

"To the airport. And broadcast this globally-anyone who locates Eleanor and keeps her safe gets a hundred million reward," Nolan instructed.

The bodyguards nodded and practically sprinted to carry out the orders.

Norwood stayed frozen, clutching his chest as if Nolan's very presence had knocked the wind out of him.

The butler's face went pale. He darted forwad to steady Norwood, barking at the other staff. "Hurry!Call the doctor now!"

Norwood sat back down, his eyes burning with disappointment.

What had he done to deserve this?

His once-proud grandson had confronted him over a woman of unknown background more than once.

It was outrageous!

And it was all his own fault. He shouldn't have handed too much power to Nolan just because of Colson's incompetence,.

And now, with Nolan in command, the boy had the nerve to defy him.

He drew in a shaky breath and casta quick,apologetic glance at Jeff. "Sorry you had to witness this mess."

Jeff waved him off calmly. "Don't worry about it,Mr.Stewart. Right now, we need to focus on finding Eleanor."

Lainey, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold,her shock evident.

Nolan had treated him like that, yet Jeff stayed calm,almost unnervingly so.

Was he worried about that insufferable Eleanor?

The thought made a flicker of jealousy flare in Lainey's eyes, but she quickly straightened up and spoke in a composed, concerned tone. "I think everyone's overreacting a little. I heard Miss Warren has been seeing several men on the side, so maybe she ran off with one of them?"

Turning to Norwood, she added smoothly, "Norwood,Nolan's obsessed with her. That's why he's acting so rashly. You shouldn't be upset with him." Lainey's words were smooth, almost sweet, but they were carefully calculated-throwing shade at Eleanor while giving Nolan an excuse for acting like a maniac.

Norwood's face relaxed as he listened, a hint of respect appearing in his eyes. He regarded Lainey with genuine approval.

The gossip about her was clearly baseless. Her grace,her calm confidence, and her eloquence all made her look leagues above that scheming Eleanor.

Jeff,however,barely registered Lainey's performance.His mind was on Hilda back at home.

Nolan had already deployed people to their home...was she alright?

With Norwood temporarily settled, the conversation shifted back to less volatile topics.

Lainey saw her opening and slipped away into a quiet corner.

She pulled out her phone, dialing fast, and whispered as soon as someone picked up. "How's it going? Has that... problem been taken care of yet?"

Horace's voice on the other end was slow and teasing,as if he had all the time in the world. "What's the hurry?When do I get my shares?"

Lainey's eyebrows shot up. That greedy moron! Despite her anger, she kept her cool. "You'll get everything promised as soon as it's handled."

Horace snorted skeptically. "I want half the shares now,or don't expect it to be done right."

Lainey's hands tightened around the phone. She could almost crush it in frustration, but she needed him for the moment.

Gritting her teeth, she replied, "Fine. Half now, but the shares aren't in my hands yet. I'lL give you $100 million as a deposit first."

Horace was silent for a moment before hanging up.

Lainey stared at her phone, annoyed to the max.

Damn it!

She hadn't even gotten the chance to check on Eleanor's status, and he hung up like it was nothing.

That bastard!

Still, she wasn't sweating it.

Horace was hooked now.

He wouldn't bail. He had no choice but to follow through.