Chapter 298

Nolan spent the entire night reading the romance guidebook, searching for a way to make things right.

By sunrise, inspiration struck-he would redo the proposal, but this time, he would change the entire scene and let the world see just how much Eleanor meant to him.

He wanted everyone, especially her fans, to witness the love that had been so real during their first engagement.

Energized by the plan, Nolan dove headfirst into preparations.

Days slipped by without a word from him, leaving Eleanor to wonder if he was still busy keeping Elora company. That thougt weighed heavy, making her feel even more alone.

Sensing her daughter's gloom, Hilda gently brushed Eleanor's hair aside and gave her a warm smile."You've been locked up at home for too long. How about we go out for some shopping and clear your head?"

Eleanor agreed, thinking some time out with Hilda might lift her spirits.

They headed downtown, ending up at the city's largest mall.

A lavish boutique with gold trim and floor-to-ceiling windows caught Hilda's attention, and she tugged Eleanor toward the entrance. "This place looks interesting. Let's pop in for a look."

Just as Eleanor was about to step through the doors,she spotted two familiar faces reflected in the glass -Ady and Elora.

Inside, Elora knelt at Ady's feet, slipping shoes onto her with careful hands, looking for all the world like a servant.

The sight left Eleanor stunned, and her face fell. Hilda immediately noticed the change. "Sweetie, are you feeling okay? Did something happen?"

Eleanor shook her head and quickly took her mother's hand. "Mom, I think I need to sit down for a bit. Can you come with me?"

Before Hilda could answer, Eleanor hurried her away from the store, doing her best to avoid being seen.

Eleanor settled into a coffee shop, her thoughts spinning in a hundred directions. So Elora was working for Ady all along?

That nagging unease finally made sense.

Still, Elora hadn't crossed any lines, careful never to slip.

Would Nolan even believe her if she spoke up?

Or would he brush it off as jealousy?

That thought made Eleanor pause. Maybe she needed proof. Turning to Hilda, she improvised. "Mom, I think I dropped my earring. Can you wait here for me a second?"

Before Hilda could reply, Eleanor was already halfway out the door.

Left behind, Hilda looked after her, puzzled but patient.

Eleanor raced back toward the boutique, clutching her phone, ready to snap a picture. But when she peeked inside,Ady and Elora had vanished.

She let out a sigh, deciding not to dwell on it.

Deep down, she trusted that Nolan was nobody's fool.

If Elora had hidden motives, he would figure it out on his own. And really, without any evidence, what could she even say?

Moments later, Hilda found her lingering by the storefront,lost in thought.

Eleanor perked up and looped her arm through her mother's, forcing a smile. "Mom, I'm starving."

Hilda's eyes softened, her concern melting into a warm laugh. "Perfect timing! There's a new place nearby everyone's raving about. Let's go spoil ourselves a little," she replied,her tone light.

Eleanor nodded, matching her mother's pace as they walked side by side toward the restaurant.