Eliza knew how well Nolan treated her and that every decision he made was for her own good. She leaned into his embrace and whispered, "We’re already engaged anyway. Once we reach the legal age, we can get our license and become a real family. My brothers are very protective, but once you're family, Halbert won't target you anymore." "I know," Nolan replied, his voice thick with tenderness. He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Wait for me. I’ll come for you." "I will." By the next morning, Halbert arrived early to pick up Eliza. As they pulled away from the Hayes estate, Eliza shot her brother a resentful look. "Is there really such a rush?" "There is," Halbert replied, his expression stoic. He had never truly approved of her relationship with Nolan, but he had remained civil because of the engagement. This time was different; the fact that Eliza had been snatched away right under Nolan’s nose sat poorly with him. In his eyes, Nolan had been weak. How could such a man protect his sister? "You don't need to worry about the situation in Westbrook anymore. Tristan will send people to assist Nolan behind the scenes. You shouldn't concern yourself with the rest." "I can't do that," Eliza countered. "There are still things in Westbrook I need to see through. I'm waiting for news." She had already reached an agreement with Elaine. If Elaine managed to get her hands on the leverage against Tyson, she would notify Eliza immediately. Because of that, Eliza couldn't stay overseas for long. Looking at her, Halbert knew there was no point in arguing. He looked away, dismissing the topic. "Tell that to Tristan then. He’s the one who spoils you; he’ll agree to whatever you ask." At that, Eliza’s expression finally softened. "Thank you." Meanwhile, as the car carrying Eliza disappeared from sight, Nolan’s gaze darkened. Colton and Lewis arrived at the house as planned. "So, what's the first move?" Colton asked. Nolan’s voice was cold and flat. "I’m going to beat them into submission." "Are you for real?" Colton stared at him in shock.This brand of brute-force simplicity didn't sound like Nolan at all. He was usually the master of meticulous planning; hearing him suggest "beating them into submission" felt completely out of character. "Time is short," Nolan said. "I don't want Eliza to wait for me." Simultaneously, at a high-end bridal boutique. "Are you satisfied with these options, Ms. Lynn?" The sales clerk displayed several gowns for Elaine, but compared to what Eliza had worn at her engagement, these were lackluster. Elaine lost interest instantly. "Where is Tyson? Hasn't he arrived yet?" Tyson hadn't contacted her once since their last confrontation. Julio, standing nearby, spoke up. "The Boss is extremely busy with official business. He sent me here specifically to assist you. You can rest assured; my presence is the same as his." "The same as his? You’ve been by his side a long time, haven't you, Julio? By that logic, will you be the one walking me down the aisle at the wedding too?" Stung by her sarcasm, Julio lowered his head and remained silent. The sales clerk quickly sensed the tension and offered a strained smile. "Sir, a wedding is no small matter. It really is best for the groom to be here in person. Besides, picking out a gown and suit only takes an hour or so." Elaine turned to Julio. "Did you hear that? Call Tyson right now and tell him to get over here. It’s just a dress fitting. We might as well do the photos while we're at it to save time. If he doesn't show up, then this wedding doesn't need to happen at all." Faced with the threat of a cancelled wedding, Julio didn't dare hesitate. He stepped aside and dialed Tyson. Back at the office, Tyson was buried in paperwork. He answered the phone immediately. "Aren't you supposed to be with Elaine? Why are you calling me?" Tyson had no requirements for the wedding; to him, it was just a formality. He didn't care about the style or color as long as it wasn't offensive. Since Julio knew his tastes best, he had left the decisions entirely to him. "Ms. Lynn is insisting on your presence, sir. I’m at my wit's end. She said that if you don't show up, she’d rather call off the engagement."