Chapter 586

At this thought, Robert’s expression grew colder, his thin lips pressing into a hard, unforgiving line. Eleanor noticed the shift immediately—the subtle stiffening of his jaw, the icy edge in his gaze. It puzzled her. He had just helped her—held her, even. And now, without warning, he was acting distant again… aloof, almost offended. What on earth is his problem? She didn’t know. And frankly, she was too tired to care. Her own heart was twisted in uncomfortable knots. “…It’s not that I dislike it,” she said quietly, a faint smile curling her lips. Her eyes shimmered with a hint of amusement, but beneath the surface, it was all ice—sharp, brittle, masking something far less composed. “I’m just not used to being this close to others.” There was a beat of silence. Then, smoothly: “I’ll take my leave now. Get some rest.” She turned on her heel and strode down the corridor, her movements quick and decisive. The smile in her eyes vanished the instant her back was turned. Inside, she was reel