Chapter 622

The sudden noise broke through the night’s stillness, pulling Eleanor’s attention like a string being tugged. She turned her head instinctively— And froze. Trotting toward her was a dog. Its gait was a touch clumsy, slowed by age, but each paw still tapped the ground with crisp, deliberate beats. Its compact body was as endearing as ever, though faint silver now threaded its once-glossy fur. Could it be…? Eleanor narrowed her eyes, her breath catching for a moment. Then, recognition struck. Yes. It was Pudding—Robert’s French Bulldog. The memory hit her like a sudden wave. Robert had never been the sentimental type, especially when it came to animals. Pudding had never been allowed to roam freely through the house, never pampered like a child. A designated caretaker fed, bathed, and walked the dog. Robert’s interactions were rare—fleeting moments when a good mood allowed for an indulgent pat on the head. And yet, Eleanor remembered vividly: four years ago, when she had returned to Chic