Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Nora toyed with her phone, her sharp gaze sweeping over the Martin family.
“The first year I came to this house, Aria was suddenly hailed as a child piano prodigy. But we all know who really composed those pieces Nora said coldly,
“The compositions I’ve written over the years more than covered my expenses here. In fact, I haven’t taken a single cent from the Martin family since I was twelve, and I’m certainly not about to start now.”
Nora’s voice hardened. “When Benjamin Young went bankrupt and came begging for help, you didn’t want to acknowledge the marriage contract between our families. But you were too worried about what people would say if you broke it off, so you ignored my objections and forced the engagement.
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle. “Now that the Young family is thriving again, your jealousy has taken over. You’ve let Aria harass me and even drugged me to frame me. Fine. I’ll step aside and break off the engagement, just like you wanted.
Nora’s lips curved into a mocking smile. “Whether it’s money or loyalty, I owe the Martin family nothing. But if you dare to tarnish my name again…
Her eyes gleamed with icy confidence. I’ll expose everything from the hospital incident to the schemes you plotted in the study. The Martin family and your precious company can kiss your reputation goodbye.”
Joan was so furious that she stumbled, her face twisted in anger. Liam quickly stepped in to support her, though his heart was pounding as he gazed at his adopted daughter.
Three years ago, when the Martin Group faced a devastating crisis, Liam had reached out to everyone for help, desperate and on the verge of liquidating assets. Just as hope seemed lost, a sudden breakthrough occurred.
His father had confided in him that Nora had orchestrated the turnaround. Liam always knew Nora was exceptionally gifted.
At twelve, she earned a full scholarship to the country’s top university, accepted under special circumstances for her brilliance. If not for his own interference, preventing her from attending, Nora would have soared beyond the reach of the Martin family.
But despite her intelligence, Liam had never believed that someone so young could influence the business world. He dismissed his father’s claims until the old man insisted on giving Nora company shares.
Liam had a hidden reason for wanting her out of the Martin family. He knew he couldn’t control her, and if more shares fell into her hands, the Martin Group might very well rebrand as the Harper Group.
‘Indulging an enemy is just asking for trouble, Liam thought.
Suppressing his emotions, Liam sighed, his gaze softening with affection.
“Nora, I’ve never seen you as just an adopted member of the Martin family,” Liam said, his voice heavy with emotion. “All these years, I’ve done my best for you, and yet, I never imagined your misunderstanding of us would run so deep. It seems I’ve failed as a father. Even though you’ve found your birth parents, no matter what happens, you can always come to me if you face any difficulties.”
Liam’s words, though seemingly sincere, skillfully shifted the blame onto Nora’s supposed lack of gratitude, disguising his true feelings beneath a veneer of fatherly concern.
What a hypocritical and shameless man!‘ Nora thought, watching Liam as he feigned concern.
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3:36 am MA
Chapter 2
Just then, a servant burst into the room, her voice filled with urgency. “Mr. Martint A man is causing a were the entrance He says he’s here to pick someone up and gave our villa number, but security won’t let him in. They’re about to fight, and a crowd has gathered
“What a disgrace!” Joan snapped, her fury palpable as she stomped her foot. “The Martin family must be cursed to be linked
with such trash”
Nora frowned but had no intention of wasting more time on the Martin family. She calmly picked up her huge and turned to leave,
Aria watched Nora’s retreating figure, the panic that had once clouded her face quickly fading
As her chin lifted with renewed pride, thoughts raced through her mind. My reputation is unatakable, and renomed composers will always be eager to work with me. Soon, I’ll be marrying into the prestigious and influential Young family,
“What could Nora, a mere underprivileged girl, possibly offer to compete with me? Aria smirked, confidence swelling within her. ‘She’s destined to remain beneath me forever!
Just as Nora stepped outside, her phone rang
Clancing at the phone number on the screen, she smiled and answered the call. I’ve just left the Martin family, Pull all support from the Martin Group immediately, she commanded.
“Damn, did that shameless bunch really kick you out?” a pleasant male voice echoed from the other end of the line, disbelief and anger lacing his tone.
“They’re absolutely shameless! Without your help behind the scenes, the Martin Group would’ve gone bankrupt ages ago! And as for Aria Martin–if not for your compositions, she wouldn’t have had the qualifications to study under a renowned teacher, let alone become the country’s top pianist, the man ranted, his frustration clearly boiling over.
“But what’s even more infuriating is the Young family. Benjamin? That guy should take a good look at himself in the mirror. Did he really think he was some business prodigy, believing every investment he touched would turn into gold? He got where he is because of you, and now he’s cozying up to Aría? Unbelievable! Damn it, it’s beyond infuriating! I swear, I will make him regret this!” he continued, his anger barely contained.
After the man finished venting, he paused momentarily, his tone softening. “Nora, are you really going to meet your birth parents? What if…” He trailed off, but the unspoken question hung in the air.
Nora understood he was asking what she would do if her birth parents were just another version of the Martin family.
However, Nora wasn’t that vulnerable six–year–old child, lost and innocent. Shaped by her experiences, she had grown into a strong, woman, Emotions stirred in her as she paused in her steps, contemplating his words.
After a brief silence, Nora replied, “I owe them a meeting, at the very least. They brought me to this world, and for that, I must go”
As if her thoughts had pulled her into a daze, a black Maybach suddenly whipped around the corner, blaring its horn. The abrupt sound startled her, and her phone nearly flew from her hand. She stumbled for a few steps, her black backpack slipping from her suitcase.
Instinctively, Nora reached out to catch it, steadying herself against the car’s hood, her movements cat–like in their grace. The vehicle then screeched to a halt just in time.
In her haste carlier, she hadn’t zipped up the side pocket of her backpack, and its contents scattered onto the ground.
“Nora, are you alright?” The man’s concerned voice came through the phone, breaking her focus.
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Chapter 2
“I’m fine. I’ll look for you once I’ve settled things here,” Nora quickly replied before hanging up.
As Nora bent down to gather her belongings, the driver rolled down his window, impatience radiating from him. His face was hard, and his tone was anything but friendly.
“Watch the traffic! Are you blind? Are you trying to scam us by playing the victim?” he shouted.
Nora hadn’t intended to escalate the situation, but his words ignited her temper. She slammed her palm against the car window. “No honking in residential areas! Can’t you read the sign? Get out and help me pick up my things!”
The driver paused, taken aback by her boldness, and let out an exasperated laugh. He had served as the Sinclair family’s driver for a decade, accustomed to being treated respectfully. Just as he opened his mouth to reprimand her, a deep voice laced with authority resonated from behind.
“Get out,” the voice commanded.
The driver’s expression shifted immediately, his confidence evaporating. Trembling, he unbuckled his seatbelt, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
“Of course, Mr. Sinclair. I’ll assist this young lady immediately,” he stammered.
Nora couldn’t help but think how understanding his boss seemed, and she instinctively glanced toward the backseat.
Inside the spacious car, a man dressed in a tailored black suit sat with his legs crossed, propping his chin on one hand while gazing out the window. From this angle, she could only catch a glimpse of his prominent nose and sharply defined jawline.
As if sensing her gaze, the man turned slightly, and their eyes locked.
His features were warm and gentle, exuding an undeniable charm. Yet, if one looked closely, a hint of aloofness and coldness lingered in his dark eyes.
Nora studied him intently, not merely because of his looks but also because of the unusual pallor of his complexion. She noticed the slight redness in his eyes, hinting at fatigue or distress.
‘This man has been poisoned,‘ she thought, her curiosity piqued. ‘It’s a peculiar kind of poison. He must have been suffering for at least six years. He should be dead by now, yet it seems his body has learned to coexist with the toxin.‘
‘What a rare condition, she thought, her eyes sparkling with newfound interest, the earlier unhappiness completely forgotten.
“Excuse me, would you mind giving me your contact number?” Nora asked.
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