“Yes,” Nora responded casually, though her indifference only fueled Nathan’s excitement on the other end.
“Nora, with your skills and the Harper family behind you, it’s like you’re stacking victory buffs in life!” Nathan teased, his voice dripping with mock admiration. “As long as I work with you, my future’s practically paved with gold and luxury!”
“Enough with the flattery,” Nora replied, stifling a yawn. “Do you have something important to say, or are you just wasting my time?”
Wealth and power had never been her driving force. Whether the Harpers were farmers or billionaires made no difference to Nora, as she had never planned to rely on anyone other than herself.
Besides, peace wasn’t something wealth could guarantee, especially in such a big, complicated family.
“Nora, wait! I do have something important to talk to you about,” Nathan said, snapping back into focus. “Valor Studio is wrapping up its operations in Oseland. The head of the local branch is asking when you plan to shift things back here.”
Nora’s gaze drifted downward as she pondered. Over the years, she had set up numerous businesses abroad to keep her identity under wraps. But now, with the circumstances changing, it was time to start shifting the operations back home.
“Valor Studio is doing well abroad but lacks brand recognition here. We can’t just shift it back without careful planning,” she said, her tone all business. “Tell the person in charge to stop taking on new orders. We’ll meet tomorrow to discuss how to go about this.”
“Got it,” Nathan replied, his voice upbeat. “I’ll arrange the meeting and pick you up at the Harper estate tomorrow.”
The following day, Zoe appeared at her door as Nora prepared to leave, her face lit with warmth and concern. “Nora, did you sleep well? Is there anything you’re not used to?”
“I slept fine,” Nora replied gently.
“Do you want something to eat?” Zoe asked eagerly. “I’ve got sandwiches and a salad. Or if you’d prefer something else, I can call the chef to prepare immediately.”
Nora hesitated, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the overwhelming attention. “I’m not hungry. I’ve got plans today, so I am going out.”
“Oh, okay,” Zoe replied, her voice softening. As she watched Nora leave, a trace of disappointment crept over her expression. She glanced at the untouched breakfast tray, her enthusiasm fading as she quietly set it aside.
Wendy watched from the second level, her expression darkening. ‘How long has it been since Mom made breakfast for me?‘ she thought bitterly.
‘That ungrateful wretch, Wendy seethed. ‘But maybe this is good since Mom might get tired of her faster!‘
Her gaze shifted to the unfamiliar Maybach parked outside. A sharp glint flashed in Wendy’s eyes as she watched Nora slip into the front passenger seat.
“Since when has Nora had wealthy connections from her time with the Martins? Something’s definitely off. I need to follow her and find out what’s going on,” she muttered, her suspicion growing.
Nathan had arranged their meeting at Beyond the Stars, a newly opened bar in Windiburg. Despite the early hour, the bar was already bustling, the dim glow of neon lights casting shadows over the lively crowd.
Nora frowned as she approached. “Why here?” she asked, clearly unimpressed.
1/3
Chapter 8
Nathan scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “It’s my friend’s place, and I figured I’d support him. Plus, no one will suspect us of discussing business in a noisy spot like this,” he explained with a sheepish grin.
Nora sighed and followed him to a booth, too tired to argue. She wore a simple white shirt and skinny jeans, and her hair tied back with minimal effort. Despite the dim lighting, she stood out like a fresh bloom in a field of overgrown weeds. The contrast was impossible to ignore.
Within ten minutes, three or four men had already approached her, drawn by her understated beauty, but each was swiftly and coldly turned away.
Nora leaned back in her seat, her gaze distant and unimpressed when she shot a pointed look at Nathan. “This is your idea of a quiet, unnoticed meeting?” she asked, her voice laced with irritation.
Looking increasingly embarrassed, Nathan stood up. “I’ll get us a private room right away.”
Before Nathan could leave, a figure emerged from the shadows.
“Well, well, what a surprise,” the man said with a smirk. His eyes glinted with recognition as they landed on Nora. “Fancy seeing you again. Looks like fate’s on my side.”
Gabriel stubbed out his cigarette and strolled toward her, his gaze lingering. He’d been intrigued by Nora since giving her a ride back to the Harper estate but hadn’t had the chance to talk to her properly.
Now, of all places, they crossed paths again in this dimly lit bar, the smell of smoke and chatter swirling around them.
Nora glanced up lazily, her cool, indifferent gaze locking onto Gabriel. She vaguely remembered him but cared little.
“Nora? Pretending you don’t know me?” Gabriel teased, flashing a smug grin. “I’m the guy who gave you a lift to the Harpers that day.”
“Oh, you mean in that beat–up, fifth–hand Santana?” Nora’s voice was ice–cold, cutting straight to the point.
Gabriel’s smirk faltered as his friends burst into laughter behind him.
“Gabriel, picking up girls in a Santana now?” one of his friends taunted, eyes glinting with amusement.
“And a fifth–hand one at that! What’s next then?” another chimed in, unable to suppress his laughter.
Gabriel’s face flushed with embarrassment and frustration, his bravado fading as the teasing continued.
“Who would’ve thought Gabriel would crash and burn like this? Rejection’s a killer, huh?” a final voice mocked, relishing the
scene.
Unimpressed with the exchange, Nora gave Nathan a pointed look and urged him to hurry and secure the private room.
“Don’t be ridiculous! She’s my sister, alright?” Gabriel retorted.
“Oh? Why didn’t I know I have such a brother like you?” Nora mocked.
Unfazed by the mocking and humiliation, Gabriel sat down before Nora.
“Nora, this isn’t a safe place. There are too many playboys hanging around here. You should be more careful, and don’t let yourself get tricked,” Gabriel said, glancing at Nathan as he spoke.
Nathan’s eyes flared with irritation. He had always had a bone to pick with these cocky second–generation heirs, and now this man thought he could throw his weight around.
2/3
3:27 am $4 6AQ.
Chapter &
Stepping forward, sathan positioned himself between Gabric and store. “Who the bell are you? Do you think you can get dove to by acting like some white knight? Get low” he yelled.
Calists playful demeanor instantly darkened, “Who the hell do you think you are? Vinny, my friend’s sister to a place like this, then playing the gentleman?
Jawyer Ading, Nathan dunned back, “Who said I tricked her? Do you even know our relationshigh the’s my
Before he could furish, Stora yakked his sleeve divarply, couring, bim off. Her identity was something, the needed to keep
under wraps.
Nathan quickly hit his tongue, but the damage had been done. Gabriel’s eyes widened in disbelief as he jumped to the wrong conclusion. “Your witer Shameless! If you think you can marry my sister, you’ll have to get my approval first
Tensions rose quickly as the two men squared off, their words escalating into a standoff
Nors, growing frustrated, rubbed her temples as the thought, “These idiots are giving me a headache!
“Will you two just shut up?” she muttered, but the pounding, ber music drowned her voice,
Gabriel and Nathan gripped her arms, pulling her in opposite directions as if she were some prize to be fought over. The sharp pain made her brow creAS
She’s leaving with me today” Gabriel growled, paling harder.
1 brought her here, so it has nothing to do with yout” Nathan shot back, just as stubborn.
Their bickering showed no signs of stopping, voices rising as each tried to outdo the other
A sharp, mocking laugh suddenly came, cutting through the chaotic noise.
Nora’s head snapped toward the familiar voice, her eyes narrowing as recognition dawned. The poisoned man from the Maybach that day; the thought.
8/8
