After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 30

“I don’t owe you an explanation, Cole,” she said, her tone calm but sharp. “And frankly, I’m done pretending to care about what you or any of Arnold’s friends think of me. You’ve made your opinions perfectly clear over the years.”

Cole blinked, clearly taken aback by her boldness. “What’s gotten into you?” he muttered, his usual confidence faltering

“Nothing has gotten into me. Nora said, her voice unwavering. Tve simply realized that I don’t need to tolerate your condescension anymore. For years, I put up with your sneers and your judgment, thinking it was easier to keep the peace. But now? I don’t have to. I’m done bending over hackward for people who only see what they want to see”

Cole’s mouth opened as if to retort, but no words camE OUL

He wasn’t used to this side of Nora, the woman who had always seemed so quiet, so docile, was now standing her ground with a calm yet fery determination

You think you know everything.” Nora continued, taking a step closer. “You’ve made up your mind about me without ever bothering to know me. And honestly? That says more about you than it does about me.”

For a moment, Cole was silent, his smirk replaced by something resembling surprise.

Then, almost grudgingly, he said, “Well, look at you. Didn’t think you had it in you”

Nora’s lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

People change, Cole. Maybe you should try it sometime,”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her steps steady and deliberate.

Cole watched Nora walk away, his jaw clenched tightly.

simmering anger

dare she speak to me like that? he thought, his mind replaying the

taking the subtle jabs and dismissive attitudes of

challenge him was as infuriating as it

in her place, but before he could speak, her phone buzzed. Nora paused,

her voice calm yet distant, as though their encounter

her attention now completely diverted to

fingers, leaving him standing alone, seething with

softened slightly as she listened to the person on the call. “Harrison? What is it?”

On the o

voice was light

Are you free? I was thinking we could grab a late night snack. I know this

at the time on her

in her mouth, and she didn’t feel like being alone with her thoughts

with Harrison, even with his endless chatter, might be just the distraction she needed.

she said, her voice softening. “Where should

toward the restaurant,

11:57

and son went en

Chapter 30

but cozy, its warm lighting and rustic decor offering a comforting

was already animatedly recounting the race

The way she took that last turn–it

small smile, nodding