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.

and a simmering anger stirred in his

me like that? he thought, his mind replaying the sharp words

been meek and unassuming, quietly taking the subtle jabs and

see her stand tall and challenge him

in her place, but before he could speak, her phone buzzed. Nora paused, glanced at the screen, and stepped aside to

said, her voice calm yet distant, as though their encounter had barely

her retreat further away, her attention now completely diverted to

his fingers, leaving him standing alone, seething with

slightly as she listened to the person on the call. “Harrison?

On the o

Harrison’s voice was

a late

glared at the time on her phone

sour taste in her mouth, and she didn’t

meal with Harrison, even with his endless chatter, might be

her voice softening.

she lung up and walked toward the restaurant, shaking off the lingering tension

11:57

and son went

Chapter 30

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

the booth across from Harrison, who was already animatedly recounting

should’ve seen Sierra.” Harrison gushed, his eyes shining with excitement. “She was incredible! The way she took that last turn–it was like she was born

smile, nodding as she listened