After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 73

Arnold calmly replied, “No, I can afford to pay that back.”

His tone was flat, unbothered, as if the conversation held no weight.

He loosened his bow tie, placed it carefully on the dresser beside his wristwatch, and disappeared into the bathroom. The soft sound of running water filled the silence.

Nora stood frozen, gripping the equity transfer document. Her eyes lingered on the paper for a moment before she exhaled and slid it into a drawer.

A strange feeling stirred in her chest.

This was the first thing Arnold had ever willingly given her since their marriage. It wasn’t affection, wasn’t trust–it was just paperwork.

Yet, it still meant something. She just wasn’t sure what.

That weekend, at Arnold’s grandmother’s insistence, the three of them–Arnold, Nora, and their daughter Alex–traveled to the Hot Springs Lodge.

Nora never refused Grandmother’s arrangements.

It wasn’t about respect so much as habit. She simply complied, setting aside her work

It was easier that way.

I protest.

The lodge was nestled deep in the mountains, surrounded by towering pines and a crisp, cool breeze that carried the scent of fresh snow.

The natural hot springs let off wisps of steam, making the place feel almost dreamlike in the late afternoon glow.

arrived, Arnold stepped away to take a phone call.

a moment to breathe before she noticed familiar faces–Charles and Cole. She had barely

coming in a few minutes,” he announced

entire face brightened, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Really?” he asked eagerly. But then, as if remembering something, his gaze

12:12

Chapter 73

smirked. Im sure your mom has things to do. Right, Nora?”

She

let it show. She nodded with a polite smile. “I do. I’ll head back to

looked relieved. Cole, however, frowned.

Nora gone. He glanced at

went back to the

nodded, as if it didn’t matter.

window, laptop open, trying to focus on her work. The rhythmic clicking of keys echoed in the quiet space. She had deadlines to meet,

had always been her escape–a world where emotions didn’t

matter how hard she

when Linda’s name was

*Why am I even thinking

on the door interrupted her

find a staff member standing there with a tray of food.

Nora, here’s

didn’t order anything.”

arranged by Alpha,” the staff member

a moment, Nora didn’t react. Then the

Arnold.

Arnold had ordered food