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.

away to take

breathe before she noticed familiar faces–Charles and Cole. She had barely registered them when Charles spoke up,

a few minutes,”

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

12:12

Chapter 73

mom has things to do. Right, Nora?”

clear. She wasn’t wanted

didn’t let it show. She nodded with a polite smile. “I do. I’ll head back to the guest

smug. Alex looked relieved. Cole,

find Nora gone. He glanced at Alex. “Where’s your mother?”

to the

simply nodded, as if it didn’t

room, Nora sat by the large window, laptop open, trying to focus on her work. The

world where emotions didn’t dictate

no matter how hard she tried, her mind

Alex had looked at her earlier, the excitement on his face when Linda’s name was mentioned… The

sighed, rubbing her temples. *Why am I even thinking about this?*

on the door interrupted her

member standing there with

Nora, here’s your

frowned. “I didn’t order

was arranged by Alpha,” the staff member

moment, Nora didn’t react. Then

Arnold.

chest. Arnold had ordered food for her? That