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.

they arrived, Arnold stepped away to take a phone call.

she noticed familiar faces–Charles and Cole. She had barely registered them when Charles spoke up, deliberately raising his

few minutes,” he announced with

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

12:12

Chapter 73

your mom has things

was clear. She wasn’t

She nodded with a polite smile. “I do. I’ll

smug. Alex looked relieved. Cole,

a few minutes later to find Nora gone. He

went back to the room,”

nodded, as

window, laptop open, trying to focus on her work. The rhythmic clicking of

been her escape–a world where emotions didn’t dictate outcomes, where logic and skill

matter how hard she tried, her

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

temples. *Why am I even thinking

on the door interrupted her

staff member standing there with a tray

here’s

“I didn’t order anything.”

arranged by Alpha,” the staff

Then the meaning sank

Arnold.

sensation settled in her chest. Arnold had