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

Cole.

minutes,”

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

12:12

Chapter 73

mom has things to do. Right, Nora?”

implication was clear. She

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

looked smug. Alex looked relieved. Cole, however,

few minutes later to find Nora

to the room,” Alex replied

simply nodded, as if

the large window, laptop open, trying to focus on her work. The

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

she tried, her

face when Linda’s name was mentioned… The way Arnold had so easily accepted

*Why am I even thinking about this?*

knock on the door interrupted

to find a staff member standing there with a

here’s

“I didn’t order anything.”

Alpha,” the staff member explained.

react. Then

Arnold.

sensation settled in her chest. Arnold had