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

breathe before she noticed familiar faces–Charles and Cole. She had

coming in a few minutes,” he announced with obvious

was immediate. His entire face brightened, eyes gleaming with excitement. “Really?” he asked eagerly.

12:12

Chapter 73

sure your mom has things

implication was clear. She wasn’t

nodded with a polite smile.

smug. Alex looked relieved. Cole,

later to find Nora gone. He glanced at

back to the room,”

didn’t change. He simply nodded, as

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

didn’t dictate

hard she tried, her

earlier, the excitement on his face when Linda’s name was mentioned… The way Arnold had so

*Why am I

knock on the door

find a staff member standing there with a

here’s your meal.”

frowned. “I didn’t order

arranged by Alpha,” the

Then

Arnold.

sensation settled in her chest. Arnold had ordered food for her? That