Chapter 74

Guilt settled in Nora’s chest. “I know, sweetheart. I’ve just been busy.”

Abby brightened. “That’s okay! Guess what? I started painting! Uncle Cole got me a big sketchbook, and I drew a picture of you!”

Nora blinked in surprise. “You did?”

Abby nodded enthusiastically. “Wait! Let me show you!”

She disappeared off–screen, rustling through papers.

Nora glanced at Cole. His face was unreadable, but there was a quiet softness in his eyes.

A moment later, Abby returned, holding up a simple drawing–her and Nora standing together, both smiling.

Nora’s throat tightened. “That’s beautiful, Abby,” she said warmly. “You’re very talented.”

Abby beamed. “Come see me soon, okay?”

Before Nora could respond, a voice called Abby’s name from the background. The little girl pouted. “I have to go! Bye, Auntie! Bye, Uncle Cole!”

The call ended. Silence lingered between Nora and Cole.

The two strolled through Spa Hills at night, the sound of rustling leaves and distant murmurs of other guests filling the silence between them.

The moonlight cast long shadows along the pathway, and the cool night breeze carried the faint scent of pine and mineral water from the hot springs.

Cole’s phone call with Abby had ended minutes ago, yet the words still lingered in Nora’s mind.

When he had turned to her and said, “Abby likes you a lot,” there had been something strange in his tone–something softer than she had ever heard from him before.

glanced at him from the corner of

and cold werewolf, a man

emotions.

through arrogance but through sheer

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Clupter 24

be called gentle, yet tonight,

side after all,” she

the road, a figure stood watching

Linda.

narrowed slightly as she took in the sight of them walking

uncomfortable, though she masked it well with a pleasant smile as she

she greeted, her voice smooth

even glancing at Nora, she tilted her head slightly and asked, “Are you coming to the tonight?”

position

to. With practiced ease,

meeting tonight,” she murmured. “You two enjoy

waiting for a response, her footsteps quiet against the stone

party

excitement. The party was about to begin.

high spirits, leaned toward Alex with an amused glint in his eyes. “Go ask your mom

sure she wanted to follow

as if her presence would somehow disrupt the relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

going smoothly–chatter, soft laughter,

chat..

he could respond, Arnold

he stated simply.

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