Chapter 81

Chapter 81

“We’d love to stay longer, but there’s another business reception we promised to attend,” a woman explained, setting down her barely touched drink before rising from her seat.

“Yes, we have to go as well,” another guest added. “It’s a big event–everyone’s talking about it.”

Soon, more followed, murmuring similar reasons as they left.

As the evening wore on, Nora and Alexander found themselves exchanging uneasy glances.

The once–lively banquet had begun to empty at an alarming rate, and the chatter that had once filled the room faded into silence.

One by one, guests made their polite excuses, murmuring something about prior commitments, before slipping out the door.

At first, it seemed like mere coincidence.

But when Alexander overheard a whispered conversation between two departing guests, his expression darkened.

They’re all going to Linda’s opening banquet,” he murmured to Nora, keeping his voice low.

Nora stiffened. “Linda? As in… Linda’s family?”

Alexander nodded grimly. “They deliberately scheduled their company’s grand opening for tonight. And it looks like they made sure to invite nearly everyone who was supposed to be here.”

Nora’s grip on her wine glass tightened. Her mind raced, but the more she thought about it, the clearer it became–this was no accident.

family had chosen this day on purpose, making sure that the old lady’s birthday celebration

they had used Arnold’s connections to lure the guests

shaking his head in frustration. “I

she noticed her grandmother watching the

what was happening, yet instead of reacting with visible anger, she simply set down

12:15

Chapter 81

she said, her voice calm

her, expecting some sign

an air of acceptance–resignation,

she began

“Nora,

behavior of

but deeply meaningful.

wasn’t just talking

talking about the past. About how Clark, Nora’s father,

unable to bear the humiliation and heartbreak, had eventually walked

those years still lingered like a shadow, but she pushed it down, just as

Clara was

slammed her fork onto her plate with a sharp clatter, her

spat, her eyes blazing. “To do something like this on purpose… and on Grandma’s birthday, no less! Do they

still fuming, muttered under his breath, “Apparently

But the tension in her posture spoke volumes.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255