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.

on purpose, making sure that the old lady’s birthday celebration would

used Arnold’s connections to

frustration.

when she noticed her

to what was happening, yet instead of reacting

12:15

Chapter 81

said, her voice calm but firm. “Not a burial.”

to look at her, expecting some sign

there was an air of

began

silencing her gently. “Nora, listen to me. You must

shameless behavior

words, something unspoken but deeply meaningful.

wasn’t just talking

how Clark, Nora’s father, had once betrayed

unable to bear the humiliation and heartbreak,

Nora’s face. The pain of those years still lingered like a shadow, but she pushed it down, just as

room, Clara was

slammed her fork onto her plate with a

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

muttered under his breath, “Apparently

But the tension

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