After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 139

Alex's voice was bright with excitement as he ran toward her, his little arms swinging the hard p the steps.

Surprised, she crouched slightly as he approached, steadying him when he threw his arms avoward hy waist.

"Hey, what are you doing here so late?" she asked gently, smoothing his slightly tousled hair.

The driver, a middle-aged man in a crisp uniform, stepped out of the car and gave her a small and

"Mr. Arnold asked me to bring him," he said simply, before returning to the vehicle without further explanation.

Nora's lips pressed into a thin line as she watched the car reverse out of the courtyard.

Arnold hadn't even bothered to bring Alex himself? Again?

She sighed and looked down at the child.

"Come on," she said, ruffling his hair. "Let's get you cleaned up for bed."

Alex, still cheerful, chattered about his day as she guided him upstairs. He took a quick shower, changed into the soft pajamas she kept for him, and crawled under the blankets.

As she tucked him in, he reached out and held her hand. "Will you stay until I fall asleep?"

Her heart softened. "Of course."

She sat beside him, rubbing slow circles on his back until his breathing evened out. The moment his small fingers relaxed their grip on hers, she stood, carefully tucking the blanket around him before

heading back to her own room.

her phone and typed a message

time, give me advance notice. And don't send Alex here without

he didn't see it or

message went out, Arnold didn't message her back

she was dropping

11:31

father and son went

Chapter 139

"Yes."

moment before locking

the week, her paper had passed Colton's review and was officially submitted. A sense of relief settled over her,

Colton, dinner's on us," Leo

surprise, this time

their conversation at the

a

sat silently, fingers tapping

wasn't alone-Abby, still half-drowsy from her nap, was

hesitated, watching as Nora, Leo, and Colton sat at their table, their

way Colton leaned in slightly when speaking to her, the casual way Nora responded,

in a position to dine with Colton

other and clearly had a better relationship, Leo instead sometimes shaking his head

a designer had mentioned something interesting-that Nora's ability might be superior to his own. At the time,

them interact, a realization settled uncomfortably in

assumed Leo's choices were driven by

were interrupted when Charles arrived at the

and Flora.

lit up instantly when she saw Cole, and she greeted him excitedly, "Cole, long time