Chapter 140

The restaurant hummed with a low murmur of conversation, waiters weaving between tables, balancing trays of steaming dishes and finely plated appetizers.

The scent of roasted meats and delicate spices lingered in the air, creating an atmosphere of understated

luxury.

Cole sat at the head of the table, his sharp, discerning gaze flickered over the room, yet his mind was

elsewhere.

He had always been good at controlling his emotions, but tonight, a subtle crease lined his brow, betraying his distraction.

Seated beside him, Flora was dressed to impress–an elegant black dress with delicate lace accents hugged

her frame, her hair styled to perfection.

She had carefully curated her appearance, ensuring she looked both sophisticated and alluring.

But it seemed none of it had any effect.

“Cole, have you seen the latest design proposals from the Paris team?” she asked, her voice carrying an intentionally casual lilt. “I heard they’re integrating-”

She stopped mid–sentence, realizing that Cole wasn’t even pretending to listen.

His attention had shifted entirely, his gaze now resting on the little girl beside him.

“Abby, are you thirsty?” His voice softened as he reached for a bottle of water, unscrewing the cap before offering it to her.

Abby, who had been quietly observing her surroundings, looked up at him and nodded. “A little,” she

admitted.

“Thanks, uncle!” Then, just as quickly, she turned her focus

momentarily stunned, forced a light laugh, tucking a strand of

used to being ignored so completely–especially not by Cole. Normally, men sought her attention, yet Cole remained

wine glass and took a slow sip, her lips

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Chapter 140

own world, their

pink bunny doll. The doll’s big fluffy cars dangled down, making it a joy to look at,

but his eyes widened in surprise when he saw the

It’s supposed to be a prize for the top three finishers in the race in the arcade!

she shook her head. “No.”

delicate, fluffy touch of the doll in his arms and said enviously,

shifted toward gaming, their voices animated with excitement.

games,” Abby announced proudly, sitting up

time!”

my mom is great

sparkled with excitement. “Then next time, let’s have a match! My aunt versus

eagerly. “Deal!”

It was rare for him to lower his guard, but watching the

the conversation back to business. “Cole,” he said,

thoughts, shook his head. “No issues. Everything has been

eyebrow.

“None.” Cole confirmed.

his fingers

*None?*

expected *something*-a complication, a delay, anything that might prove his assumptions about Nora correct. He had been so certain that she had climbed her

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