After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 185

Her voice was calm, as always. "I wanted to ask for your advice. Abby's birthday is coming up, and I'm

not sure what to get her."

Cole felt a warmth spread through him at the thought of Nora considering Abby's birthday important enough to call him about it. "Honestly, she likes you a lot," he said, his voice softening. "No matter what you get her, if it's from you, she'll love it."

Nora hummed in thought. "That's sweet, but I still need ideas."

Cole smiled, leaning back in his chair. "How about making a cake? Abby would love something

homemade."

Nora considered it for a moment before agreeing. "That sounds nice. I'll try that." "Let me know if you need help," Cole offered.

"I will," she replied. "I'll keep in touch."

As soon as the call ended, Cole sat there for a moment, staring at his phone. The conversation was brief, but it meant something.

For the first time in a while, he felt like there was still a connection between them. Cole arrived at the hotel where Arnold, Linda, and Charles were already gathered. The moment he stepped inside, Charles glanced at his watch and smirked.

"You're late," Charles remarked. "What kept you?"

Cole gave a small, amused smile. "Just a phone call."

Linda's gaze sharpened slightly, picking up on the subtle shift in Cole's mood. "A phone call?" she echoed, tilting her head. "Must have been important."

Cole didn't respond right away. Instead, he simply took his seat and picked up his drink, swirling it thoughtfully before taking a sip.

"It was," he finally said, a small smile lingering on his lips.

Linda watched Cole closely, noting his unusually light mood. It wasn't hard to guess that something. rather, someone... had put him in such high spirits.

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Chapter 185

over the past few days, each time under

invitations.

her tone casual, giving him an easy excuse to accept without

request.

her down every time, citing vague reasons... something had come up, he

or twice, she might have

But this many times?

fingers lightly against her wine glass, eyes narrowing slightly as she considered the

that he was avoiding her because of

with Flora multiple times, believing they would be a good

charming and eager

Had she miscalculated?

she was contacting him to push another meeting with

unfamiliar irritation curling in her

up over such things. She had always

on her ability to

Cole's repeated refusals stung in a

worst of all... he didn't even

bustling mall, weaving between shoppers as she made her way to

demand expensive gifts, but

some searching, she settled on a

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Chapter 185

was soft and huggable, with long floppy ears and a tiny embroidered smile. Something about it reminded her

bag under

stepped inside, Linda appeared, preparing

Their eyes met briefly.

plush in Nora's hand, and something cold flashed through

that