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

the past few days, each time under the

invitations.

an easy excuse to accept without making it seem

request.

time, citing vague reasons... something had come up, he was

she might have believed

But this many times?

fingers lightly against her wine glass, eyes narrowing slightly

possible that he was avoiding her because

to set him up with Flora multiple times, believing they would be a good

and eager to climb

Had she miscalculated?

that she was contacting him to push another meeting with Flora and was turning her down

lip, an unfamiliar irritation curling in

get worked up over such things. She

on her control, on her ability to manipulate

repeated refusals stung in a way she

worst of all... he didn't even seem

between shoppers as she made her

to demand expensive gifts, but she still wanted to

settled on a plush pink

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Chapter 185

huggable, with long floppy ears and a tiny embroidered smile. Something about

for the gif, tucking the small shopping bag under her arm as

as she stepped inside, Linda appeared, preparing to

Their eyes met briefly.

and something cold flashed through her expression

without hesitation, that the gift was