Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 7:

Upon hearing Joanna’s words, Norah took a moment to reflect.

The Hayes and Andrews families were among the top four families in Glophia, with the Hayes known for their military background.

She recalled Devante Hayes, a once-prominent military figure who had retired long ago.

Her dealings had mainly been with the Andrews family, rarely interacting with the other leading families in Glophia.

Joanna watched Norah closely, asking, “Norah, how did you figure it out without me saying anything about that?”

“Having been around you for so long, it’s hard not to pick up on when you’re holding something back,” Norah replied.

Norah had caught Joanna’s hesitant looks earlier, sensing she wanted to share something but was waiting for the right time.

Joanna, a bit embarrassed, chuckled. “You’re always one step ahead, Norah. What’s your drink of choice? Tonight’s on me! So, regarding the Hayes family…”

Norah raised her eyebrows and replied, “Set up a meeting to talk business, and then I’ll decide if I’ll offer to help. Now, I need to use the restroom.”

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Joanna responded immediately, “Okay!”

After leaving the restroom, Norah shook off the water from her hands and returned, accidentally running into Madeline, who was holding onto Derek.

Madeline was the first to speak. “What a surprise to bump into you here, Norah.”

mind. She began to question the widespread belief in Madeline’s kindness and sensibility, sensing instead a manipulative sneak in

saw Norah’s glowing beauty. “Norah, this isn’t your place. You shouldn’t dress

Derek and said, “Where I go and what I wear is none of your

Even though he had saved her life once, she felt she had repaid that favor. After helping him wake up from the coma, they were even. Plus, she

annoyance was evident as he said, “So you’re desperate to stay away from me? Then why did you plead with me not

you’re mistaken. When did I

a question earlier, not once begging or resisting

finally

and said, “Derek,

“Be quick about it.”

was out of earshot, Madeline addressed Norah. “I’m aware you might hold some bitterness toward me for returning and capturing Derek’s heart, but it was bound to

“And your point is?”

a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes as she continued, “I appreciate your stepping in to care for Derek when he needed it most—something I couldn’t do at that time. It’s unfortunate how things turned out

immediately caught the underlying motive of Madeline’s words. She was essentially flaunting and

words indicated that Norah should accept the harsh truth: Derek, whom she had taken care of for the past two years, could never reciprocate her feelings. Despite his coldness, Derek had changed, but never Norah. Their marriage

Derek anymore. When she signed the divorce papers, all her illusions faded away. To her, Derek was just a fleeting figure in life.

lifted her head, giving Madeline a scornful look.

tightened. “Norah, there’s no need to

laughed as she stepped toward Madeline. “I’m merely

added casually, “Derek isn’t the

a perfect match. Enjoy your life together.” With a dismissive wave,

From a chamber upstairs,

back, he asked, “Who’s that woman named

who married into the Carter family two years ago. Her arrival seemed to bring luck. Despite doctors’ grim predictions for Derek’s condition back then, Derek

recalled the Carter family’s shift two years prior and shook his head.