Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 88:

Aaron stepped forward, his finger aimed at Kathy. “You filthy girl! How vulgar and unmannered of you! Slander us again, and I’ll be forced to show you the door with a hanger!”

Madeline positioned herself in front of Kathy, her eyebrows lifted as she glanced at Norah. “Norah, isn’t it time you managed your entourage? They’re overly protective, verging on the irrational.”

The directness of Madeline’s statement was unmistakable.

Joanna’s temper flared at once. She addressed Madeline with a frosty tone, “Do you really think your Powell family holds any sway in Glophia? Are you aware of who I am? My brother could decimate the Powell family’s fortune by two-thirds in an instant.”

Madeline’s complexion drained of color as she quickly tried to amend her words. “Miss Andrews, that wasn’t my intention. My issue was with Norah, not you.”

Kathy struggled to swallow, observing Joanna’s commanding presence. To Kathy, Joanna emanated the aura of a distinguished family, unlike Norah, who seemed just another face in the crowd. It was this contrast that emboldened Kathy and Madeline to taunt Norah.

With a scoff, Joanna retorted, “My words fall on deaf ears? How dare you belittle Norah? She’s asked me to ignore your antics before, but you’ve crossed the line this time.”

Norah met Kathy’s and Madeline’s gaze with a serene expression. “Getting upset over them is pointless. Think of them as mere fools.”

Aaron, impressed, gave a thumbs up. “Your composure is admirable.” He was surprised by Norah’s patience under mockery, yet

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He suspected that anger simmered beneath her calm surface, especially considering the incident with her hand.

Joanna pressed on. “Norah might overlook your taunts, but I won’t. Cross me and you’ll learn your lesson.”

“Ever heard of Jordy? Arrogant as he used to be, he didn’t dare play against me. He seems quite timid in my presence. Care to test

applause broke the silence. “Well spoken, Joanna!” Touched by their support, he suggested with a smile, “Why don’t you two go shopping or whatever? Leave us

felt a wave of fear. Her boldness toward Norah had stemmed from the belief that Norah lacked backing, unlike herself, with the Powell

“Madeline, she’s upset. We should leave now. Any complaint to her family about us could

power to obliterate a significant portion of both the Powell

mix of defiance and resignation, addressed Joanna. “Miss Andrews, I get that you’re sticking up for your friend, but here’s a piece of advice. Norah isn’t

just turn

response was swift and sharp. “And you

her amusement at their disgruntled expressions, Norah chimed in, “We’ve spelled it out for you. Are you really going to stand here

by Joanna, tugged at Madeline’s sleeve. “Madeline, perhaps it’s best we

havoc Bryson could wreak on the Carter family if Joanna decided to involve him. She realized that in Derek’s eyes, Madeline held

Madeline conceded, “Fine. Let’s go.” She cast a lingering look of animosity toward Norah before

salesperson who had been shadowing them. “You can attend to someone else.

“Understood.”

Aaron explained to Norah and Joanna, “This salesperson is new to the main office and doesn’t

was common knowledge among BelleVogue’s staff that Norah and Joanna were frequent patrons. Their visits were usually attended to

“What brings you here today?

seemed to lift after Kathy’s and

“Does Norah really need your help picking out clothes?

her words. “Joanna, that’s a bit

dresses. “I need a dress for an auction. Something that fits

the options Aaron presented, Norah replied, “There’s so much to choose from. Let’s not rush. Feel free to try on whichever dress catches your

about her selection. “Norah, this one looks fantastic on you.