Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 1405:

As Marlene led Norah down the hallway, Sharon pulled out her phone, her hands trembling slightly as she dialed her son’s number. “Derek, get back here immediately. Norah’s here. If we win her over, the Carter family might still have a chance.”

Derek’s voice crackled over the line. “Got it, Mom. Just stall her until I arrive.”

“I know. Oh, and where’s your wedding photo? I need to find it.”

Sharon knew that a golden opportunity like this shouldn’t be wasted, not because of her temper—that was why she had tolerated Norah’s sarcastic remarks.

She then remembered that Madeline might have disposed of the wedding photo of Norah and Derek and couldn’t help but curse under her breath.

Marlene took the lead, stepping ahead of Norah. “Juliana usually keeps to herself. Ever since she got sick, she hasn’t liked having visitors. If she’s irritable, please be patient with her.”

She stopped at a door and glanced back at Norah. “I’m not sure if she’s awake. Let me check first.”

aside with

and a sharp, unpleasant odor

the smell—the familiar staleness she’d encountered countless times in hospital

state of the room came into full view.

pregnant,” Marlene muttered, picking up some dirty clothes and tossing them onto a corner of the

at

She wasn’t surprised. Marlene’s true nature had been

the center of the bed lay a motionless figure covered with a thin blanket, barely resembling a person. The floor was filthy, with dust settled in corners. A bowl of porridge sat untouched

placed the gift she’d brought on the table and walked over to the window. She yanked the curtains open, letting

to her that Marlene rarely bothered to care for Juliana. The neglect was evident in every detail—the smell, the state of the room, and the untouched

the rest of the

had never made an effort to care for Juliana. To her, Juliana was nothing more

please… Check on her. She’s awake,” Marlene said,