Chapter 25
His gaze flickered, and he let go of her, stepping back. “It’s fine,” he said quickly. “I’ll see you later.”
“You’re sure?” Nora pressed, concerned.
Alex thought to himself. “I have to go to Linda’s game tonight anyway. If she comes home early, you’ll just nag me not to play with her,”
Nora raised an eyebrow but decided not to push further. “Alright then. Go on in, and don’t keep your teacher waiting.”
“Okay.” Alex gave her a quick grin before running inside.
Just before he disappeared, he called out, “You should visit school more often–I’ve been doing really well!”
Nora waved after him, her smile lingering even as he disappeared into the classroom.
She stood for a moment, watching through the window as Alex joined his classmates and began his training exercises with the same determination he always had.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of her phone.
BETA Cody had requested a meeting, reminding her that today was the handover for her current responsibilities.
With a final glance at the schoolyard, she turned and headed toward the office.
As Nora walked out of the school gates, she couldn’t help but glance back one last time at the colorful chaos of children playing and chatting.
Alex had already disappeared into his classroom, but the image of his proud grin lingered in her mind.
She sighed softly, her heels clicking against the pavement as she made her way to the parking lot.
Sliding into her car, she adjusted the rearview mirror and started the engine.
The soft hum filled the cabin as she navigated out of the parking lot, merging into the steady flow of morning traffic.
Her thoughts drifted to Alex’s earlier words, the way he had clung to her and then so quickly let go, brushing off his emotions with a cheerful front.
As she approached a red light, she glanced at her phone on the passenger seat, the memory of Alex and Linda’s messages flashing through her mind.
The tone of their exchanges had seemed playful on the surface, but Nora couldn’t shake a nagging feeling.
Linda’s influence on Alex was growing, and though it wasn’t necessarily negative, it was… different.
Linda was spirited and competitive, qualities Alex seemed drawn to.
But Nora couldn’t help but wonder if his eagerness to impress Linda was overshadowing other important lessons–kindness, humility, patience.
The jealousy he displayed today was harmless for now, but what if it evolved into something deeper?
The light turned green, and Nora eased back into traffic, the weight of her thoughts settling over her like a thin cloud.
She shook her head slightly, trying to push away the worry.
Alex was still a child, figuring out his emotions in the only way he knew how.
It was her job to guide him, not overanalyze every moment.
As the office building came into view, she took a deep breath.
This wasn’t the time to let her mind wander too far.
She had a handover to manage, new responsibilities to address, and Megan to familiarize with the ins and outs of the job.
Yet, even as she pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine, Alex’s face lingered in her mind.
08:40
After I left, Alpha father and son went crazy
22.6%
Chapter 25
That boy had a way of making her rethink everything.
When she arrived, she didn’t see Arnold… Instead, Cody approached her with a tall, poised woman in tow.
“Nora,” Cody began, gesturing to the woman. This is Megan. She’ll be taking your place soon.”
Megan extended a hand, her grip firm but friendly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nora. I’ve heard a lot about your work.”
Nora returned the handshake, offering a polite smile. “Likewise. Welcome aboard. I’m sure you’ll do great.”
As they exchanged pleasantries and began discussing the transition, Nora’s mind lingered briefly on Alex’s earlier words.
It wasn’t often he expressed himself so openly, and while his jealousy had been amusing, it also revealed a depth of feeling she hadn’t fully acknowledged before.
With a deep breath, she refocused on the task at hand.
There was always more to do, more to manage–but moments like these reminded her why it all mattered.
The office buzzed with quiet efficiency as Nora led Megan through the main hall.
Megan walked with the confidence of someone who always knew she was the center of attention, her designer heels clicking against the polished tiles.
Dressed in a tailored outfit adorned with shimmering jewelry, she looked more ready for a gala than border patrol.
Nora cast her a sideways glance.
She’s beautiful, no doubt, she thought. But can she handle the grit of patrol work?
Megan, as though sensing Nora’s silent scrutiny, smiled warmly.
“This place is lovely. I can tell it’s well–managed. Must be your influence.”
