Chapter 44
1 see.” Linda said smoothly, though her tone betrayed her irritation. “Well, I wouldn’t have been able to work at such a small studio anyway
She turned on her heel and walked away, her head held high, as if dismissing the entire conversation as beneath her.
Nora’s attention shifted as she caught movement in the crowd.
Arnold stood a short distance away with his friends Cole and Charles,
Cole and Charles were openly staring at her, their surprise evident in their wide eyes and exchanged glances.
Arnold, however, was different. His expression was cold, his gaze icy and unyielding, as if she were a stranger he had never known.
For a moment, the hollroom felt smaller, the air heavier.
The look on Arnold’s face stung, but Nora squared her shoulders and held her ground.
She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her falter.
Leo noticed her sudden stillness and followed her gaze.
“What’s wrong. Nora?” He asked quietly, his voice laced with concern.
“Nothing.” It was a terse response that had left an uneasy silence in its wake,
She had taken a long, slow sip of her drink as she settled into a chair in the corner of the lounge, hoping to let her thoughts settle down.
As she gazed into the glass. lost in her own musings, she noticed Hals approaching her.
His expression was serious and tinged with disapproval
He stood there silently for a moment before speaking up in a low, questioning tone..
“Did you just bully Linda and stop her from entering the studio?” he asked sharply, his voice echoing in the hushed atmosphere,
His tone was accusatory, each word carefully chosen as if he were trying to pinpoint a misdeed he believed was
Nora looked up slowly, meeting his gaze with cool determination
“I did what needed to be done,” she replied evenly, her tone carrying no hint of guilt or defensiveness.
ed was unforgivable.
Her words were calm yet pointed, and with each syllable, it was clear she was not willing to back down or admit to any wrongdoing
Hals, taken aback by her forthrightness, hesitated for a moment before his frown deepened.
He muttered, almost under his breath, “This isn’t over,” before hurrying away, leaving Nora with the heavy feeling of unresolved tension.
Meanwhile, Arnold, busy mingling
ding with the other guests, seemed oblivious to the unfolding dispute.
His attention was absorbed by conversations and laughter, and he did not notice the quick exchange between Nora and Hals.
Later that evening at the reception, Nors found herself engaged in conversation with Leo.
They had found a quiet spot away from the main crowd, and the soft murmur of other guests provided a gentle background to their discussion
Their conversation was interrupted by a suppet of gossip drifting through the air
Nora and Leo overheard a couple of well dressed guests whispering about Linda.
One guest remarked, “Look at that Miss Linda, she comes from a
pack, just the daughter of a small pack Alpha. It’s not even comparable to
our silver moon park, but she managed to capture the Alpha’s allection so easily. It’s quite something “
Another voice joined in, saying, “They say Alpha attended this banquet just to introduce Miss Linda to several noble elders in the pack.” A third guest
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Chapter 44
added,
“Ive never heard of Alpha bring so attached to any woman. It wouldn’t be long before she becomes Luna, and if she marries into Silvermoon, her father and family must be so proud ”
Nora listened silently to the exchange, her expression unreadable as the rumors filled the air around her.
Leo, noticing the subtle changes in her eyes, leaned in with a concerned tone.
“Are you all right. Nora? You seem troubled by all this,” he asked, his voice laced with genuine care.
Nora offered him a small smile as she replied. “Don’t worry about me, Lea. I’ve thought it through, and I know I won’t get hurt by such talk.
Her voice was reassuring, though there was a trace of lingering melancholy beneath the calm surface.
Leo chuckled softly and teased, “I worry about you not just as a friend but as your partner too. After all, you’re coming to the firm tomorrow for your induction, aren’t you?”
Nora’s eyes sparkled momentarily at the mention of her new role, and she felt a surge of resolve.
“Yes, I’m ready for it, I’ve been preparing for this moment, and I have no doubt I can handle everything that comes my way,” she responded confidently,
The slight discomfort of the earlier events faded away as she thought about the opportunities that lay ahead in her professional life.
The party eventually wound down, and Nora found herself behind the wheel on her way home.
The cool night air brushed against the windows, and she felt a sense of relief as the hectic energy of the evening began to wane.
Just as s
she was beginning to relax, her cell phone rang,
The screen showed Arnold’s name, and although she had no particular desire to visit the villa where he resided, she answered the call in a composed
“Hello?” she said, her voice steady despite the underlying tension she sensed.
Arnold’s tone on the other end was brisk and somewhat cold.
“When are you coming home?” he asked, his words clipped as if he were counting the seconds.
