Chapter 60
Nora’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Cole?
Nora froze, her fingers unconsciously tightening around her phone.
She had been so caught up in the day’s events that she had completely forgotten about her car. Cole had helped her with it earlier that morning, but she hadn’t expected him to follow up.
On the other end of the line, Cole’s voice remained calm and composed as he briefly explained the situation. “Your car has been taken care of and sent for repairs. I can have someone deliver it to you.”
Nora hesitated. There was no need for him to go out of his way for her. She didn’t want to owe him anything. “That’s not necessary,” she said firmly. “Just let me know where it is. I’ll pick it up myself.”
There was a brief silence. She wasn’t sure if Cole was offended or simply choosing his words carefully. But he didn’t argue. “Alright. I’ll send you the location.”
Before she could say anything else, another notification buzzed through her mindlink.
A familiar, soft voice came through. “Mom, when are you coming home?”
Nora’s heart clenched slightly. It was Alex.
She quickly wrapped up her conversation with Cole. “Got it. Thanks,” she said, then hung up.
Turning her attention back to Alex, she softened her tone. “What is it, sweetheart?”
Alex’s voice was full of longing. “I want to eat the noodles and fried rice that you make for me. And I like the smell of the laundry you do for me better than anyone else’s.”
Nora smiled faintly but felt a deep exhaustion settle over her. “Mommy sprained her foot and can’t walk well right now. I’m resting for a while, so I won’t be coming home tonight. You should go to bed early, alright?”
There was a pause before Alex spoke again. “Huh? You got hurt? Is it serious?”
“It’s not serious,” she reassured him. “I just need a few days to recover.”
“Okay,” Alex mumbled, though he still sounded concerned. After a brief hesitation, he asked, “Then should I come see you with Dad tomorrow?”
12:30
After I left, Alpha father and son went cra
Chapter 59
Nora’s smile faded.
She knew her son well. If he was truly worried, he wouldn’t have hesitated.
The last time Linda had fallen sick, Arnold had rushed to her side without even finishing his breakfast. Alex had secretly messaged Linda behind Nora’s back, checking on her. And after school, he had gone straight to visit Linda instead of coming home.
Now, he had to think about whether he should visit his own mother?
Nora’s heart turned cold.
She sighed lightly. “No need. Mommy can take care of herself. You should just go to school.”
“…Okay then.”
After a few more words, the call ended.
Nora leaned back against the couch, rubbing her temples. The exhaustion she had been holding back all day washed over her in full force.
Meanwhile, at the mansion, Arnold had just returned home.
As soon as he stepped inside, Alex rushed up to him. “Dad!” he called eagerly.
Before Arnold could say anything, Alex continued, “Mom hurt her foot and is staying outside to rest!”
Arnold made a small sound of acknowledgment, as if the news didn’t surprise him. He removed his
expensive suit jacket and handed it to the housekeeper, then casually said, “I know.”
Alex blinked in surprise. “Huh? How did you know? Did Mom tell you?”
Arnold took the glass of water offered by a maid, his expression unreadable. “No. I saw it with my own
eyes.”
“You saw it?” Alex’s eyes widened. “Dad, were you there when Mom got hurt?”
“Mm.” Arnold took a sip of water, his tone flat.
Alex thought for a moment, then nodded. “Oh, right. Since Mom used to work with you, it makes sense that you’d see her at the event.”
Arnold set the glass down, his fingers tightening slightly. “No,” he said, his voice unusually distant. “Mom doesn’t work with me anymore.”
Chapter 59
Alex was taken aback. “Huh? Then where does she work now?”
Arnold was silent for a moment.
“…I don’t know.”
The next day, Leo arrived at Nora’s place.
They spent the morning working together, going over their notes from the previous day’s show–one of the assignments Professor Colton had given them. It was due within a week, so they had to stay on top of things.
During a break, Nora suddenly remembered her car. “Leo,” she said, looking up, “can you stop by the dealership for me later? My car should be ready for pickup.”
Leo hesitated. “Your car?” He frowned slightly, then leaned back in his chair. “I just saw it parked downstairs when I came up.”
Nora’s fingers stilled.
“…What?”
12:30
