Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 140:

Ursula’s expression soured instantly. With the family’s finances tight, why was her husband splurging on

expensive alcohol? Did he even consider her and the children?

“Madeline, are you mistaken? Jualways comes straight hafter work. He doesn’t frequent bars or similar

places!” Ursula defended her husband. “He lovesand our children very much.”

Madeline smiled cryptically. “Ursula, just dismiss it as hearsay from me. The gifts I've given have never been

returned. How about we have a meal together and reminisce about our sisterly bond?”

Zara replied icily, “I've informed my husband that I'll be having dinner at home. Let's arrange to meet another

time. Based on your demeanor, it seems you'll be staying in Glophia for a while longer.” Her words indicated her

disinterest in further conversation.

Ursula also declined, saying she needed to cook for them. “Perhaps another time. I'll take my leave now.”

Two minutes later, both Zara and Ursula departed, leaving Madeline alone in the mall. She gripped her phone,

anticipating a call from Derek, who knew she was at the mall but hadn't bothered to inquire how she would get

home. Worse, he had just scolded her over spending a few hundred thousand.

Derek, whom she knew from the past, wasn't like this.

Suddenly, Madeline pondered Zara's and Ursula’s situations.

Explore more fiction on gaZnov{s.000

Zara, aware of her husband's infidelity, lived a carefree and lavish life due to his wealth. Conversely, Ursula,

married to an average man, grappled with everyday struggles, which took a toll on her mental well-being.

Contemplating the Carter family’s diminished wealth and Derek's altered demeanor, Madeline chewed on her lip,

fiercely wrestling with her inner turmoil. Derek, regardless of her actions, would love her eternally. So, why

shouldn't she fight for her own happiness?

Meanwhile, at Norah's villa, she swung open the door to the guest room. “The bedding has just been replaced.

Joanna stayed here previously. If it's not to your liking, | can arrange something different.”

“That's fine. I'm only staying for one night,” Susanna remarked.

Susanna placed her bag on the bedside table, noticing the pajamas and toiletries laid out. “Norah, your house is

really spacious. Isn't it too big for just one person?”

Norah smiled and nodded. “Truth be told, | own more than just this property. | also have smaller apartments that

are better suited for living alone. | chose to live in Dreamview Villas to avoid Derek.”

The villas were known for their top-notch security, and only residents could access them. After the divorce,

Norah chose to live here to avoid any interference from Derek and Madeline. The villa was mostly empty, with

only her presence. She arranged for a housekeeper to maintain regular cleaning, which resulted in the place

often feeling deserted.

“Don’t worry,” Norah added, offering a reassuring smile.

“I'm here for you. | might drop by from tto time, Norah.” Susanna obediently smiled, her face reflecting

Sean's expression. This prompted Norah’s mind to wander. At Sean's villa, there seemed to be a room reserved

just for her. After spending tthere on different occasions, that room began to feel like it reflected her

presence.

“Norah, since we're good friends now, can you reserve a room for me? Just like Sean has one for you. | can stay

over when | visit.” Susanna looked up at Norah with pleading eyes.

“Sure,” Norah responded warmly. She had plenty of rooms to spare, so accommodating Susanna was no issue.

She found that having more people around made the house feel more vibrant. “This room was recently tidied up.

You can stay tonight. Letguide you to another room.”

Once Susanna selected her room, Norah promised that on her next visit, the room would have fresh linens.

As for the gift Norah mentioned, she didn’t just talk—she retrieved a vacuum-sealed buckwheat pillow from the

wardrobe. “I've noticed you occasionally struggle to sleep. Here is a buckwheat pillow | crafted myself. It's quite

effective for inducing sleep.”

Though not expensive, it was imbued with sentiment.

Accepting it, Susanna noticed several more pillows in the wardrobe and quipped, “Norah, are you givinga

pair because good things cin twos?”

Norah smiled. “Right. I'll give you two. Make sure to alternate between them.”

Susanna happily carried the two pillows back to her room. In her spare time, Norah found pleasure in hands-on

activities, particularly crafting useful items. Given her expertise in medicine, she often created things like the

buckwheat pillow, which proved beneficial for individuals struggling with sleep issues.

As tpassed, the sun gradually rose above the horizon. After her morning shift, Jamison summoned Norah and

said, “You don’t have any surgeries scheduled at the moment. The promotion list for attending physicians has

been finalized. An additional slot has been created for the Cardiac Surgery Department, so both you and Dr.

Padilla are included in the promotion list.”

“Okay, thank you, Jamison,” Norah replied.

With the promotion list for attending physicians confirmed, Norah returned to her office, maintaining a casual

smile despite Jolie's scrutinizing gaze.

“Dr. Austin, why do you always keep an eye on me?” Norah inquired.

Jolie was blunt. “Wilson, what did Jamison discuss with you just now?”

Jolie wondered if it was about the promotion slots for attending physicians. Considering her anonymous

complaint letter against Norah, the slot should have been reserved for Baylor, right? Moreover, before talking to

Norah, Jamison had called Baylor, who returned with a beaming expression, clearly indicating good news. Jolie

assumed that the issue of promoting attending physicians was now settled.

With all these thoughts in mind, Jolie had inquired of Norah simply to gain pleasure from her reaction. After all, in

her book, Norah was skilled at pretending. Would Norah shed tears if she failed to secure the promotion? Jolie

meticulously scrutinized Norah's facial expressions, making sure not to overlook any nuances.

“Just swork stuff—talk with Jamison. You'll find out soon enough, Dr. Austin,” Norah replied, retrieving the

notebook from her desk. “If you have sspare time, Dr. Austin, you could use it to delve into the patients’

conditions. I'll go on the rounds now. Goodbye.”

Jolie, filled with bitterness, clenched her teeth and questioned Baylor, “Dr. Padilla, did Jamison summon you

regarding the attending physician’s promotion? Did he indicate that it's for you?”

Jamison hadn't briefed Baylor on the three available slots, but Baylor, caught up in the excitement, responded,

“Jamison mentioned it’s for me.”

Jolie scornfully watched Norah's back. What was Norah pretending for? Did she believe she had secured the

promotion? Without Gil’s backdoor approach, would Norah have such advantageous resources? Did Norah

genuinely think she could claim the attending physician's promotion slot as a newcomer? It seemed implausible.

Immersed in her assumptions, Jolie acknowledged the efficiency of the director's office, which had swiftly

addressed her complaint letter. She proudly reflected on this as she followed Norah on her rounds, notebook in

hand. It was slightly disappointing not to witness Norah's reaction to her supposed triumph.

Jolie watched Norah closely, her curiosity piqued. Would Norah break down, or would she maintain her composed

demeanor? She had grown accustomed to Norah's calm facade. Would Norah seek out a secluded spot to cry in

private? Jolie pondered this with anticipation as she searched for Norah during the rounds.