Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 139:

Heartless As You

Norah tried her best to calm her racing heart, managing a slight smile. “Thank you, Sean, for your kindness. It

truly is an honor for me,” she said, looking him in the eyes.

Norah realized she shouldn't have avoided Sean after that night clouded by too much alcohol. She should have

made her stance clear. Yet, at the time, her thoughts had been a whirlwind, making her reluctant to confront

him.

When it cto matters of affection, she admittedly lacked experience, but there was still time. She merely

wished to gain a deeper understanding before tackling what lay ahead.

Before Sean had a chance to reply, Susanna’s voice traveled down from upstairs. “Hey, I'm coming back!”

Susanna made her way down the stairs quickly, holding out a jewelry box to Norah.

With a knowing glance, she said, “Norah, | haven't forgotten our conversation in the car today. Please, accept

this as a gift from me.”

Upon opening the small box, a pair of gleaming diamond earrings caught the light, dazzling both of them.

“I purchased these at an auction | attended with Sean. I've never worn them. Somehow, | felt they were destined

for you,” Susanna explained sincerely, offering the box. “I see you as a friend, Norah, which is why | wanted to

give you this.”

Susanna worried that Norah might refuse the gift.

Ga In ovels .fuels your imagination

Norah, however, let out a laugh, noting how Susanna’s generosity mirrored Sean's, not just with jewelry but with

various presents for any occasion. The diamond earrings, shimmering with value, could easily fetch tens of

thousands, if not soar to a million at auction.

Accepting them gracefully, Norah said, “Thank you, Susanna. Since you've gone to the trouble of gettinga

gift, I'll definitely return the favor. How about visiting my place?”

For her part, Susanna wasn’t looking for anything in return. Her life had been filled with countless gifts, and she

didn’t need more. Yet, the idea of visiting Norah’s hintrigued her, as she had never been there before.

“Sure!”

Norah barely hid her amusement. “Let's head out then. I'll drive you hafterward. Actually, you're welcome

to stay the night, and | can drop you off tomorrow when | head to work.”

Susanna’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Really? | can actually spend the night at your home?” she asked.

“Absolutely,” Norah confirmed, her affirmation fueling Susanna’s enthusiasm.

“Wow! Let's get moving! | don’t mind heading back tomorrow. Hurry up!” Susanna exclaimed with palpable

excitement.

Susanna was so excited that she seemed to forget Sean was there. Norah glanced back at him. He remained

composed, gently reminding Susanna, “Alright. Try not to cause any trouble. Be good.”

Amidst Susanna’s mild protests, Norah brought her back to her place without further ado.

Meanwhile, in a shopping mall, Madeline placed her phone back in her purse after Derek hung up on her. She

took a moment to regain her composure and then walked out, trying to appear unaffected.

Madeline's eldest sister, Zara, had made a prosperous marriage to a wealthy local in Glophia and was enjoying a

comfortable life.

“Madeline, what took you so long in the bathroom?” Zara teased, covering her mouth with a laugh. “Did your

card run out of money, and you had to call your boyfriend for help? Unlike me, | never run out. Hey, if buying

those gifts made you overspend, maybe you should return them. You've just got back, and money must be tight.

We all understand.”

Madeline's second sister, Ursula, had married a man of more modest means, and it showed in her less polished

appearance and demeanor.

“Everyone knows Madeline is connected to the Carter family and is about to marry Derek. She couldn't possibly

be short on cash,” Ursula pointed out, her voice dripping with envy.

Then, she turned to Zara. “If you're so flush, why not treat your nephew and niece to something nice? They

haven't enjoyed snacks in a long while.”

Zara and Madeline exchanged looks, their eyes revealing their distaste. Ursula’s demeanor had changed

drastically since marrying beneath her status. Ursula had never had to worry about finances before, but the truth

was, financial stress had taken its toll on her.

Zara agreed, albeit reluctantly. “Alright, I'll send you smoney later after we part ways. Use it to buy

something nice for my nephew and niece. | hardly see them all year, after all.”

Ursula made an effort to get on Madeline's good side. “Madeline...”

Despite her displeasure, Madeline forced a smile. “I'll follow Zara's lead and transfer you the money later.”

Ursula’s mood instantly lifted. “That's the beauty of having sisters, you know. Julio’s been eyeing a car lately.

With two kids, the financial strain is real... Well...” The hint in her words was hard to miss.

Zara's face took on a sour expression. “If Juis feeling the pressure, he should work harder to earn more. It's

not our job to finance your family. We're sisters, not ATMs.”

Madeline, arms crossed, added her two cents. “That's the benefit of marrying into wealth. Without money, life

can get pretty bleak.”

Ursula retorted with a huff. “Julovesfor who | am. Our love is genuine. As long as we're healthy and

happy, that’s all that matters.”

Madeline bit her lip, pondering if happiness was indeed more valuable than wealth. Yet, she couldn't deny that

her main motive for returning was the Carter family’s fortune. Ursula, lacking empathy for Madeline, remarked

on the absence of their parents. “I couldn’t leave my husband just because we're short on cash. We've been

through too much to give up so easily. I'm not that cold-hearted.”

Her jab suggested that Madeline had left her ex-husband for financial gain, chasing after Derek instead. “I've

heard Mr. Carter's ex-wife is quite the talk of Glophia. She was even seen at the Scott family auction with Mr.

Scott, leading a lavish life,” Zara added.

Madeline seethed at the thought of Norah, blaming her for her current need to shop frugally despite...

Derek’s previous generosity hung in the air as Madeline heard her sisters’ snide comments. She responded with

a scornful laugh. “They're divorced, mere strangers now. What does it matter to Derek?”

Zara, looking uneasy, added, “I might have seen your husband at the Glamour Club the other day, cozying up to

a beautiful woman. | didn’t get a picture, but maybe you should question him when you get home.”

Zara's face drained of color. She was no stranger to her husband's infidelities. Their marriage was a sham, barely

holding together for appearances.

“Ursula, since we're talking about pressure, | once saw Juat the Glamour Club, splurging a grand or two on

drinks. He seemed quite the spender,” Madeline continued.