Chapter 30
“I don’t owe you an explanation, Cole,” she said, her tone calm but sharp. “And frankly, I'm done pretending to
care about what you or any of Arnold's friends think of me. You've made your opinions perfectly clear over the
years.”
Cole blinked, clearly taken aback by her boldness. “What's gotten into you?” he muttered, his usual confidence
faltering
“Nothing has gotten into me. Nora said, her voice unwavering. Tve simply realized that | don’t need to tolerate
your condescension anymore. For years, | put up with your sneers and your judgment, thinking it was easier to
keep the peace. But now? | don’t have to. I'm done bending over hackward for people who only see what they
want to see”
Cole’s mouth opened as if to retort, but no words cOUL
He wasn’t used to this side of Nora, the woman who had always seemed so quiet, so docile, was now standing
her ground with a calm yet fery determination
You think you know everything.” Nora continued, taking a step closer. “You've made up your mind about me
without ever bothering to know me. And honestly? That says more about you than it does about me.”
For a moment, Cole was silent, his smirk replaced by something resembling surprise.
Then, almost grudgingly, he said, “Well, look at you. Didn't think you had it in you”
Nora's lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
People change, Cole. Maybe you should try it sometime,”
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her steps steady and deliberate.
Cole watched Nora walk away, his jaw clenched tightly.
His ego was bruised, and a simmering anger stirred in his chest.
How dare she speak tolike that? he thought, his mind replaying the sharp words she had thrown at him.
For years, Nora had been meek and unassuming, quietly taking the subtle jabs and dismissive attitudes of
Arnold's circle.
To see her stand tall and challenge him was as infuriating as it was unexpected.
He took a step forward, intending to call her back and put her in her place, but before he could speak, her phone
buzzed. Nora paused, glanced at the screen, and stepped aside to answer the call.
“Hello?” she said, her voice calm yet distant, as though their encounter had barely fazed her.
Cole scowled, watching her retreat further away, her attention now completely diverted to whoever was on the
other end of the line.
His opportunity to confront her slipped through his fingers, leaving him standing alone, seething with frustration.
Nora's voice softened slightly as she listened to the person on the call. “Harrison? What is it?”
On the o
e other end, Harrison's voice was light and cheerful.
“Nora! Are you free? | was thinking we could grab a late night snack. | know this great little place nearby.”
Nora glared at the ton her phone and hesitated for a moment.
The encounter with Cole load left a sour taste in her mouth, and she didn’t feel like being alone with her
thoughts
A meal with Harrison, even with his endless chatter, might be just the distraction she needed.
re,” she said, her voice softening. “Where should | meet you?!
After jotting down the address, she lung up and walked toward the restaurant, shaking off the lingering tension
from her earlier conversation
11:57
After Heft, Alpha father and son went en
Chapter 30
The restaurant was small but cozy, its warm lighting and rustic decor offering a comforting atmosphere
Nora slid into the booth across from Harrison, who was already animatedly recounting the race he had just
attended.
“You should've seen Sierra.” Harrison gushed, his eyes shining with excitement. “She was incredible! The way
she took that last turn-it was like she was born for it. Everyone went wild!”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Nora offered a small smile, nodding as she listened
Harrison's enthusiasm was contagious, even if she couldn't fully share it at the moment.
“You okay?” Harrison suddenly asked, his voice laced with concern. He leaned forward, studying her closely. “You
look a little pale.”
Nora hesitated, not wanting to make a fuss, but the truth was she felt slightly lightheaded
Her hands trembled faintly under the table, and she realized she hadn't eaten anything since early afternoon.
In her rush to find Harrison at the race, she had completely ignored her own needs.
Tm fine.”
“she lied, but her voice lacked conviction.
Harrison raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Nora, d
don’t givethat. W
What's wrong?”
With a sigh, she admitted, “I think my blood sugar’s a little low. I haven't had anything to eat since lunch.”
Harrison's expression shifted to one of immediate concern. “What? Why didn’t you say something sooner? Wait
here.. Ill get us something quick”
©