After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Nora stood at the edge of the ballroom, the soft murmur o of conversation and the tinkling of glasses fading into

the background.

She gazed out over the gathered guests, her expression serene, though her thoughts flitted like autumn leaves.

Arnold's presence, once a weight on her heart, no longer held the power is used to. She had already begun to let

go.

Leo, standing beside her, observed her with quiet admiration.

Nora appeared gentle and soft, but beneath that exterior lay a thoughtful, resilient spirit.

Her ability to mask her emotions so gracefully was something he respected deeply.

Sensing the moment, he raised his glass to her.

“To now beginnings,” he said warmly, his deep voice carrying a note of encouragement.

Nora turned to him, a genuine smile tugging at her lips. She lifted her own glass, the sparkling water catching

the light like diamonds.

To new beginnings, she echoed softly, clinking her glass against his

As they sipped their drinks, a distinguished middle-aged man approached them.

His presence commanded respect without needing to announce itself. His tailored navy suit spoke of timeless

sophistication, and his hair, combed back neatly, gleamed under the chandelier lights

Leo straightened, his face lighting up with recognition. “Mr. Colton! What an honor to see you here.”

“Leo,” the man was elegant, his voice filled with a sense of coldness and majesty. “When you said you wanted to

surprise me, did you want to introduceto this lady next to you?

Leo gestured toward Nora, his tone full of pride as he introduced her. “This is Nora, a true artist and a genius in

jewelry design”

Nora offered a polite nod, extending her hand. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Colton”

Mr. Colton took her hand gently, has sharp eyes assessing her,

His gaze lingered for a moment, filled with curiosity.

1 feel like I've seen her somewhere before... You're saying she’s a genius at jewelry design?” he mused, glancing

at Leo before returning his attention to Nora.

“Torgive my surprise, but you're quite young-and far too beautiful to be hadden away in a studio. Are you sure

this isn’t another one of Leo’s tricks?

Leo laughed, shalong has head. “No tricks this time, Mr. Calton Nora's talent speaks for itself. Do you recall the

True Love Promise collection? The ane that caused such a stir a few years back?”

Colton’s brow furrowed in thought before lus eyes widened slightly. “The “True Love Promise? Of course, |

remember! it was a masterpiece delicate yet powerful Tassumed at was the work of an established designer with

decades of experience.”

Les smiled knowingly “It was Nota’s design. She created it when she was barely an adult ”

The revelation left Colton momentarily speechless

He turned to Nora, hun expression shifting from polite curiosity to gene admiration.

“Well, well,” he

slow smile spreading across his f

“I must say. Fin impressed Talent like

from sorroise so young You've certainly made an unpression, my dear.”

Nora’s cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected praise, but she maintained for compostate.

Thank you, Mr. Colton. That collections was very personal to me, and I'm glad ir resonated with others.”

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Chapter 43

“I did more than resonate, Colton replied, his tone earnest. “It elevated the standard of what jewelry design

could be. Your work has a depth that’s hard to find these days”

Leo chimed in his voice full of pride. | told you she was remarkable.”

Colton chuckled, nodding in agreement. “You were right, Leo. Nara, if you ever need guidance, or someone to

bounce ideas off. | would be more than happy to help.”

Nora’s smile deepened, her confidence holstered by his words. “That's very kind of you, Mr. Colton. | appreciate

the offer and would be honored to learn from someone with your experience.”

Nora and Mr. Colton were in the midst of an animated discussion about jewelry design.

Their voices rose and fell in lively debate, their contrasting views igniting sparks that drew curious glances from

the nearby guests.

Their back and forth was spirited, almost combative, yet it was clear they both enjoyed the exchange.

They looked, to the untrained eye, like rivals locked in a heated argument, but there was mutual respect beneath

their words.

“Remarkable,” Colton finally said with a chuckle, shaking his head. “You've got sharp instincts, young lady. You

remindof myself though I don’t know if that’s a compliment or a warning.”

Nora laughed softly, her tension melting away. Tll take it as a compliment.”

Just then, Linda approached, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

She stopped beside Leo, her smile polite but icy. “Leo,” she greeted, her voice honeyed with a touch of

insincerity.

Her gaze shifted to Nora, and

d her exp

expression hardened, a mixture of offense and disdain flashing briefly across her face.

“Linda” Les replied evenly, his p posture relaxed but his eyes watchful.

He noticed the unspoken tension between Linda and Nora and felt a protective instinct stir.

With a deliberate smile, he gestured toward Nora.

0

her of my team. Her designs have transformed the studio’s reputation”

“Allowto introduce Nora, the most important member of

Linda’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered, her gaze flicking between Leo and Nora.

The subtext in Leo’s words was unmistakable-he valued Nors too highly to tolerate any interference.

Linda understood the implication clearly: there would be no place for her at Leo’s studio, now or in the future.

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