NovelEnglishChapter 64
Abby, completely unaware of the sudden tension, leaned forward and gave Nora a small, affectionate kiss on the
cheek.
“Bye-bye, Auntie,” she said sweetly.
Nora smiled, returning the soft gesture. She bid Cole and Abby farewell, then turned to follow Leo out of the
lodge.
What she didn’t notice was the way Cole's eyes lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.
As they walked, Leo glanced at her, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
“How do | feel like Cole was looking atwith suspicion?” he mused aloud.
Nora arched a brow. “Really? What's he got to scrutinize you for?”
Leo let out a soft chuckle. “Could it be that he sawgetting too close to you and thought our relationship was
too ambiguous?”
Nora’s smile faltered slightly.
Leo’s words were teasing, but a part of her didn’t find them amusing.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she muttered. “That's not it.”
Leo watched her closely. “You sound awfully sure about that.”
Nora's gaze flickered ahead. “They want Arnold and Linda together more than anything.”
Leo didn’t argue. Instead, he looked at her with something close to quiet understanding.
Then, unexpectedly, his voice dropped to something softer.
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“You should pay more attention to the men around you, Nora.”
She turned her head slightly, caught off guard by his tone.
For a second, she saw something in his eyes-concern, maybe even a hint of protectiveness.
But before she could say anything, Leo simply smiled, his usual playful demeanor returning.
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Chapter 64
“Con,” he said, tilting his head toward the main road. “Let’s get out of here.”
And just like that, the moment passed.
Yet, as they walked away from the hot spring lodge, Nora couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted-
something subtle, something unspoken.
By mid-afternoon, as steam curled from the hot springs and the soft murmur of guests filled the lodge, Nora
prepared to leave. She had spent enough there, and though the warm water had soothed her body, her mind
remained restless.
Just as she was about to call for a car, her phone buzzed. It was Arnold's grandmother.
“Nora, dear,” the old lady’s warm yet commanding voice cthrough. “You must cto Lancelot Manor for
dinner tonight.”
Nora hesitated. “Grandma, I-”
Before she could politely decline, the woman continued, “You're at Hot Springs Lodge, aren’t you? Perfect. I'll
have Arnold pick you up and bring you along.”
Nora opened her mouth to protest, but the line went dead.
She sighed, staring at the phone. The invitation had turned into an order, leaving her no choice but to
wait.
Minutes turned into an hour. The lodge’s grand clock chimed softly, marking the passage of time.
But no one came.
Not Arnold. Not Alex. Not even a simple call or message explaining their delay.
Nora's fingers drummed lightly on the wooden table in the lounge. A small part of her wasn’t surprised. She had
been stood up by Arnold before, but she had thought-just for a moment-that maybe today would be different.
She checked her phone. No missed calls. No texts.
A wry smile curled on her lips. So much for that.
Even Alex, who had slipped away earlier, hadn't bothered to check in.
Realizing she had waited long enough, she decided to arrange for a car herself.
Just as she was about to make the request at the front desk, Leo appeared, hands tucked casually into his
pockets. His sharp, handsfeatures were set with mild amusement.
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After Heft Aloha father and a famil
Chapter 64
“Going somewhere?” he asked.
“Lancelot Manor,” she replied.
Leo raised an eyebrow. “Alone?”
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She shrugged. “No one’s coming. Might as well go by myself.”
Leo scoffed. “Absolutely not. I'll drive you.”
She started to refuse, but his expression made it clear he wasn’t taking no for an answer.
By the tthey reached Lancelot Manor, the sun had set, leaving a faint orange glow on the horizon. The grand
estate loomed ahead, its elegant gates opening as they approached.
To Nora's surprise, Arnold’s grandmother was already at the entrance, waiting.
As she stepped out of the car, the old lady’s eyes immediately flicked to the driver's seat. Leo, handsand
composed, gave a polite nod.
For a second, the warmth in the old lady’s expression faltered. Her gaze sharpened, clearly displeased.
“Where's Arnold? Where's Alex?” she asked, voice tinged with irritation.
Nora smiled politely. “They should be here soon.”
The old lady let out a soft huff, glancing back at Leo. It was clear she wasn’t pleased that her grandson had let
someone else escort Nora.
“Well,” she said, plastering a smile back on, “cinside, dear.”
Nora bid Leo farewell and followed the elderly woman inside.
The house smelled of fresh roses and the faint aroma of roasted meat. The old lady led her to the sitting room,
where they chatted for quite a while.
However, as the hours passed, there was still no sign of Arnold or Alex.
The old lady's expression grew darker.
Just when her patience was about to snap, the doors finally opened.
Arnold and Alex walked in.
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