Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 157:

Sharon cast a disapproving look at Madeline. “Shon you, Madeline! You know better than we do what you

did to Luna and Derek’s engagement!”

Derek, who had numerous better matches, found himself engaged to Luna, largely due to Madeline's

interference. Following the car incident, the woman Derek married becNorah.

Madeline, having considered every aspect of the situation, wore a look of rigid contemplation. Regardless of her

response, it seemed doomed to criticism.

Madeline lifted her gaze to Norah, who stood in solitude, effortlessly becoming the center of everyone's

attention.

Corrin continued his speech. “This birthday banquet is illuminated by your presence. I'm grateful you all could

make it despite your packed schedules. Your well-wishes are deeply appreciated. Now, please, enjoy the lunch.”

As Corrin finished, the crowd began drifting toward the dining hall.

Emil offered an invitation to Norah. “Miss Wilson, maybe we could have a meaningful conversation over lunch?”

Norah remained stoic, offering no reply.

On her way out, Norah noticed Sharon with Derek and Madeline trailing behind. She hadn't expected to see

Derek and Madeline here. She puzzled over their presence. They were divorced. Was his attendance at Corrin’s

birthday merely a jest?

Yet, Norah refused to give them a moment's attention. Doing so would only bring her disgust.

She felt she had settled her debts with Derek. If he dared to bring Madeline and his relatives to trouble her

further, she would not hold back her wrath.

Emil and Kalel continued to follow Norah. As she settled down at the table shared with Corrin, they boldly

approached. “Mr. Wilson, would you object if we joined you at the table?” Corrin, who had meticulously arranged

the seating to accommodate eight per table, frowned slightly. He had intended to invite sguests to his table

to have a nice conversation over the meal. Nonetheless, unable to disregard the influence of Emil and Kalel's

families, he conceded, “Please, be my guest.”

The table, originally designed for six, was now up to eight, including Corrin and Norah, along with Luna, Dooley,

Shayla, Emil, and Kalel.

Just as Emil and Kalel were about to sit down, Norah stood up abruptly.

“Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne, your reputations precede you in Glophia. | had intended to extend you courtesy,” Norah's

smile was icy. “Yet, you persist in vexing me. Letbe clear—leavebe.”

Norah harbored no fear of Sean, let alone Emil and Kalel. Emil’s smile vanished as if struck by frost. “Miss Wilson,

such definitive statements are unnecessary. You might regret the outcome.”

It seemed the Wilson family and Norah couldn't escape the consequences if his and Kalel’s families targeted

them. Corrin’s complexion lost its color. “Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne, Please forgive Norah. She’s unaware of who you

really are. Her words weren't meant to offend.”

“Who says I'm unaware?” Norah countered, her calmness throwing the table into a moment of surprise.

Corrin gaped. Norah was familiar with Emil’s and Kalel’s notoriety and still chose to dismiss them? It suggested

that Norah might have a more formidable backing than the Wilson family, although that seemed unlikely. Even

Corrin hesitated to confront Emil and Kalel.

Kalel’s look turned icy. “Norah, don’t be so arrogant. Emil is offering you respect. Disregard his kindness, and |

assure you, | won't hesitate to deal with you right here.”

Luna, protective, covered Shayla’s ears, her gaze fixed on Norah with mixed feelings. Despite having left

Glophia, Luna recognized the menace posed by Emil and Kalel. Their attention on a woman typically spelled

trouble.

Norah found herself in an unfortunate spotlight during this birthday celebration.

“Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne,” a distinct male voice interrupted, drawing the attention of everyone at the table. Derek

arrived with Madeline by his side.

Corrin’s expression soured further. Not only had Sharon's earlier remarks unsettled him, but now the Carters,

despite Norah's divorce, had attended his birthday banquet and stirred discomfort.

“Mr.Carter, are you intervening on behalf of your former wife? Your current flis here, watching with keen

interest,” someone taunted.

Derek’s face remained stoic. “My approach was solely to speak with you two. It has nothing to do with defending

my ex-wife. My commitment to Madeline is unwavering.”

Emil and Kalel exchanged glances. Kalel laughed. “So, Miss Wilson and you are mere acquaintances now? We

have sconversations planned with her. Please don’t interrupt. If you wish to chat, there will be opportunities

later.”

Their intent was clear. They wished for Norah to concede. This display of defiance from Norah only fueled their

desire to dominate. They eagerly anticipated her submission, envisioning her yielding gracefully, a thought that

spurred their ambitions further.

Derek’s hands balled into fists. “I can’t stand idly by while she’s treated this way in my presence.”

Emil challenged, “Treated how?”

Turning, Derek caught Madeline’s look of disappointment and found himself at a loss for words.

“Nothing,” Derek’s voice was barely above a whisper. Gripping Madeline's shoulder more firmly, he added, “We

have other matters to attend to. We're leaving.”

They exited the banquet hall, leaving the guests puzzled about their intentions. Following Derek’s departure,

Sharon and Kathy chose not to stay for the meal, exiting shortly after Derek.

Norah observed Derek's retreating form, noting his habitual tendency to test her limits. He had defended her but

lacked the courage to acknowledge it openly.

Once, she had harbored hopes that Derek would treat her with kindness and defend her, but those years had

proven fruitless.

To lighten the mood, Corrin chuckled. “We have guests among us. Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne, please take a seat and

enjoy the meal. Let's set aside any distractions for now.”

Emil, with an air of entitlement, took a seat and pointedly stated, “Mr. Wilson, our interest is clear. We're here for

Norah.”

Kalel echoed, “Exactly, our attention is solely on Norah.”

The tension in the air grew thick, straining the atmosphere around the table.

Norah's response was a derisive sneer, her gaze piercingly focused on the two men. “I've asked you to leave.

Was | not clear?”

Norah's audacity nearly stopped Corrin’s and Samira’s hearts as they braced for the fallout that might ensue for

the Wilson family.

Kalel narrowed his eyes menacingly. “Bitch...”

His insult was cut short as a fist flew toward him, aiming directly at his face.

“Ever been told how repulsive your staring is? It’s as if a toad’s gazing at me. Utterly revolting.”

The impact sent Kalel tumbling to the floor, clutching his face in agony.