Chapter 180 Winning the Fair Lady
Noe responded, "After I ejected Jackson, his cohorts hurriedly transported him to the hospital."
Aaron's lips tightened into a firm line as he toyed with a small bottle. Within the glass confines were several white pills—identical to the ones Jackson had previously given Nora.
"Noe, deliver this to the authorities. Have them trace its origin and ensure they handle it with impartiality," he instructed.
Noe faltered, swallowing his words. He wondered, 'Is Aaron really going to share his leads with the police?'
For years, Jackson had been conducting clandestine transactions with foreign entities. He had managed to keep it under wraps, and there was the reputation of the Gordon Group to consider.
Hence, Aaron had remained silent. He had been biding his time, waiting until he had irrefutable evidence to eradicate Jackson's influence completely. 'Is he now taking the offensive for Dr. Smith's sake?'
"Mr. Gordon, this might raise Caleb's guard even further," Noe cautioned.
Aaron's lips curled coldly, "Regardless, follow my orders!" His stance was unwavering, emanating the authority of a leader, akin to an emperor dictating destiny. He appeared ready to tackle any obstacle.
Noe held his tongue and acquiesced.
Aaron cast a glance at his wristwatch, his expression softening, "Later, go collect the children from school. She won't regain consciousness anytime soon."
Upon mentioning Nora, Noe couldn't resist jesting, "Congratulations, Mr. Gordon. It appears you've won the lady's heart." He pondered, 'Have Aaron and Dr. Smith...? Are they planning to wed now?'
The corners of Aaron's mouth twitched upwards slightly. His relationship with Nora had taken a significant step forward. 'Does she even have a reason to refuse him now?'
Once Noe departed, Aaron leisurely rose, fetched a glass of water, and gently cared for Nora. After freshening up, he settled into his study to work.
As the setting sun cast a crimson hue across the horizon, evening descended.
A call from his three children interrupted his work.
"Mr. Gordon, are you with Mom right now?" a curious voice inquired.
Through the phone's video, Samantha's petite face came into view.
Aaron responded gently, a smile gracing his lips, "Yes, have you all finished school for the day?"
"Yeah," she nodded and asked with innocent curiosity, "Mr. Gordon, what are you and Mom doing? Why isn't Mom answering her phone?"
Her question stirred something within Aaron's heart, "Mom's phone ran out of battery. We're currently on a date. I need to win her heart swiftly." He deemed it best to shield the children from the day's turmoil to prevent unnecessary worry.
"Go for it, Mr. Gordon! Win Mom over so I can start calling you 'Dad' soon!" Samantha's eyes twinkled with anticipation.
Moved by her encouragement, Aaron made a promise to her, then exchanged a few words with Alex and Billy.
In the opulent neighborhood of Star River Bay...
Howard made his way home, his countenance still slightly unsettled.
Suzy, adorned in a chic, designer dress, gracefully descended the staircase.
As he caught a fleeting reflection of Samantha in his eyes, a faint trace of guilt flickered within him.
"Suzy, are you venturing out?" he inquired.
"Yes, I have dinner plans with a friend," she responded.
Howard hesitated momentarily before probing gently, "Suzy, have you ever pondered what you'd do if Aaron declined to marry you?"
Pausing, Suzy regarded him with a hint of curiosity, "Why such a sudden question?"
His eyes wavered slightly, "I merely think it's unjust to you. You're extraordinary, and he fails to appreciate that. If he won't marry you, discard him. I'll assist you in finding someone superior."
Upon hearing this, Suzy shook her head, "No, I only wish to marry Aaron."
"It's alright, I'm leaving. Don't fret about me. Aaron will propose," she interrupted Howard and began moving towards the door.
'Without Nora in the equation, Aaron would revert to his former self, and he'd have only her. Who else would he marry but her?'
As the night gradually cloaked the sky, Nora slumbered deeply in the expansive bed until hunger roused her.
Awakening to the darkness, she blinked to adjust to the obscurity before shifting her body, a surge of soreness washing over her and memories slowly resurfacing.
Gazing at the ceiling, Nora's heart clenched abruptly.
She recalled being seized by Jackson, who had coercively made her consume drugged wine.
The memories were somewhat hazy. Startled, Nora sat up hastily and fumbled to switch on the bedside lamp.
Neatly arranged beside her was a pile of clean women's clothes, complete outfits from the inside out. Nora's breath hitched, and she instinctively glanced down at herself.
She must have been in a vacuum last night! She clearly slept with someone!
Her thoughts were in turmoil as she desperately attempted to piece her memories together. The last image she remembered was of Aaron's handsome visage.
She remembered that Aaron was the last person she saw. She even invited Aaron into her bed. So, she slept with Aaron?
A wave of inexplicable relief washed over Nora.
Sure, it was somewhat embarrassing, but spending the night with Aaron felt infinitely superior to an encounter with any other man.
She glanced around, realizing she was still in the club.
Her phone was nowhere in sight. She had no concept of the time.
'Did Aaron truly abandon her here alone?'
Nora dressed, rose from the bed, and exited the private room. There, she spotted Aaron in the living room, engrossed in his laptop while seated on the couch.
The warm glow of the lamp above his head illuminated his striking features.
He was clad in a black robe, slightly open at the chest, revealing a solid expanse of pectorals.
As the saying goes, beauty under the lights becomes more enticing the more you look.
Men were no exception, especially Aaron. The soft light created a halo around him, enhancing his allure.
Flashes of fragmented memories darted through her mind.
She remembered the sound of a man's heavy breathing and the strength of his advances.
A blush crept up Nora's cheeks instantaneously.
"Awake?" came Aaron's velvety voice.
Nora quickly pushed aside the jumble in her mind, feigning calm.
"Yes."
"Hungry? Come here."
Aaron closed his laptop and gestured for Nora to approach.
She instinctively stepped back, "What for?"
Her eyes darted around, carrying a hint of discomfort and anxiety.
Aaron almost chuckled, "Aren't you hungry? Because I am famished. Help me get something to eat."
'Is Nora feeling shy? How amusing!'
'Has Aaron not had dinner yet? Has he been waiting for her?'
Nora's eyes glinted. She tidied the hair by her ear and walked over to assist him.
Suddenly, she felt a twinge of guilt.
Aaron was somewhat immobile. Had she taken advantage of him?
His arm wrapped around her shoulder, bringing his familiar scent to her.
Nora tensed up slightly, her face warming.
Aaron noticed her stiffness and turned to regard her, "What's wrong? Are you unwell?"
His voice was gentle, his eyes smiling.
Nora's cheeks reddened even further.
She continued to act nonchalant, aiding him towards the dining area.
"No."
'Even though she was a mother of three, she rarely had such intimate contact with a man.'