Chapter 185 No Moral High Ground
A look of surprise washed over Howard's face, his gaze locked onto Nora, hanging on her every word.
"Nora," he began, his voice heavy with uncertainty, "I don't believe Aaron harbors any intention of marrying Suzy. Your assistance has been invaluable to me, and for that, I am grateful. However, I feel it is necessary for you to impart some wisdom to Suzy. She shouldn't squander her affections on a man who doesn't reciprocate them. It's simply not worth her time."
His features hardened as he absorbed her words.
"Nora, do you even comprehend the length of their relationship? The idea of them parting ways is unthinkable. Had you not entered the scene, Aaron would have unquestionably made Suzy his wife."
Nora's brow furrowed in response, "Howard, if Aaron doesn't harbor any affection for Suzy, what's the point of their daily interactions? There's no passion, right?"
"Surely you understand Aaron's feelings for Suzy better than I. Even if he were to wed her, would a marriage devoid of love endure? Would Suzy find true happiness in such a union?"
Her logical argument left Howard with a stern expression, unable to counter her points.
After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke, "Nora, Suzy's well-being isn't your responsibility. I'm here today because there's a matter I need to discuss."
"Yesterday, I played a part in helping you evade Jackson's grasp. Could you, in gratitude for my intervention, sever your ties with Aaron and cease all interactions with him?"
'Is he suggesting she cut ties with Aaron?'
Nora's lips pressed together in a tight line, momentarily at a loss for words.
'She was grateful for his assistance, but Howard was taking a moral high ground.'
At that moment, Evella, who had been covertly listening from a corner, felt compelled to interject.
"Howard, you're an exceptional doctor and a decent man. When you save lives, you don't expect anything in return, do you?"
Evella's words resonated with Nora's own sentiments.
She cast a grateful smile in Evella's direction.
Howard was left feeling uncomfortable by her statement.
"Evella, you're not privy to the entire situation. I'd appreciate it if you refrained from commenting on matters you're unfamiliar with."
Gathering her courage, Evella addressed Howard, "I may not be privy to all the details, Howard, but Mr. Gordon confessed his intentions yesterday. He's seeking the affections of Dr. Smith. It's evident that she is the one he cherishes."
She continued, her voice steady, "Howard, a woman must possess self-respect and self-love. It's simply not worth expending energy on a man who does not reciprocate her feelings."
Her words twisted Howard's face into a grimace of extreme displeasure.
Observing the two women standing in unity, his heart was a tumultuous sea of turmoil and resentment. After a moment, he nodded in reluctant agreement, "Very well, you both appear to be relationship experts, and I can't win this argument. Nora, I've said it before, and I'll reiterate: I hope you distance yourself from Aaron and cease your interactions with him."
He shot Evella a frosty glance before turning on his heel to depart.
A pang of guilt struck Evella as she stuck out her tongue, thinking to herself, 'He seems to harbor a grudge against me.'
Nora inhaled deeply, turning to her, "Evella, I appreciate you standing up for me back there."
The notion of Nora severing ties with Aaron seemed implausible.
After all, she had just consented to be Aaron's bedfellow.
There was nothing left for her to do but to extend an apology to Howard.
"No need for gratitude, I was merely stating the facts," Evella responded, pausing briefly. "And it seems Howard is quite irate with me now."
Nora offered a remorseful smile, "I apologize for involving you in this."
"Nonsense, Dr. Smith. Without you, I'd be in a predicament. Let's go grab some lunch," Evella hastily suggested.
"Agreed."
Meanwhile, at the Gordon Group offices, Aaron had been engaged in consecutive senior meetings until three in the afternoon. He returned to his office and was just about to take a sip of water when the door swung open abruptly.
Caleb stormed in, seething with rage.
"Mr. Gordon, Caleb insisted on entering. I was unable to stop him," his secretary explained to Aaron.
Aaron gestured for her to exit, and she promptly closed the door behind her as she left.
Aaron had anticipated Caleb's visit – after all, Jackson was his only offspring.
He surmised that Caleb was here to confront him about Jackson's predicament.
"What seems to be the matter?" Aaron inquired, pouring himself a glass of water with a calm demeanor.
Caleb's face was a terrifying mask of fury as he barked, "Aaron, did you seriously injure my son?"
Jackson had led a privileged life, always the perpetrator rather than the victim.
But now, he had been grievously wounded and had only regained consciousness this morning.
And it was Aaron who had inflicted the harm!
Caleb was incensed, contemplating how Aaron, despite his disability, was so ruthless that he'd nearly killed his son.
Aaron set his water glass down and maneuvered his wheelchair closer to the fuming Caleb.
"Even if Jackson had perished, it would've been a consequence of his own actions," Aaron stated, his tone light yet authoritative.
Even from his wheelchair, his presence was more formidable than that of someone standing.
Caleb's rage intensified, "Don't assume I can't harm you, Aaron. If anything befalls my son, you will pay dearly!"
His tone was venomous, his gaze filled with malevolence.
Aaron's lips curled into a chilling smile. "Attempts on my life aren't novel to your kind. It's unfortunate for you that I'm still alive!"
A flash of anger sparked in Caleb's aged eyes, a gnawing irritation.
Then, his phone vibrated in his pocket.
He shot Aaron a furious glare, extracting his cell to check the caller.
It was a call from Jackson's assistant.
Caleb answered, "Yes?"
"Trouble. The police have detained Jackson for questioning."
Caleb's complexion paled, and he inquired urgently, "Did they mention why they're holding Jackson?"
"The police suspect him of trafficking illegal substances."
"What!"
Caleb's face drained of color, his heart skipped a beat, and a sinking feeling enveloped him.
'The police must have discovered something.
'But he's always been so cautious, so secretive—how did they uncover it?'
His gaze darted to Aaron, and his chest heaved with emotion.
"Was it you?"
Caleb was convinced that Aaron had procured some evidence and handed it over to the police.
'Just how much evidence does he possess?'
Aaron wheeled himself to his desk, the epitome of tranquility.
"If you don't want anyone to know, don't do it."
His handsome face was shadowed, his tone icy cold.
Caleb, simmering with rage and lacking time for further confrontation, hastily exited.
The room fell into silence. Aaron coolly signed a few documents, his lips curling into a cold smirk.
There was a knock on the door, and Noe entered.
"Mr. Gordon, the police have taken Jackson in for questioning."
Aaron barely looked up, acknowledging with a nonchalant "Hmm."
Noe hesitated, "But the evidence we have is somewhat scant. It might not be sufficient to incarcerate him."
A cunning smile danced on Aaron's lips. "What's the fun in killing a rat too quickly? I've got plans."
He was prepared to let Caleb plead with Grandpa for mercy.
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