Chapter 187 Aaron's Misplaced Accusation Against Jackson for Nora's Benefit
The interior of the vehicle was steeped in a quiet warmth that was almost tangible.
Nora could feel the heat spreading from his hand into hers.
Abruptly, the car door was wrenched open, and a voice echoed out.
"Mom, Mr. Gordon!"
School was out for the children.
Nora swiftly pulled her hand back and smoothed her hair, striving to maintain an outward appearance of calm.
"Finished with school?"
"Yes!"
One by one, the three children clambered into the car.
"I'll take the wheel then."
Nora shot Aaron a glance, a silent plea for him to release her.
The residual warmth from her hand lingered in his palm.
The sight of unease flickering in her bright eyes brought a smile to his face.
"Stay put. I'll have Noe call the driver to retrieve your car."
'Was it just a hand-hold? Are you really that shy?'
Nora hesitated for a moment, only to find Aaron had already vacated the car and taken up residence in the passenger seat.
Noe ignited the engine, setting a course for home.
Nora allowed herself a small smile, letting go of her concerns about the car. She gently stroked her daughter's soft, fluffy hair.
Samantha was ecstatic to see both Aaron and Nora had come to collect them from school.
"Mom, Dad, I learned a new song at school today. Do you want to hear it?" Samantha's voice rang out.
There she was again, referring to him as 'Dad.'
Nora cleared her throat. "Samantha, that's not my name."
As Samantha prepared to sing, she hesitated, her gaze shifting to Aaron as if seeking his endorsement.
Aaron turned to her, a smirk dancing on his lips. "It's alright. I'll be her dad soon enough."
Nora could only roll her eyes at him, rendered speechless.
Encouraged by her ally's support, Samantha beamed. "Okay, here I go!" She swallowed, tilted her head, and began to sing in rhythm.
"Little boy, free from woes, looks around where the sunlight glows."
The setting sun painted the sky a reddish hue, and rays of light poured through the car window, bathing the children in a golden glow.
Their innocent, joy-filled faces were the most beautiful sight in the world.
Nora's lips curved into a smile, her heart softening.
…
Caleb stood before Jacob, his eyes bloodshot and pleading. "Dad, please, you have to save Jackson."
Jacob, still in the throes of recovery, took a measured sip of water before responding calmly, "What happened to Jackson?"
"Aaron took him into custody," Caleb seethed, his frustration palpable.
Unfazed, Jacob asked, "Why would Aaron arrest Jackson out of the blue?"
Caleb's eyes flickered with a hidden fire. "It's all because of that doctor, Nora!"
At the mention of Nora's name, Jacob's previously indifferent expression hardened slightly. He turned his gaze to Caleb, "Give me the details."
Suppressing the fury in his eyes, Caleb began to recount the tale. "Jackson had issues with Nora before. She's Aaron's personal doctor, and she's used her position backed by Aaron to harm Jackson with her acupuncture more than once."
"Last night, Jackson and some buddies were drinking at the Golden Harvest Diner. He got drunk and groped a waitress. Nora saw him and threatened to hit him. Humiliated, Jackson held Nora back, demanding she drink and apologize."
"But then Aaron showed up, beat Jackson badly, and reported him for trafficking illegal drugs! Dad, Aaron's out to destroy Jackson." Caleb's tone was a potent mix of sorrow and anger.
Jacob's weathered eyes narrowed. "Are you saying that Aaron framed Jackson because of Nora?"
"Yes," Caleb blurted out urgently. "I talked to the police. They received anonymous tips about Jackson dealing in illegal drugs, but none of that stuff sticks on its own."
"I could've bailed Jackson out, but then a few girls showed up at the station, all adamant they were drugged and assaulted by him. Jackson might play the field, but he'd never resort to drugs for that. It's clear as day—sabotage by Aaron, all 'cause Jackson pressured Nora to drink as an apology."
As Caleb spoke, he watched Jacob's reaction, subtly shifting the blame toward Nora. He knew Jacob had a soft spot for Nora, and for the first time, Aaron had talked back to Jacob, all for Nora's sake. Caleb was playing his cards to get Jacob on their side—even if he didn't like Caleb, he had to consider Jackson's situation.
Sure enough, Jacob's demeanor turned chillier. "Call Aaron. Tell him to come home for dinner."
The butler promptly dialed Aaron, who was in the middle of a warm family dinner at Nora's place. Glancing at the caller ID, he put down his fork and answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Aaron, Jacob wants you back at the main house for dinner."
"I'm actually eating right now. Tell Grandpa I'll come see him after I finish up."
"Will do."
After hanging up, Aaron nonchalantly ladled soup for Samantha. Nora, catching the word "Grandpa," stole a glance at Aaron. Her mind raced—could Jacob be summoning Aaron over Jackson's trouble?
After dinner, as Aaron was leaving, Nora escorted him to the door. "Your grandpa wanted you?"
Aaron nodded, and noticing her tense expression, he half-smiled, "Worried about me?"
Nora said nothing, her fingers tightening. He took her hand gently, "Don't worry. Wait for my return so I can be in your healing hands." His voice was soft and steady, like a husband reassuring his wife before stepping out. Nora felt a flutter in her heart, suppressed her worries, and nodded.
"Okay."
Noe watched as Aaron headed back to the family estate. Upon entering, Aaron glanced at Caleb, who was perched on the couch, a slight smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. Just as he suspected, Caleb had come crawling to Grandpa.
"Grandpa."
Aaron ignored the ferocious look in Caleb's eyes and greeted Jacob. "The two of you, come with me to the den."
Jacob cast a glance at Aaron, his tone far from friendly. "Let me help you up," Caleb hurriedly stood, eagerly assisting Jacob up the stairs. Aaron rose from his wheelchair, with Noe supporting him as he ascended the stairs.
In the den, Jacob wasted no time. "Tell me, did you have Jackson sent to the police station to avenge Nora?"
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