Chapter 248 Do You Like Mr. Gordon?
Upon hearing the words of Hollis, Nora responded, "Mrs. Brown, the unfavorable impressions of Quinn circulating are merely the result of deliberate slander. They should not be given any credence."
Baldwin, who was standing nearby, felt a surge of emotion flicker in his eyes and gave a subtle nod. The fact that Quinn was still pure was sufficient to debunk the rumors.
"There's no smoke without fire, but it is best not to believe such talk. Baldwin will clarify his non-involvement with that woman in due course," Hollis stated.
Nora's eyebrows knitted together as she glanced at Baldwin. Why was Hollis persistently explaining this to her, urging her to disregard the gossip? It was as if there was an unspoken connection between her and Baldwin.
"Mrs. Brown, I need to use the restroom," Nora announced, no longer willing to linger. She made her way towards the restroom, leaving the room.
Baldwin trailed after her. Once they found themselves in a secluded corner, Nora inquired, "Baldwin, is what Mrs. Brown said true? Are you going to publicly deny any association with Quinn?"
Visibly irritated, Baldwin responded, "I don't know."
In the past, he would have heeded his mother's advice without hesitation, releasing a statement after some time that he and Quinn had amicably parted ways.
But now, after Quinn had given herself to him, how could he even contemplate a breakup?
"Baldwin, I recall you mentioning feelings for another woman. Is it because of her that you can't be with Quinn?" Nora asked, noticing Baldwin's agitation.
Baldwin hesitated, glancing at Nora, and found himself at a loss for words.
A peculiar thought crossed Nora's mind. She ventured cautiously, "Baldwin, who is the woman you're fond of?"
She hoped his answer wouldn't be her.
Baldwin looked up, noticed her apprehensive expression, and finally spoke, "The truth is, there isn’t really a woman. I fabricated her existence to stop my mother's incessant nagging."
Naturally, he wouldn't confess to her face that the person he was attracted to was Nora. That would only lead to awkwardness.
Nora breathed a sigh of relief, "If there is no one, why not consider a relationship with Quinn?"
Baldwin frowned, "I'm simply not attracted to her. I don't fancy her type."
Nora countered, "But this morning Quinn expressed her desire to date you?"
Thinking of Quinn's seductive face, Baldwin sighed softly, "I don't know. I’m feeling quite conflicted at the moment."
Firstly, he was uncomfortable with the fact that he had been intimate with someone he didn't genuinely like.
Secondly, he was unsure how to explain the situation to his family.
The entire ordeal was extremely vexing.
Nora refrained from further comment and proceeded to the restroom.
After all, one couldn’t interfere in another's emotions; it was the individual's responsibility to manage their own feelings.
After Nora had finished attending to Hollis, Hollis insisted that she stay for dinner.
That’s when Nora's phone rang – it was Aaron.
She answered, "Hello?"
"I'm here. Can you come out?"
Aaron was already outside.
Nora's face lit up, "Okay."
She ended the call and informed Hollis, "Mrs. Brown, I won’t be staying for dinner, my friend has arrived to pick me up."
Hollis's expression darkened, "Who is it? Your boyfriend?"
Nora merely smiled, nodded to Mary and Baldwin, and said, "I'll be going now."
"I'll walk you out," Baldwin offered.
Nora didn’t object, and they exited the mansion together.
Watching them leave, Hollis asked Mary, "Do you think Baldwin has a chance with Nora?"
Mary remained impassive, "Even if he doesn't win her heart, it doesn’t matter. As long as she doesn't marry into the Gordon family, and with Aaron out of the picture, she would still be available."
Hearing this, Hollis nodded.
"What about the gossip? Is it true, or is Baldwin being two-faced?"
Mary pondered for a moment, "Perhaps we should meet with that woman and caution her?"
Hollis agreed with a nod, "Yes, that seems like a good idea."
Outside, Baldwin escorted Nora to the curb, where a Bentley was parked.
Nora’s car wasn’t there; Frederick had taken it to the repair shop.
Nora bid Baldwin farewell, "I've got to go, Baldwin. You should head back."
Baldwin looked at her and asked, "Nora, do you admire Mr. Gordon?"
Nora was taken aback. "Why do you suddenly ask that?"
"I just really want to know," Baldwin said.
After a moment of silence, Nora nodded, "I admire him."
She was completely candid, without a trace of discomfort.
Baldwin felt a constriction within his chest, a sensation of unease that he couldn't quite shake off.
"Nora," he began, his voice heavy with concern, "you need to understand the truth about the Gordon family. The two of you are not compatible."
Nora's lips tightened into a thin line, her resolve unwavering. "I am aware," she retorted, "but nothing in this world is absolute. I am drawn to him, irrespective of his lineage. Even if we are not destined to be together, I have tasted happiness."
She was firm in her belief, her conviction unwavering.
She had been experiencing a profound sense of joy recently.
All because he was a part of her life.
The sudden blare of a car horn interrupted their conversation. It was Aaron, signaling her to hurry.
Nora cast a quick glance outside and then turned back to Baldwin. "I must leave now, farewell."
As she climbed into the car, Baldwin watched her, his fingers involuntarily clenching.
It was evident that she was elated to see Aaron; she must truly harbor feelings for him.
But her mother would never welcome anyone from the Gordon family.
Being involved with Aaron could put her in danger!
Baldwin was unsure of what to do.
Inside the car, Aaron cast a sidelong glance at her and asked, "What were you discussing with him?"
Nora's eyes flickered slightly, "Nothing of importance, just trivial conversation."
She decided against telling Aaron about Baldwin's final remark.
It wasn't necessary.
The thought of Baldwin and Quinn caused her to sigh softly.
Aaron turned to look at her, "What's the matter?"
Nora replied, "I fear things between Baldwin and Quinn don't seem promising."
Aaron raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
"Baldwin claimed Quinn isn't his type."
Aaron scoffed softly, "The fact that Quinn even considers him is a miracle. And he's being picky?"
Nora shook her head, "Well, it's all in the hands of fate now."
A relationship built on compulsion is never sweet—it's best to let things unfold naturally.
Aaron reached over and took her hand in his, "Nora, don't constantly worry about others, spare a thought for me too."
Nora pulled her hand away, her tone serious, "I'm not thinking about you at the moment, I need to focus on Frank."
Aaron fell silent, his expression hardening.
That scoundrel!
Did Frank have the audacity to hire a hitman for murder?
He'd settle the score when autumn arrived.
In another vehicle, Frank drove with a sense of nervousness, with Allen occupying the passenger seat.
"How did Nora manage to uncover so much? I've always been cautious," Frank said, frustrated and anxious.
Allen shot him a look of annoyance, "I warned you, she's not the naive Nora of yesteryears. Why did you even interfere with her?"
Frank's brow furrowed in frustration, "How was I to know she'd become this formidable? I assumed she was just an inconsequential woman, but she crossed me. I had to teach her a lesson. Otherwise, how would I maintain my reputation in the business world?"