Chapter 253 A Father's Invitation
Nora's entrance into the reception area was met with an unexpected sight. Two unfamiliar figures occupied the space, their presence stirring a sense of curiosity within her. "May I ask who you are?" she inquired, her gaze shifting between the two men.
The visitors were none other than Ebenezer and his assistant. Ebenezer' eyes studied her with an intensity that made her feel slightly uncomfortable. "You must be Nora?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of certainty.
"Yes, I am Nora," she confirmed, her curiosity piqued.
"I am Ebenezer, Suzy's father," he introduced himself, his words causing a ripple of surprise within Nora. Suzy's father? The immediate thought that crossed her mind was that he had come to chastise her. A hint of apprehension clouded her features.
"Did you need something from me, Mr. Ebenezer?" she asked, her tone guarded.
Ebenezer offered a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I come in peace. It's already noon; how about we find a restaurant and talk over lunch?" His proposal was unexpected, yet his dignified demeanor suggested no ill intent.
Nora considered his offer. It was broad daylight, and surely, even if he had come to confront her, nothing untoward would happen. With this thought, she agreed, "Sounds good." Her response was straightforward, devoid of any hint of pettiness.
A glimmer of appreciation flashed in Ebenezer's eyes as they all rose to leave. He gestured for Nora to join him in his car, but before she could, Frederick intercepted.
"Nora, where are you off to?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.
Nora turned to him, "Frederick, this is Suzy's father. He has invited me to lunch." The mention of Suzy's father sent alarm bells ringing in Frederick's mind. As he watched Nora climb into Ebenezer's car, he immediately dialed Aaron to relay the situation.
Meanwhile, at the Gordon family Group, Aaron furrowed his brow upon receiving Frederick's call. Ebenezer seeking out Nora? Could he be looking to avenge Suzy? It didn't seem right. It wasn't typical behavior for Ebenezer. As Aaron pondered, he dialed Ebenezer's number.
"This is Aaron. Are you in Houston?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
In the car, Ebenezer smiled slightly. "Yes, I am planning to dine with Miss Smith. If you're free, you're welcome to join us." Ebenezer handed his phone to his assistant, instructing him to share the hotel name and private room details with Aaron.
His gaze settled on the quiet Nora sitting beside him. "Miss Smith, are you in a relationship with Aaron?" he asked, breaking the silence.
Nora, who had been lost in a daydream, responded briefly, "Yes."
Ebenezer continued his line of questioning. "You have triplets?"
"That's right, triplets," Nora confirmed.
Ebenezer nodded, "The Gordon family doesn't seem to appreciate who you are. They don't want you hanging around Aaron, do they?" His question caused Nora's fingers to curl slightly as she nodded in agreement.
Ebenezer observed her cool, detached expression. "Do you like Aaron?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.
Nora met his gaze, "Yes, I do like Aaron. Mr. Ebenezer, if you're here on behalf of your daughter to warn me off, to tell me to know my place and back off, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I don't take orders from anyone." Her words were forthright, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Ebenezer chuckled, "I didn't say I was here to fight Suzy's battles. The matters of you young people are not for me to intervene." His words left Nora puzzled. If he wasn't there for Suzy, then why had he sought her out?
Ebenezer merely smiled, his gaze wandering out the window. The silence that followed was heavy, but Nora didn't press further. Her mind, however, was brimming with questions. Who was this distinguished middle-aged man, and what could he possibly want with her?
Upon arriving at the arranged hotel, Ebenezer had his assistant hand Nora the menu. "Miss Smith, please feel free to order anything you like," he offered, his gentle smile putting her at ease. Without hesitation, she selected several dishes.
As they waited for their food, Nora noticed Ebenezer sipping his tea, occasionally casting her an affectionate glance. His look wasn't unsavory; rather, it had a certain paternal quality. It was the affectionate way an elder might regard someone younger. Nora found herself warming up to him, but her curiosity remained. What could he possibly want from her?
Soon, they were left alone in the room. Ebenezer set down his tea cup and inquired, "Miss Smith, could you tell me about yourself?"
Nora paused, "What would you like to know?"
"Anything, like how you grew up," he suggested. He took a deliberate pause before adding, "I heard your mother went to jail for a traffic accident that resulted in a fatality, and that she passed away when you were quite young?"
He found himself probing, seeking to understand her more deeply. This young woman, with her dignified mannerisms and commanding presence, reminded him of himself. She could very well be his own daughter.
The thought struck him with a startling intensity.
Memories of her mother's sacrifices for her began to surface in his mind. Nora's voice broke through his reverie, her tone solemn. "My mom didn't hit anyone, she was framed," she declared.
Ebenezer, intrigued, pressed further. "Who framed her? Has the case been overturned?" he inquired.
Nora paused, her gaze distant. "My mom was a gentle and kind woman, but she married my callous father. To protect me, she chose to take his place in prison, and she was killed there," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"But I managed to exonerate her, and the person who harmed her was punished. She can rest in peace now."
Ebenezer, moved by her story, asked, "Do you mean your father is in jail now?"
"Yes!" Nora didn't deny it. "Mr. Ebenezer, do you think I am heartless?"
Ebenezer shook his head. "No, you did well. I admire your determination."
Charles, the man in question, was a despicable fellow. Nora had done well. She was truly her father's daughter. Ebenezer found himself slipping into the role of a father figure, his protective instincts surfacing.
Snapping back to the present, he studied Nora's beautiful face. "Your parents' relationship wasn't good?" he ventured.
Nora twisted her mouth into a bittersweet smile. "From what I remember, they seemed happy. But now, thinking back, my dad was a hypocrite. He had an affair and still managed to deceive my mom. I feel so sorry for her."
Her mother, such a wonderful woman, had ended up with a man like that. Because of him, she had died young, and Nora had been deprived of her mother's love from a young age.
Ebenezer sighed, seeing the sadness in her eyes. He suddenly envisioned a woman's face – gentle, poised, exuding warmth. He had once thought that Carol was in league with Charles and had despised her greatly. Now, it seemed that she too had been a victim, never really treated as a wife by Charles.
Just then, a waitress arrived with their meal. As she passed Nora to set the dishes down, she stumbled, lurching towards Nora. Nora quickly reached out to steady her.
"Be careful," she warned.
The waitress, flustered, apologized profusely. "I'm so sorry, I lost my balance. Did I hurt you?" As she apologized, she adjusted Nora's clothes and hair.
Nora simply smiled, "It's okay, don't worry about it."
After the waitress finished her adjustments and apologized again, she left. Ebenezer, still leisurely sipping his tea across the table, watched her leave the room in silence.
Just then, Aaron rolled in on his wheelchair. He glanced at the waitress and noticed she seemed to be holding something. The waiter's gaze darted away for a moment before he retreated from the room.
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