Chapter 261 Ninety Percent Sure She's My Daughter
"Nora, with a proud expression, declared, "Don't believe it? I've told you, I've got the spirit of a gambling deity."
Aaron was drawn back from his thoughts, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "Yes, I admire you. Gambling deity."
Nora shot him a glance, fully aware of his mockery. She chose not to retort.
Her smile waned slightly as she pondered his visit to the Jacob family house earlier that day.
"What did you all discuss at the old house today?" she asked.
Aaron, noticing the seriousness in her tone, couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement. "Didn't I tell you? We discussed my marriage prospects."
The young lady feigned indifference, but her concern was palpable.
"Forget it," Nora dismissed, turning her gaze towards the window.
Aaron, with a smile tugging at his lips, gently redirected her attention back to him. "What if I told you Mr. Hamilton didn't mention you at all when he visited my grandpa, would you believe that?"
Nora blinked, confusion momentarily clouding her eyes. "I believe it, but it's strange, why did he come to Houston?"
She pondered if the random dinner invitation was merely a ruse to meet her.
"Maybe he just wanted to pay a simple visit to my grandpa and see who it was that stole his son-in-law away," Aaron suggested, his fingers tracing her cheek. "He thinks his daughter couldn't lose to anyone better, given how smart and beautiful you are."
Nora couldn't help but laugh at his words. Some people were truly adept at rationalizing things for themselves.
Upon their return to the villa, they found the three little ones sound asleep.
Nora watched as Aaron naturally followed her, not bothering to send him back to his own house.
As they ascended the stairs, she noticed a laundry basket filled with several sets of children's clothes. Not only were there their school uniforms from the morning, but also three new outfits.
Nora paused, picking up one of the new sets. The quality of the clothes was evident, clearly from a high-end children's boutique. Where had these come from? She was certain she hadn't purchased them.
"What's wrong?" Aaron asked, noticing Nora holding the clothes in a daze.
"I'm puzzled about these outfits. They don't look like something I bought. Where did they come from?" Nora queried, her face etched with curiosity.
Aaron's eyes softened, "The kids said they played so hard at Jacob's place today that they worked up a sweat. He had them take a bath and then gave them new clothes to change into. Jacob bought the outfits for them."
Their grandfather's affection for the three little ones was undeniable. He had filled the house with toys and now clothes. He treated them as if they were his own great-grandchildren.
"Imagine that! Jacob seems to treat the kids as if they were his own grandchildren. Picking them up to play every day and even buying them new clothes," Nora mused, a chuckle escaping her lips.
Aaron's brows lifted in agreement, "Right?"
After a moment of thought, Nora proposed, "Tomorrow, I'll have my Special Assistant send some supplements to him. We can't always be on the receiving end."
Aaron's eyes hardened with resolve, "Don't worry about it, I'll handle it."
Grandpa was still oblivious to Noe's existence. And money wasn't an issue for him. Since he adored the three little ones, let him indulge.
"It's settled then, just don't forget," Nora conceded. She was occupied with helping Hollis with her acupuncture treatments and didn't have the luxury of time to meet Jacob.
As Nora prepared to take a shower, Aaron wrapped his arms around her. "Are you done yet?"
Nora was taken aback, her cheeks warming at the husky, longing tone in his voice. "Do you men ever think about anything else?"
She had been too exhausted for any in-depth conversation with him these past few nights, yet she could sense his restlessness.
"Can't help it, you're just too irresistible," Aaron whispered, his teeth gently grazing her smooth earlobe.
Nora shivered, a tingling sensation creeping up her spine. She quickly pushed him away, her face flushing as she declared, "I'm going to take a shower."
Was that... a signal it was all right?
Aaron watched her rush to the bathroom, her head hung low. His mood soared.
"Let's shower together."
"No."
"Yes."
Despite her protest, he soon joined Nora for an intimate shower.
A man, having abstained for a considerable period, found the return to indulgence overwhelming.
Nora's descent into sleep was a mystery to her; the only certainty was a strange hope that her period of unconsciousness would persist indefinitely.
The following day, within the confines of the hotel.
Emma made her entrance.
Upon her arrival, Ebenezer' brow furrowed in mild confusion, "What brings you here?"
"In light of such a significant incident, how could I possibly stay away?" Emma retorted.
Ebenezer, observing the distress etched on his wife's face, inquired softly, "What is your intention?"
With a huff, Emma flung her bag onto the sofa, "Why the concern? Are you fearful I'll cause her harm?"
Ebenezer was aware of the incredulity of the situation and comprehended his wife's struggle to accept it.
Yet, Nora was deserving of sympathy.
"Emma, Nora has endured a harsh existence. Her biological mother took the blame for that rogue and met her end in prison. She's been robbed of parental affection since her youth. If she truly is my daughter, I want to rectify the past," he declared.
Biting back her annoyance, Emma questioned, "Ebenezer, aren't we still awaiting confirmation? Are you so certain she's your offspring?"
Ebenezer conjured an image of Nora in his mind.
He nodded, "I'm ninety percent convinced she's my daughter. She exhibits the traits of a Ebenezer."
The crux of the matter was, Charles Manson wouldn't deceive him over something that could be easily verified with a DNA test, would he?
Observing her husband's assured countenance, Emma remained silent, her fingers tightening imperceptibly.
Did Nora truly bear a resemblance to the Ebenezer lineage?
She resolved to meet this woman in person.
In the laboratory, Nora had just completed an experiment when a call from Becky interrupted her.
"Nora, did you send our father to prison?"
Becky's tone was tinged with surprise. Nora didn't refute it, "You've heard?"
"Yes, I returned home to collect some items yesterday, and the staff informed me," Becky paused, "Nora, I'm at a loss for words, we need to meet."
Nora was hesitant, "Whatever you wish to say can be conveyed over the phone."
Becky chuckled, "Nora, what are you afraid of? Relax, I've been on set the entire time, no one's manipulated me. Come out, I'm waiting for you at Summit Coffee Shop."
Without waiting for Nora's agreement, she ended the call.
Nora paused momentarily, glancing at the time; it was already midday.
She decided to meet Becky, it was lunchtime after all.
Nora had Frederic chauffeur her to the designated coffee shop.
A car trailed them persistently. Inside it was Emma.
Upon reaching the coffee shop, Becky was already present.
She had ordered a cup of coffee.
Upon Nora's arrival, she sipped her coffee and remarked, "Order whatever you like, you're wealthier than me now."
Nora scrutinized Becky, noting her weight loss and slightly darker complexion.
However, she appeared healthier.
Without further delay, Nora ordered a mocha and a selection of pastries.
The two sat in silence, neither initiating conversation.
Shortly, the server delivered Nora's order.
Nora expressed her gratitude and began to eat with poise.
Observing Nora relishing her meal, Becky scoffed, "Nora, you're far colder than I am, to incarcerate our father and still have the capacity to enjoy your meal?"
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