Chapter 272 I Entrust Nora to You
"Very well, grant me solitude for a time. Return to your abode and cease your pursuit of me," Nora declared, her voice resolute. With a deep, steadying breath, she turned on her heel and retreated, leaving Aaron alone with his thoughts.
Such obstinacy, he mused, watching her slender silhouette fade into the distance. His lips pressed into a thin line, a silent testament to his frustration. After a moment's pause, he retrieved his phone from his pocket and dialed Ebenezer's number once more.
"Uncle, what precisely did you reveal to Nora?" he inquired, his voice heavy with concern. "Why does she so adamantly deny her lineage?"
A deep sigh echoed from the other end of the line, the weight of Ebenezer's regret palpable. "The blame rests with me. She discovered that acknowledging her would result in my punishment and tarnish our family's reputation. To spare me this predicament, she chose silence."
A sudden clarity washed over Aaron, his dark eyes narrowing in understanding. "So you've chosen not to acknowledge her?" he asked, his tone laced with disbelief.
A pause hung heavy in the air, Ebenezer's silence confirming Aaron's suspicions.
"I understand. I'll end the call now," Aaron stated, his voice a blend of disappointment and resignation.
"Wait," Ebenezer interjected, his voice strained. "Aaron, are your affections for Nora sincere?"
"Undoubtedly," Aaron responded, his conviction unwavering.
"Then, I entrust Nora to your care. Ensure she endures no further suffering."
"Rest assured, I will shield her from harm," Aaron vowed, ending the call and sinking into deep contemplation.
No wonder Nora had reacted so vehemently. Her mother was absent, and her father might as well have been. And his own mother had only added fuel to the fire. Given Nora's aloof nature and aversion to conflict, her reaction was understandable. But he was far from ready to abandon her.
After departing the graveyard, Nora found solace in the familiarity of her home. Her demeanor remained unchanged, her silence a fortress against prying questions from the three little ones observing her.
Her train of thought was interrupted by an incoming call from her mentor. "Professor," she greeted, her tone respectful.
"Nora, are you currently available? I require your assistance," a deep, resonant voice echoed through the line.
"What seems to be the issue?" Nora inquired, her brow furrowing in concern. Her mentor rarely sought her help unless the matter was of great importance.
"My research team and I have identified a virus in Lindwood City that targets the respiratory system. We need a team of skilled individuals to collaborate and develop an antidote. Your expertise in herbal research is invaluable, and I need your assistance," her mentor explained, his tone direct and urgent.
Nora's eyes sparkled with anticipation, her grip on her phone tightening. The prospect of combating a new disease was an irresistible challenge for a doctor. She was eager to contribute. However...
"Professor, I'm currently treating a patient and may not be able to depart immediately," Nora admitted, her thoughts drifting to Hollis.
"That's unfortunate," her mentor responded, a hint of disappointment seeping into his voice.
Despite her current obligations, Nora was reluctant to let this opportunity slip through her fingers. "Professor, allow me some time to contemplate this. I will get back to you."
"Very well, I await your decision."
"Understood."
Later that afternoon, Nora paid a visit to Hollis's residence. After administering her treatment, she broached the subject directly. "Mrs. Brown, would you consider accompanying me to Lindwood City if I decide to go?"
If she could convince Hollis to travel with her to Lindwood City, she could assist her mentor. The only question was whether Hollis would agree to such a proposition.
"Travel to Lindwood City? Why the sudden proposal?" Hollis queried, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"My mentor requires my assistance with a medical study. I thought perhaps you could accompany me to Lindwood City. This way, your treatment wouldn't be delayed, and I could assist my professor," Nora explained, hoping to sway Hollis to her cause.
Hollis and Mary shared a glance, their eyes reflecting a mutual hesitance.
Nora, perceptive as ever, caught their reluctance and ventured a suggestion. "Mrs. Brown, if my presence proves inconvenient, perhaps I could seek out another practitioner of traditional medicine with similar qualifications to continue your treatment?"
Upon hearing this, Hollis was quick to refuse. "Nora," she declared, her tone firm, "I don't trust anyone else. I only trust your skills as a traditional medicine practitioner." Thus, the second plan was promptly dismissed.
Their hesitation lingered over the first plan, leaving them in a state of indecision. Nora's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, uncertainty clouding her judgement.
In the midst of their discussion, Baldwin returned, Quinn in tow.
"Nora," Quinn greeted Nora, her smile bright and cheerful.
Nora responded with a strained smile, her mind clearly elsewhere.
Hollis's displeasure was evident. "Why are you here again?" she asked, her tone frosty.
Quinn blinked innocently. "Mrs. Brown, I came to cheer you up."
Hollis's response was cool. "I'd be happier if I didn't see you."
Unfazed, Quinn cooed, "No, you'll be happy to know that I won money."
Hollis stared at her in silence. This woman...
Sensing the tension, Baldwin attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Mom, Nora, what's this talk about believing and not believing?"
Hollis was pulled from her thoughts. "Nora was discussing with me about going to Lindwood City. She asked if I'd be willing to accompany her."
Upon hearing this, Quinn raised an eyebrow, turning her gaze to Nora. "Nora, why do you suddenly want to go to Lindwood City?"
"It's my mentor's invitation," Nora summarized.
Quinn nodded, her eyes flickering thoughtfully. "Medical research is important. You can't delay it, so you must go to Lindwood City."
Everyone turned to look at her. Hollis frowned, "And what about my leg? Won't it be treated?"
Quinn blinked, replying, "Of course not. Medical research is important, but so is Mrs. Brown's leg! How about this: I have business in Lindwood City and since I'll be going there anyway, let me handle the arrangements."
Hollis's brow furrowed. "What arrangements?"
Quinn clarified cheerily, "Arrangements for your lodging, transportation, and such."
"I don't need it," Hollis stated firmly.
Quinn smiled. "Mrs. Brown, I'm Baldwin's girlfriend now, so it's right for me to do this for him. Besides, like I said, I have business in Lindwood City, and it's no trouble to help you with these little things on the side. But of course, if it really bothers you, you could pay me for my assistance."
Hollis snorted, "Money-grubber."
Quinn wasn't annoyed, instead, she laughed. "Then it's settled. Nora, when you're leaving, let me know so I can make arrangements."
Nora was delighted, having not expected Quinn to solve the issue for her in just a few words. "I'll probably leave in the next couple of days. I'll text you in advance to let you know."
"Alrighty. Let's go, Baldwin, time to make dinner." Quinn linked arms with Baldwin, her smile beaming, and led him outside.
Baldwin felt as though his future role was simply to be a silent partner, as someone else seemed to make all his decisions for him. He looked at her with tender eyes, allowing her to guide him away.
Hollis frowned, unable to restrain herself from saying, "Baldwin, you are not allowed to cook."
The pair in front stopped, and Quinn turned around, "Got it, I'll be the one cooking, okay?"
Hollis's frown didn't ease, "Can you even cook something edible?"
Quinn's eyes danced as she playfully patted Baldwin's arm, "You've got your supervisor right here, if it's not good, you can blame him."
Nora laughed. Quinn really knew how to handle things, step by step, making Hollis compromise. In no time at all, she seemed able to completely wrap the Brown family around her finger. Nora found herself a bit envious of her audacity.
The image of Aaron's handsome face flashed in her mind. Should she also... Nora stopped the thought there. Never mind, she wasn't like Quinn. And her situation with Mary and Hollis was different. She had compromised enough in the past twenty-odd years; she no longer wanted to belittle herself.
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