Chapter 283 High and Mighty
"There's no need, I'll be there shortly," Nora responded, her voice echoing through the phone line. As the call ended, she swiftly hailed a cab, her mind already focused on her impending destination.
A mere thirty minutes later, she found herself stepping out of the cab and into the agreed-upon diner. The waiter led her through the bustling establishment, towards a private room tucked away from the noise and chatter.
As she pushed open the door, her eyes fell upon Ebenezer, patiently awaiting her arrival on a plush sofa, his assistant standing dutifully by his side.
"Nora, you've arrived! Please, take a seat," Ebenezer greeted her, rising from his seat as she entered.
"Apologies for the delay," Nora responded, taking a seat at the dining table.
"No need to worry, you must be famished?" Ebenezer inquired, a note of concern coloring his voice.
"Not particularly," Nora replied, her voice steady.
"Perhaps some tea to soothe your throat," Ebenezer suggested, pouring her a cup. His assistant quietly exited the room, leaving the two alone.
"I could have done that myself," Nora remarked, her tone light.
"It's quite alright," Ebenezer reassured her. It was a rare occasion for him to care for his daughter, and he relished the opportunity.
Nora didn't argue further. She accepted the teacup, savoring the warm liquid before asking, "Did you need to see me for something specific?"
"Let's eat first. We can discuss matters over dinner," Ebenezer suggested, serving Nora a bowl of soup. The table was laden with a variety of dishes, their aroma wafting through the room, stirring her appetite.
Nora, indeed famished, didn't hesitate any longer. She thanked him and began to eat. Ebenezer watched her, a flicker of pity in his eyes. Despite not having been raised by her biological parents, her demeanor remained impeccable. Perhaps elegance was simply in her nature.
"I heard from Aaron that your medical mentor requested your assistance in Lindwood City, is that correct?" Ebenezer asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes," Nora responded, taking a sip of her soup before nodding.
"Are you feeling tired at all?"
"Somewhat," she admitted.
Their conversation flowed naturally, Ebenezer continuously adding more food to her plate. Nora glanced at the pile of dishes in front of her, a touch of warmth spreading through her. She had never truly experienced paternal love before.
Watching Charles Manson dote on Becky during her childhood had always stirred a pang of envy within her. Now, to be on the receiving end of such affection was a pleasant surprise. Even though this fatherly love couldn't be openly acknowledged, it didn't lessen the deep contentment she felt.
"Nora, these dishes were specially prepared by the diner's chef to Evellar to Houston tastes. Give them a try and see if you like the flavor," Ebenezer suggested, scooping up a few more bites of food onto his plate.
"You're doing fine, no need to add more. I can serve myself, and you should eat too," Nora responded, her tone casual. She served some food onto Ebenezer's plate as well.
He looked at her, a hint of excitement in his eyes, and nodded his approval, murmuring, "Thank you."
It was the first time his daughter had served him food. Suddenly, he felt that the chef at the diner had truly outdone themselves. The dishes tasted even more delectable!
The rest of the meal passed in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the clinking of cutlery and the occasional sip of tea.
Nora observed with a hint of puzzlement that Ebenezer seemed to favor one particular dish. It was the same one she had initially served him. She blinked, her mind whirling with questions. Could it be that he was only eating what she had served? Intrigued by his peculiar behavior, she hesitated for a moment before deciding to serve him some more, this time adding a helping of mixed vegetables to his plate.
After being served, Ebenezer broke his pattern. He smiled at Nora and began to enjoy both dishes she had chosen. Nora chuckled softly, finding her father's behavior somewhat simple-minded.
Lowering her gaze, she masked the amusement in her eyes and continued to dine quietly. Before long, she was satiated and laid down her fork, delicately wiping the corners of her mouth with a napkin. Across from her, Ebenezer also seemed to have had his fill.
Discarding her napkin to the side, Nora ventured a question, "Can we talk about why you asked me to come here now?" Ebenezer, with a touch of elegance, dabbed at his mouth with his own napkin and looked up at her.
His eyes held a gentle and hopeful look as he said, "Nora, there are no strangers here. Would you call me Dad?" Nora curled her fingers slightly, pausing for a moment before replying, "Let's not. It might just cause unnecessary complications."
Acknowledging their relationship was out of the question, she decided it was better not to stir emotions. She would keep the term of endearment for him in her heart. Ebenezer let out a soft sigh, a tinge of sadness flickering across his eyes.
"I'm the one who has failed you, and yet you're considering my feelings," he lamented. Nora shook her head, "It's not about that. I just don't want the hassle. Things are fine as they are." Her demeanor was straightforward and unpretentious. It was clear that she genuinely wanted no part in his affairs.
Ebenezer sighed internally once more. Not many people could match his daughter's magnanimity. After all, the Hamilton family wasn't just any ordinary family. Who would turn away from a fortune within easy reach?
He pushed a document toward Nora. "Nora, this is a small token from me, your Dad. Please, don't think it's too modest." Nora was taken aback for a moment, took the document, and began to look through it. As she saw the contents, a subtle shift flickered through her eyes.
Her father was definitely a big spender—to think his assets totaled up to over a billion dollars. If she accepted them, she wouldn't just be wealthy; she'd be filthy rich. But...
"I don't need it. Please take it back," Nora said as she pushed the documents back across the table. Ebenezer frowned slightly. "Nora, why don't you want it? You're my daughter; this is the least I can do to make up for the past."
Nora's bright eyes shone with conviction. "I really don't need it. You don't owe me anything, especially since you didn't even know I existed when I was born." Ebenezer insisted, "Regardless, it was my actions that led us here, that made you suffer all these years. I need to compensate you."
Nora smiled lightly, "I truly don't need it. I don't want your family to think I'm after your money. If you came here just to give me these, then I should leave."
She knew that the Hamilton family in the city was probably aware of her presence by now. If she accepted Ebenezer's gift today, who knew what they would think of her. After all, that was a fortune worth over a billion. Families like theirs often loved to compete for power and wealth.
She had no interest in getting tangled in their feuds. Moreover, she wasn't lacking money. She was still young, and with her capabilities, she could become a wealthy woman in her own right.
"Nora..." Ebenezer's frown remained. "Mr. Ebenezer, thank you for your generosity, but it's getting late. You should head back too," Nora interrupted his persuasion.
Ebenezer let out a sigh after seeing her determination not to accept the offer. "Let me have the driver take you home." "No need, I'll just grab a cab," Nora replied, picking up her belongings and heading out of the private dining room. She was determined to fully cut ties with him.
Ebenezer felt both helpless and proud. Indeed, she was his daughter—so fiercely independent! "CEO Ebenezer, what about these documents?" his assistant entered, asking hesitantly.
"Leave them for now. They'll be hers eventually," Ebenezer declared. Just because she couldn't acknowledge her heritage now, didn't mean it would be that way forever. One day, he vowed to proudly recognize her as his daughter!
Nora caught a cab back to Quinn's villa and discovered a few of them playing cards in the recreation room. She could hear Quinn's complaints and their laughter even before she stepped in.
Pushing the door open, Nora greeted them, "I'm back. Are you guys playing cards?" "Is Nora back? Want to play a couple of rounds?" Quinn asked while shuffling a deck of cards.
One of the players quickly stood up, "Miss. Smith, I'll let you take my place." This person was an employee at Quinn's company, whom she had seen in the morning. He must have been specially invited by Quinn to play cards with Mrs. Brown. How thoughtful!
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