Chapter 306 Reverence, Not Humility
Nora found herself unable to suppress a chuckle, fully aware that Quinn was subtly warning Aaron about the potential threat of Gary.
"Quinn, stop stirring the pot," she chided lightly.
"Whether I stir or not, it's Aaron who will make the final decision," Quinn retorted with a hint of amusement.
Aaron's dark eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "You do have a point," he conceded.
He knew he had to ensure Frederic returned to work and kept a vigilant watch over his lady, to fend off any unwanted attention. The trio continued to the University of Lindwood City, their journey filled with laughter and light-hearted banter.
Upon reaching their destination, Nora expressed her gratitude once more before exiting the vehicle.
Aaron lowered the car window, his handsome features set in a stern expression. "Nora, if that man seeks you out again, maintain your distance," he warned.
Nora rolled her eyes playfully and waved him off. "Alright, you two should head back. Quinn, drive safely."
"Goodbye," Quinn called out, watching as Nora disappeared into the university. She stifled a yawn with her hand, still feeling the effects of the previous night's exhaustion.
The old adage about absence making the heart grow fonder seemed to hold true. Men who had tasted love were akin to wild wolves, insatiable and relentless. Even now, she felt drained.
"Take me to the mall first," Aaron requested, his long fingers tapping rhythmically on his thigh.
"The mall? Whatever for?" Quinn queried, her curiosity piqued.
"I need to pick up something. I'm visiting the Hamilton family tonight," he explained.
Quinn started the car again, a hint of amusement in her voice. "So, I've become your personal chauffeur now?"
Aaron's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "Do you have a problem with that?"
Quinn's smile was radiant. "Of course not, why would I? But you could show a little more appreciation, couldn't you? After all, I've helped you quite a bit. Without me, you might still be on your knees, begging Nora for forgiveness."
Aaron offered a wry smile in response. "Do I appear that humble to you?"
Quinn teased him further. "In front of Nora, do you ever act that proud?"
Aaron's eyes flickered with an unreadable emotion, but he chose to remain silent. Quinn continued to drive, assuming he wouldn't respond.
Unexpectedly, Aaron broke the silence. "Loving her means that bowing to her isn't about humility, it's about adoration."
Quinn clicked her tongue in approval. "Aaron, you certainly have a way with words."
Aaron raised an eyebrow in question. "What about you? Since when did a flamboyant business tycoon like yourself act so humble in front of your future mother-in-law?"
Quinn's smile was coy. "It's the calm before the storm. Just wait and see how I claim my victory in the end."
Aaron snorted lightly in amusement. "You're awfully confident."
Quinn shot back, "Who do you think I learned it from?"
A comfortable silence ensued.
Meanwhile, in the laboratory at City University, Nora entered to find the lab buzzing with activity, everyone engrossed in their work.
"Nora, you're here. Is everything alright?" her mentor asked, emerging from his office with a look of concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine, just woke up late," Nora replied, feeling a mix of guilt and remorse as she hurried into the changing room to don her lab coat.
Her mentor probably assumed her tardiness was due to the recent scandal involving Aaron. Little did he know that her late arrival was due to a night of unrestrained indulgence, courtesy of a certain someone.
Upon entering a room, she found several research staff members, including Sandy, engrossed in their work, their faces obscured by masks. Sandy shot her a quick wink as Nora walked in.
Nora responded with a nod and said nothing, immediately immersing herself in her work. After a while, when the workload lessened, Sandy gestured for Nora to join her for a water break.
Nora agreed, and the two of them retreated to the break room.
"Nora, what made you late? Are you feeling alright?" Sandy asked, handing her a cup of water and scrutinizing Nora with a concerned gaze.
Nora laughed awkwardly, nervously tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "No, I just overslept."
Sandy's gaze inadvertently fell on a 'strawberry mark' on Nora's neck. Her action of drinking water paused, and she leaned in closer. "Wait a minute, what's this? Nora, did you... last night?"
Sandy, seasoned by her experiences, instantly discerned the telltale sign of a love bite. She couldn't help but wonder who Nora had spent the previous night with.
Nora's face was a canvas of embarrassment, flushing a deep crimson. She fumbled awkwardly with her hair, attempting to conceal the discolored mark.
"Aaron came over yesterday," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. Sandy's almond eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity, "So, you two... reconciled?"
Nora took a measured sip of water, nodding in affirmation, "Mhm."
Sandy blinked in surprise, "You forgave him?"
Had they reconciled so quickly? Did Nora truly not care about Aaron's betrayal?
Nora took another sip of water before clarifying, "That night, he didn't do anything."
A flicker of surprise crossed Sandy's face. "Did Aaron tell you that?"
"No, it was the other person involved who said it," Nora explained.
The other person involved? Sandy's expression shifted subtly. "Sunny told you?"
"Why would she be honest with you?" Sandy was genuinely taken aback.
"She didn't volunteer the information; a friend of mine used some tactics to get it out of her."
A cold smile played on Nora's lips, "And I also discovered that it was Suzy who was manipulating Sunny's actions."
Upon hearing this, realization dawned on Sandy.
"No wonder she managed to get Sunny the endorsement deal last night. So it was because Sunny worked for her?"
Suzy had secured an endorsement contract for Sunny?
Nora rotated her glass in her hand, a mocking smile appearing, "Oh really? She sure knows how to play the game."
Sandy took a drink and mused, "Nora, I may have only been married to your brother for a few months, but I sense that Suzy is quite calculating."
She lacked the grace and ease of someone from a distinguished family. Being a daughter of the Hamilton family as well, Sandy preferred Nora. Perhaps it was the blood of the Hamilton family that truly ran through Nora's veins. As for Suzy, it was unclear whose bloodline she carried.
"Indeed. Suzy even had a psychologist hypnotize someone close to me, planning a roundabout way of doing me in."
Nora was open about it, sharing the past incident with Sandy.
Sandy's eyes widened in disbelief. "She's that vicious?"
"So just be careful around her and keep your distance. After all, as the saying goes: It's better to offend ten noblemen than to offend one scoundrel."
Nora felt a strong connection with Sandy and decided to give her a word of caution.
Sandy thought about her own circumstances and couldn't help but swallow nervously. If Suzy found out she was being duped, there was no telling what kind of tempest she would unleash.
"Nora, after all she's done wrong, shouldn't she be held accountable?"
"Of course she will."
Nora chuckled, "Time is on our side. Let her have her moment of joy for a little while longer."
Sandy nodded. "Nora, if you ever need me, just let me know. Even though my influence in the Hamilton family is limited, I can still do my part."
"Sure thing."
The two exchanged smiles, and just then Nora's phone rang.
She pulled it out and a gleam of amusement flashed in her eyes. It was a call from Aaron.
"Hello?"
"Are you in the lab?"
"Yeah."
"I'm downstairs. Come down for a minute."
Aaron was downstairs?
Nora blinked and then walked over to the window to peer down. There he was, Aaron's tall, striking figure stood on the spot, cradling a big bunch of bright red roses!
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
