Chapter 33: The Playboy's reputation precedes him.
<Chapter>Chapter 33 Buddy Edric (1) </Chapter>
The next day.
Before the entrance of Montclair International Kindergarten.
“Godmother!”
The kids were all dressed up, eagerly greeting Jenny.
“There are my angels,” she said warmly, showering each child with kisses and beaming with joy.
“Just look at these beautiful children — as smart as they are lovely. You'll do great in the interview!”
Nora laughed. Beautiful and bright as they were, who wouldn't adore them?
“Remember, darlings, be polite when you speak to the teachers and just relax, okay?” Nora instructed as she led the trio towards the school.
“We know,” the three of them chimed in unison.
As they walked, Jenny shot Nora a knowing look.
“Talk about a small world,” she said with a hint of irony.
Following Jenny’s gaze, Nora saw Lucas and Becky approaching the kindergarten entrance with a little boy holding their hands. He was dressed in a blue-striped shirt and black overalls with a bow tie at his chest, looking every bit the little gentleman.
He must be Lucas and Becky's son.
The triplets pursed their lips as they watched the trio approach.
"Let's focus on your big day. Come on, time for your interview," she urged.
Jenny escorted the triplets to the Kindergarten entrance and handed them over to the teacher waiting at the door.
The teacher smiled, gesturing that the parents should wait outside for a bit and that the children would be out once their interviews were finished.
After Nora watched the triplets go into the yard and turn back for a glance, she smiled and gave them a thumbs-up.
Lucas, standing behind her, glared at her retreating figure, his expression darkening.
Seizing an opportunity while Becky handed their son to the teacher, he grabbed Nora's wrist and pulled her into a corner.
"Lucas, please show me some respect," Nora warned in a soft but firm voice.
Lucas, gripping her tightly, demanded, "Nora, what's your deal with Edric?"
She didn't know him personally.
All she knew was that he was a well-known playboy in Houston.
And a close buddy of Aaron.
Facing a clearly furious Lucas, Nora inquired, "What are you trying to imply, Lucas?"
With sarcasm, Lucas shot back, "I've underestimated you, Nora. No wonder you seem unworried about the school situation. Did you cozy up to Edric long ago? Seems you've had quite the string of admirers these past four years!"
He had waited for Nora to come begging to him, only to be blindsided by the school's policy reversal.
All because of Edric!
It made no sense!
Edric wasn't married, nor was he on the school board, so why would he meddle in some kindergarten affair?
It left him with one conclusion: it must have been because of Nora!
She must have charmed Edric into interfering.
"Lucas, watch your words," Nora said, her voice turning icy.
Lucas leaned in closer, "So, Nora, ashamed to admit your wrongdoing? If you hadn't gotten involved with Edric, why would he cancel the policy out of the blue?"
Hearing his accusation, Nora paused in confusion.
Was it really Edric who canceled that ridiculous rule?
"Lucas, your mind is really foul. It's clear a person mired in filth sees everything as dirty," she retorted.
Coming to her defense, Jenny pulled Nora back and interjected, "Even if Nora had something going on with Edric, what's it to you? Jealous much? If you've got a problem with it, go settle the score with him, not her."
"You—" Lucas was left speechless, his face was livid.
After dropping off her son, Becky walked up next to him and overheard the remark.
"Hey, Nora, so you're keeping it cozy with Edric too? Wow, you're really something, harboring a disabled man at home and playing the field on the side. With all your conquests, why can't you let go of my poor Lucas?"
Nora shot her a look and, without denying it, snapped back, "That's my business!"
"You!" Becky choked, glaring at her furiously.
Lucas's face turned sour.
"Nora, do you even remember you're still married? Flaunting yourself like that, making a fool out of me, do you think I won't teach you a lesson?"
Nora glanced at him and couldn't help but find his threat laughable.
"Absolutely hilarious! Lucas, you're the one who got your mistress pregnant, and you have the nerve to judge others? You two should be ashamed; you're not exactly winning any friends here!" Jenny scoffed, pulling Nora away to leave.
Some of the local socialites recognized Becky and stared at her with disapproving eyes.
Overcome with anger and annoyance, Becky seethed, "Lucas, I can't stand this anymore! When are you going to divorce her?"
Lucas watched Nora's retreating figure, feeling a vague irritability.
"Enough, I know. I'll sort out the divorce as soon as possible."
Elsewhere.
Jenny looked at Nora quizzically.
"Nora, Edric's my boss; do you know him?"
Nora replied, "Not personally, he's just a legend to me."
Rumor had it that Edric, disregarding his family's empire, had started YJ Media on his own before he was even twenty.
He turned the entertainment industry upside down.
More notably, his frequent media buzz with the agency's rising stars made him more of a spectacle than the celebrities themselves.
"That's strange then, why would Edric care about such trivial matters?"
Jenny scrutinized Nora, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Nora, don't tell me he's taken an interest in you and is pulling strings behind the scenes?"
Nora remained silent, humbly thinking she lacked such allure.
Back at his suburban abode.
Edric looked at Aaron, seated in his wheelchair, his handsome face full of sympathy.
"Tell me, Aaron, how did you end up in such a state?"
Aaron glared at him, "Otherwise, how would I ever get a pitying glance from you?"
Edric chuckled, a teasing light dancing in his strikingly beautiful features.
"Is it Nora who looks after you?" Edric inquired.
Aaron grunted in affirmation.
Edric prodded further, "And she's still technically Lucas's wife?"
Aaron grunted, his expression unreadable.
"What does she look like?"
Aaron shot back, "What do you mean?"
Edric smirked playfully, "Aaron, she's seen all of you. Shouldn't she take some responsibility?"
Aaron gave him a cool, piercing look.
Chuckling, Edric began to survey the room's decor.
In one corner of the table rested a photo frame; it was Nora with her trio of one-year-olds.
She was seated on the floor, a smile in her eyes as she watched the three little kids surrounding her.
Edric picked up the photo album, his handsome brows lifting slightly.
"Aaron, this lady is Nora, right? Quite the looker."
Aaron remained silent, flipping through a medical textbook.
Edric's gaze fell on the face of Alex and Billy, his slender fingers stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Doesn't it strike you how much Nora's kids resemble you?"
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