After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 73

Arnold calmly replied, "No, I can afford to pay that back."

His tone was flat, unbothered, as if the conversation held no weight.

He loosened his bow tie, placed it carefully on the dresser beside his wristwatch, and disappeared into the bathroom. The soft sound of running water filled the silence.

Nora stood frozen, gripping the equity transfer document. Her eyes lingered on the paper for a moment before she exhaled and slid it into a drawer.

A strange feeling stirred in her chest.

This was the first thing Arnold had ever willingly given her since their marriage. It wasn't affection, wasn't trust-it was just paperwork.

Yet, it still meant something. She just wasn't sure what.

That weekend, at Arnold's grandmother's insistence, the three of them-Arnold, Nora, and their daughter Alex-traveled to the Hot Springs Lodge.

Nora never refused Grandmother's arrangements.

It wasn't about respect so much as habit. She simply complied, setting aside her work

It was easier that way.

I protest.

The lodge was nestled deep in the mountains, surrounded by towering pines and a crisp, cool breeze that carried the scent of fresh snow.

The natural hot springs let off wisps of steam, making the place feel almost dreamlike in the late afternoon glow.

When they arrived, Arnold stepped away to take a phone call.

Nora barely had a moment to breathe before she noticed familiar faces-Charles and Cole. She had barely registered them when Charles spoke up, deliberately raising his voice.

"Linda's coming in a few minutes," he announced with obvious satisfaction.

Alex's reaction was immediate. His entire face brightened, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Really?" he asked eagerly. But then, as if remembering something, his gaze flickered toward Nora.

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Chapter 73

Charles smirked. Im sure your mom has things to do. Right, Nora?"

The implication was clear. She wasn't wanted here.

Nora felt the sting but didn't let it show. She nodded with a polite smile. "I do. I'll head back to the guest room to work."

Charles looked smug. Alex looked relieved. Cole, however, frowned.

Arnold returned a few minutes later to find Nora gone. He glanced at Alex. "Where's your mother?" "She went back to the room," Alex replied casually.

Arnold's expression didn't change. He simply nodded, as if it didn't matter.

Back in her room, Nora sat by the large window, laptop open, trying to focus on her work. The rhythmic clicking of keys echoed in the quiet space. She had deadlines to meet, contracts to finalize.

Work had always been her escape-a world where emotions didn't dictate outcomes, where logic and skill determined success.

But no matter how hard she tried, her mind kept drifting.

The way Alex had looked at her earlier, the excitement on his face when Linda's name was mentioned... The way Arnold had so easily accepted her absence...

She sighed, rubbing her temples. *Why am I even thinking about this?*

Then, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

She opened it to find a staff member standing there with a tray of food.

"Mrs. Nora, here's your meal."

She frowned. "I didn't order anything."

"This was arranged by Alpha," the staff member explained.

For a moment, Nora didn't react. Then the meaning sank in. *Alpha?*

Arnold.

A strange sensation settled in her chest. Arnold had ordered food for her? That was unexpected. She hesitated, then accepted the tray. "Thank you."

Chapter 73

She wasn't sure what to make of it, but she was hungry, so she ate. Afrd, she decided to take a walk around the lodge. The night air was cool, the lanterns casting a warm glow along the paths. It was peaceful.

Then she saw Cole.

She immediately tried to step aside, not wanting to interact, but he was on a video call. Before she could slip away, a small, excited voice called out from his phone.

"Auntie!"

Nora froze.

The child on the screen was Abby. Her bright eyes sparkled as she waved. "Auntie, it's you!"

Cole turned slightly, lowering the phone so Nora could see better. "She's been asking about you," he said,

his voice softer than usual. "Would you mind talking to her for a few minutes?"

Nora hesitated. She wanted to say no, but Abby's excitement tugged at something deep inside her. "Okay," she murmured.

Cole moved closer, angling the phone so Abby could see her better.

"How have you been, Abby?" Nora asked gently.

"I miss you, Auntie! You haven't visited in so long." Abby pouted.

Chapter 74