After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Chapter 84

His brows furrowed slightly, a rare look of concern crossing his usually impassive face.

"You need to be more careful," he said, his voice low. His grip was firm but not forceful, as if shielding her from further harm.

The brief silence that followed was filled with the subtle gasps of nearby guests, who had clearly taken note of the unexpected interaction.

Eyes darted between Arnold and Nora, speculation flashing in their expressions.

But just as quickly as it had happened, Nora pulled her hand away.

"I'm fine," she said swiftly, avoiding his gaze. "It's nothing serious."

Arnold didn't argue, though his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he finally let it go.

The murmurs around them didn't subside immediately, but Nora ignored them, willing herself to focus on anything but the lingering warmth of his touch.

Despite his earlier engagement in the conversation, Arnold did not linger long at the banquet.

After some time, he rose from his seat, his movements precise and deliberate.

Before leaving, he turned to Nora.

"Are you going home tonight?" he asked, his voice neutral.

Nora shook her head. "No, I'll be staying here."

Arnold merely nodded, as if he had already expected her answer.

"I'll be by later to pick up Alex," he added before stepping away.

It was a simple statement, but to Nora, it felt like another subtle reminder that Arnold had come tonight

not out of his own will, but because Lancelot had likely instructed him to.

And with that, he walked away, his figure disappearing beyond the entrance of the banquet hall.

Outside, a sleek black limousine was parked at the hotel's entrance. The back door opened, and just as Cole was about to step out, his eyes landed on Arnold, who had just emerged from the building. Cole hesitated and retreated back into the car.

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After Eleft, Alpha father and son went er

78.3.

Chapter 84

Arnold stepped into his car with his usual composure, but Cole remained seated in his own vehicle, his gaze following Arnold's retreating silhouette.

Something about tonight felt of an undercurrent of unease slipping through the cracks of an otherwi mundane evening.

Arnold's departure was swift. The car's taillights faded into the stream of city traffic, disappearing as efficiently as the man himself.

Cole, however, didn't move, his fingers drumming lightly against the armrest. His instincts told him that tonight's events weren't as simple as they seemed.

After the banquet, outside the building, Nora stood with Alex, waiting for Arnold to pick him up.

The night air was crisp, and the glow from the streetlamps cast elongated shadows around them.

The silence between them stretched, neither speaking until Alex finally broke it.

"Mom? You don't talk as much anymore," Alex said suddenly, tilting his head as he looked up at Nora. His voice carried an uncharacteristic weight, as though he had been thinking about this for a while.

Nora glanced down at him, her expression unreadable. "What do you mean?"

Alex frowned slightly. "Before, you always called me every day. You used to ask where I was, what I was doing... but now you don't."

Nora lowered her gaze. She knew Alex had always been perceptive, but she hadn't expected him to notice. the gradual distance she had unconsciously placed between them.

"I'm just tired," she said simply, her voice carrying a quiet finality.

Alex studied her for a moment, as if trying to determine whether that was the truth. But before he could press further, the sound of an approaching car filled the silence.

Arnold's vehicle came to a smooth stop in front of them.

The tinted window lowered just enough for his face to be visible, his gaze landing first on Alex, then shifting briefly to Nora. Without a word, Alex moved forward and got into the car.

As Arnold leaned slightly over to close the door behind Alex, a faint yet distinct scent lingered in the air. Linda.

Nora recognized it immediately. The delicate, floral fragrance was unmistakable. It clung to Arnold's clothes, as if he had just been near her.

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After I left, Alda father and son wer

Chapter 81

She didn't ask. She didn't need to. The answer was already there, lingering between them in an unspoken

understanding.

Without waiting for Arnold to speak or for the car to pull away, Nora turned on her heel and walked back toward the building. She didn't look back, didn't hesitate.

Instead of leaving immediately, however, Arnold fixed his gaze on her departing back.

There was something in the way she walked-controlled, but distant, as if she were putting more than just physical distance between them.

He didn't call out to her. Instead, he finally withdrew his gaze and gave the order, his voice steady. "Drive."

The car slipped into the steady flow of traffic, vanishing into the night.

Just as Nora reached the building entrance, a voice called out to her from behind.

"Nora."