Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 7: Upon hearing Joanna's words, Norah took a moment to reflect.

The Hayes and Andrews families were among the top four families in Glophia, with the Hayes known for their military background.

She recalled Devante Hayes, a once-prominent military figure who had retired long ago.

Her dealings had mainly been with the Andrews family, rarely interacting with the other leading families in Glophia.

Joanna watched Norah closely, asking, “Norah, how did you figure it out withoutsaying anything about that?" "Having been around you for so long, it's hard not to pick up on when you're holding something back," Norah replied.

Norah had caught Joanna's hesitant looks earlier, sensing she wanted to share something but was waiting for the right time.

Joanna, a bit embarrassed, chuckled. "You're always one step ahead, Norah. What's your drink of choice? Tonight's on me! So, regarding the Hayes family..." Norah raised her eyebrows and replied, "Set up a meeting to talk business, and then I'll decide if I'll offer to help. Now, I need to use the restroom." Find exclusive updates galnovalsJoanna responded immediately, "Okay!" After leaving the restroom, Norah shook off the water from her hands and returned, accidentally running into Madeline, who was holding onto Derek.

Madeline was the first to speak. "What a surprise to bump into you here, Norah." Norah paid Madeline no mind. She began to question the widespread belief in Madeline's kindness and sensibility, sensing instead a manipulative sneak in her. Despite the events earlier in the day, Madeline approached her with a smile, pretending as if nothing had occurred.

Derek couldn't contain his frustration when he saw Norah's glowing beauty. "Norah, this isn't your place. You shouldn't dress like that. Are you really that keen to meet someone new?" Norah casually glanced at Derek and said, "Where I go and what I wear is none of your business, Mr. Carter. You've got nothing to do with it." Norah recalled the times she had looked after Derek with all her heart. Even though he had saved her life once, she felt she had repaid that favor. After helping him wake up from the coma, they were even. Plus, she had signed the divorce papers.

Derek's annoyance was evident as he said, "So you're desperate to stay away from me? Then why did you plead withnot to divorce today?" Norah scoffed. "Mr. Carter, you're mistaken. When did I beg not to divorce?" Derek then recalled that Norah had only asked a question earlier, not once begging or resisting the divorce. He remembered how swiftly she had agreed to sign the divorce papers.

Derek's frustration grew. He finally muttered, "Then fend for yourself." Derek grasped Madeline's hand, ready to leave. However, Madeline gently freed herself and said, “Derek, go ahead. I need a moment to speak with Norah." "Be quick about it." After Derek was out of earshot, Madeline addressed Norah. "I'm aware you might hold sbitterness towardfor returning and capturing Derek's heart, but it was bound to happen. Derek's heart has always been with me." "And your point is?" Madeline wore a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she continued, "I appreciate your stepping in to care for Derek when he needed it most-something I couldn't do at that time. It's unfortunate how things turned out with your marriage, but Derek is mine, and I hope you can accept that. Derek was never yours to cling to. Moving on would be best for you." Norah immediately caught the underlying motive of Madeline's words. She was essentially flaunting and warning.

Madeline's words indicated that Norah should accept the harsh truth: Derek, whom she had taken care of for the past two years, could never reciprocate her feelings. Despite his coldness, Derek had changed, but never Norah. Their marriage had been a farce.

Yet, Norah didn't give a damn about anything to do with Derek anymore. When she signed the divorce papers, all her illusions faded away. To her, Derek was just a fleeting figure in life. She was ready to leave the past behind. "Please, don't flatter yourself." Norah lifted her head, giving Madeline a scornful look. "That man you value as a treasure is rubbish to me." Madeline's smile tightened. "Norah, there's no need to degrade Derek just because your marriage is ending." "Degrade him?" Norah laughed as she stepped toward Madeline. "I'm merely stating the obvious." With a sneer, Norah added casually, "Derek isn't the only man out there." Without sparing Madeline another look, Norah walked by. "You two are a perfect match. Enjoy your life together." With a dismissive wave, Norah left with firm steps, her heels echoing sharply against the floor, embodying a sense of finality.

Madeline stood there, frustration etching her face. From a chamber upstairs, Kaiden Hayes observed the scene below with interest.

Leaning back, he asked, "Who's that woman named Norah? She seems to be something." Spencer Morris, leisurely enjoying his drink, responded, “She's rumored to be the Wilson family's illegitimate daughter, who married into the Carter family two years ago. Her arrival seemed to bring luck. Despite doctors' grim predictions for Derek's condition back then, Derek had recovered within a year. Their marriage, even reuniting with his former love now, Norah has had a significant impact on the Carter family." Kaiden recalled the Carter family's shift two years prior and shook his head. "Derek missed the mark." Spencer nodded and asked, "I agree. By the way, how's your great-grandpa, Mr. Devonte Hayes? Have you had any luck locating the Doctor?" Five years ago, the Supernatural Doctor beca sensation.

Rumor had it she could revive the dead with just a scalpel and cure even the toughest illnesses, but she kept to the shadows, her true identity unknown to all.

Getting details about her or asking for her help was no easy task.

Kaiden took another gulp of his drink and said, "No progress whatsoever. Great-grandpa's health is getting worse rapidly, and the doctors said we should get ready for the funeral." Reflecting on the illustrious life of the old general, Spencer felt a pang of sadness, recognizing the unavoidable cycle of life and death.

"Look over there, isn't that your uncle, Kasan? What's he doing here at the ΟΠΙ Glamour Club?" Spender tapped Kaiden lightly and pointed at a well-respected figure making his way to the second floor. While Kaiden looked over, he realized it was indeed Kasan Hayes.

When Norah returned to the booth, she noticed the table was covered in red wine and champagne.

"Norah, what better way to start afresh after your blissful divorce than to drink away any misfortune? I've got all this set up for us. Let's make it a night to remember!" Joanna confidently waved her hand, snatching up a bottle of champagne.

She shook it and popped the cork, making the fizzy liquid spray and dampen Norah's sleeve.

"Derek is a fool. It's a bad idea to get mixed up with him. When you went to the restroom just now Derek and his folks left I was considering heading Ε over there to give them a good talking-to! They should count themselves fortunate." Joanna pouted. Norah casually sat beside Joanna, not bothered by the champagne on her sleeve. She gently patted Joanna's head, offering reassurance.

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