After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

hapter 31

Befree she could prizes. Masonwaved down a server and ordered a plate of breadsticks and a glass of orange

juice.

anching her carefully.

Nora stand fainth. Thanks Hirson. I didn't mean to worry you

The "be regbed, has rone light but firm. But you should take better care of yourself. Running around all day without eating? That's not like

at his foot tapping anxiously against the tiled floor of the restaurant

felt like the fifth time, his patience thinning

"Can you piras

th the order? It's kind of urgent," he urged, his voice polite but edged with concern.

The server nodded briskly and disappeared into the kitchen.

mason ogbed, rubbing the back of his neck as he cast a glance at Nora, who sat quietly across the table.

pale, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her water glass.

He couldn't help but feel a gang of guth. "Nora deserves better than this," he thought, his chest tightening.

patient, and always thoughtful of others, yet it seemed like no one truly valued her-not Arnold, not Arnold's friends, and certainly not

• people who should have been her support system.

Tood will

bere soon." Harrison said, breaking the silence.

faint somilla. Thanks, Harrison. I didn't mean to make a fuss."

"Tre not a fuss," he repbed firmly. "You have every right to take care of yourself. And if you won't, someone else should."

Meanwhile,

ackar the villa, Arnold and Alex pulled into the driveway.

It was past midnight, the air cool and silent.

The Exit Bu of their car engine faded as Arnold cut the ignition. He stepped out, stretching his shoulders. The evening had been long, filled with Linda's chatter and the ever present buzz of admiration she attracted.

As they entered the villa, Arnold frowned slightly.

The house was eerily quiet

Usually, at this hour, Nora would be up, waiting for them

She always had a habit of asking how their evening went, no matter how late they returned.

But tonight was different.noveldrama

Arnold loosened his tie and called out, "Nora?" His voice echoed in the stillness, met only by the soft b "Where's Luna?" Alex asked, looking around curiously

Arnold turned to one of the maids. "Have you seen her?

The maid shook her head. "Luna hasn't been home all day, sir. I assumed she was with you."

Arnold frowned, an odd unease creeping into his che "She hasn't been home?" he repeated, more

hum of the central air system. eto himself than anyone else. "No, sir," the maid confirmed

"No, sir," the maid confirmed 11:5

She probably had something to deal with at her family's place," Arnold muttered, dismissing the concern with a wave of his hand. But the knot in his stomach tightened.

He replayed the day in his head-Nora had only contacted him once through a mindlink, which he had promptly ignored.

The memory now felt like a missed warning.

The next morning. Alex bounded down the stairs, his excitement palpable.

He couldn't wait to tell Nora all about Linda's race and how amazing she had been

He knew Nora had a way of making everything feel special, even stories about someone like Linda.

"Mom"" Alex called out as he knocked on her bedroom door. No response.

Pushing the door open, he found the room empty.

The bed was neatly made, as if no one had slept in it. Confused, Alex ran to the living room, where Arnold was reading the morning paper.

"Where's Mom? Alex asked

Arnold lowered the paper, his expression indifferent. "I don't know. Why don't you call her and ask?"

Alex hesitated but nodded, pulling out his phone.

Across Towl Nora sat at her desk, putting the final touches on a jewelry design.

The delicate sketches spread out before her glimmered faintly under the warm light of her desk lamp.

She had thrown herself into her work lately, finding solace in the quiet focus it required.

Her phone buzzed, and she picked it up without checking the caller ID. "Hello?"

Morn! Where are you? Alex's voice burst through the line, full of curiosity.

Nora smiled faintly, leaning back in her chair. "Why? What's up?"

"Nothing" Alex said, his words tumbling out in excitement. "I just wanted to tell you about Linda's race last night! She was amazing, you would've

Nora's smile dimmed slightly, but she kept her tone light. "That's great, Alex. She's very talented."

"Are e you coming home soon?" Alex asked eagerly

Nora patised. She had no desire to return to the villa right now: "Not today, sweetheart. I've got some things to take care of"

"Alex" she interrupted gently. Til call you later, okay? Be good."

11:57

After I left. Alpha father and son went cra]