?Chapter 156:


    Norah cast her gaze downward, masking any emotions behind a simple “Fine by me.” Observing Sha with her parents, Norah felt a sense of relief and quickly maneuvered past the group. Luna had forged her own path, and Norah recognized she had no right to intervene, even for Sha’s sake.


    Just as the group was about to depart, Emil and Kalel emerged from the opposite direction.


    “Luna is far too modest. It’s a shame she doesn’t possess allure. Otherwise, with a suggestion from us, she’d be on her knees, eagerly ttering us,” Kalelmented.


    Emil teased, “Quite interesting, isn’t it? They’re sisters, yet Norah is strikingly more beautiful. It’s almost irresistible.”


    Kalel’s eyes glinted with resolve. “Once you’ve ensnared her, you’ll see things differently. Follow my instructions and intercept her after the banquet.”


    “Sure,” Emil replied.


    Norah reentered the bustling hall from the corridor. Over time, the majority of the invited guests had made their appearances. Upon catching sight of Norah, attendees couldn’t help but admire her beauty, casting appreciative nces in her direction. Her beauty was undeniable, drawing all the attention in the banquet hall and radiating brilliance.


    “Derek, here,” Kathy and Sharon upied the sofa near the entrance, eagerly awaiting Derek’s presence. Spotting Derek, adorned in new attire and apanied by Madeline, Kathy waved in his direction to offer a greeting.


    This marked Kathy’s first encounter with Madeline following their confrontation at the vi. Kathy outright ignored Madeline’s presence.


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    “Derek, see, Norah is over there,” Kathy’s fingers pointed to the woman standing casually by the table, elegantly holding a champagne ss and exuding a rxed charm. Two stylishly dressed young men were engaged in conversation with her.


    Curious about Norah’s newfound acquaintances, Derek gestured toward them. “When did Norah be acquainted with Mr. Palmer and Mr. Payne?”


    Having some business connections with Kalel and Emil, Derek wondered how Norah had forged ties with them. Kathy vividly recounted the recent events, providing further context.


    “Derek, you didn’t see the captivating smile on Norah’s face while she was conversing with those two gentlemen. If you had seen it, you’d probably have had the urge to give her a p.”


    Sharon adjusted the tassels on her clothing. “Seducing men is ingrained in her. She married into the Carter family.”


    “Yes, thankfully, Derek divorced her,” Kathy added.


    At the mention of Norah, Derek’s eyes betrayed his simmering anger. He had nned to manipte the divorce proceedings to maintain control over Norah. He had prepared a contingency n to safeguard his assets, even if it meant going to court. However, the meddling fools, Kathy and Madeline, had thwarted his ns, resulting in the loss of both the opportunity and a considerable amount of assets.


    “Huh,” Derek’s demeanor swiftly turned stern. “Enough of this discussion.”


    Madeline, standing beside Derek with a smile, nervously nibbled her lip. She keenly perceived the shift in Derek’s mood, as well as the reactions from Sharon and Kathy.


    “Derek, are you nning to greet Mr. Wilsonter?” Madeline asked in a soft voice.


    Derek and Madeline had recently arrived with the other guests and hadn’te across Luna’s parents at the entrance. Even if they did, they anticipated a lukewarm reception at best. Attending his birthday celebration with a guest was typical for Derek.


    It had been some time since Derek hadid eyes on Norah. He was intrigued to learn about her post-divorce life. He wondered if she harbored the same bitterness as he did, or perhaps she thrived with the fortune she acquired from the Carter family.


    Had she resigned from her position at the hospital? What had she done with the money?


    Derek’s mind buzzed with inquiries, particrly heightened upon discovering Norah’s attendance at the banquet. With Madeline at home, Derek refrained from covertly seeking updates on Norah’s life, fearing it might upset Madeline.


    As a result, it had been quite some time since their divorce, and Derek hadn’t seen Norah. She still retained her radiant allure, capturing his gaze once again.


    Madeline grasped his arm gently. “Derek, I have a question for you.”


    “Sure. If we happen toe across him, we can converse a bit.” Derek’s tone remained aloof, a fact even Sharon noticed.


    Sharon shot a resentful look at Madeline. If it weren’t for Madeline’s return, Derek wouldn’t have divorced Norah, and the Carter family wouldn’t be in their current predicament. She felt as though anyone could trample on the Carter family. The Carter family received no respect from anyone.


    Madeline smiled softly. “It’s been some time since Ist saw Miss Wilson. She seems to be glowing, as if she’s been thriving.”


    The underlying message behind her words didn’t escape the notice of the three individuals present.


    Sharon’s expression turned sour. “See, that’s what I meant by her seductive aura. I wasn’t mistaken.”


    Kathy stifled augh and retorted, “It sounds like you’re quite familiar with this type.”


    Madeline, ustomed to teasing Derek in bed during idle moments, froze upon hearing the remark.


    Sharon silently signaled to Derek with her eyes. “Derek, let’s wait and observe. After the banquet, we’ll see if she leaves with them.”


    Madeline’s words went unnoticed as the others continued their conversation. Wisely, she remained silent, discreetly eavesdropping on the Carter family’s discussion.


    As Norah effortlessly engaged in conversation with Kalel and Emil behind her, she appearedpletely at ease, showing no signs of difort. It seemed as though she was ustomed to such asions. Derek found it increasingly difficult to recall the Norah who had once cared for him at home—disorganized, tender, and thoughtful. He no longer held a ce in Norah’s life.


    Derekforted himself, telling himself that the only constantpanion by his side from start to finish should be Madeline.


    Norah sternly instructed Kalel and Emil, who were trailing her, to depart. Having just arrived from the corridor, she found their persistent and senseless chatter irritating. “Gentlemen, I trust I’ve been explicit. Kindly cease this harassment.”


    Emil remained undaunted. “Miss Wilson, we simply wish to acquaint ourselves with you. There’s no need for such aloofness. Given your presence in Glophia, you should be acquainted with us.”


    Emil chuckled, likening Norah to a yful kitten, charming but not threatening. This was precisely why he and Kalel had been diligently striking up conversations with her.


    At that moment, Corrin ascended the podium, addressing the assembled guests as he faced the microphone. Adjusting his attire, he cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, I extend a warm wee to each and every one of you to my birthday celebration. I trust you’ll relish the sumptuous spread, enjoy yourselves, and I extend my gratitude to you.”


    Corrin’s words captured the attention of all those present, drawing their focus to him as they listened to his gracious remarks.


    Kathy leaned close to Derek, murmuring, “Derek, Luna has returned as well. She’s apanied by a little girl. It appears to be her first visit in these past two years.”


    Derek’s attention, however, remained fixated on Norah. Were Emil and Kalel causing her distress? He observed her furrowed brow with concern.


    Madeline tilted her head, smiling softly. “It’s been quite some time since Ist saw Miss Luna Wilson. I should pay her a visit when the opportunity arises.”


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