?Chapter 677:


    First impressions could set the tone for future interactions. Norah gave Dolores a brief nce before looking away without further acknowledgment.


    Dolores chose a soft pink lipstick, nearly matching her natural lip color—an understated selection. Since arriving at the event, she had stuck close to Marlin, meeting several influential figures in Silverdale. However, she hadn’t paid much attention to those Marlin hadn’t introduced. Upon seeing Norah, an inexplicable sense of panic welled up inside her.


    Meanwhile, Norah, unaware of Dolores’ troubled gaze, turned on the faucet and washed her hands, the water cascading over her slender fingers.


    Dolores’ heart rate elerated, urging her to leave, yet something held her back. Throughout her life, her intuition had been a reliable guide, helping her capitalize on opportunities and avoid disasters. Her intuition now screamed that Norah was a threat. Without thinking, she stepped in front of Norah as she was about to leave the restroom.


    Suddenly, Dolores pped her own face, the sharp crack of the blow startling Norah.


    “Miss, we have no quarrel. Why did you strike me?” Dolores asked, her hand sped over her face, tears streaming down as she looked up at Norah.


    “What? I hit you?” Norah’s face showed disbelief. She hadn’tid a finger on her. “If you’re into theatrics, find another stage. This isn’t the ce for acting in front of a stranger!” To Norah, the encounter seemed nothing more than a bizarre interruption. With that, she walked away.


    She was baffled by Dolores’ actions. If they had been acquaintances, perhaps she might have suspected an underlying conflict or a calcted ploy. But they wereplete strangers.


    She left the restroom without another thought, still puzzled by the inexplicable behavior.


    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories


    However, Dolores quickly slipped past her, darting out of the restroom first, leaving Norah to watch her hasten away in confusion.


    Moments earlier, Dolores had seemed so vulnerable. Now, her swift escape only deepened Norah’s bewilderment.


    As Norah exited the restroom at a slower pace, the sound of her high heels clicking on the floor echoed as she made her way back to the main hall. A flirtatious voice grew louder.


    “Marlin, look at her! I was by the restroom door, washing my hands, when she came out and pped me. I was so shocked, I thought I could never take her on. I had to find you,” Dolores told her story, nestled in the arms of a man.


    Her delicate coquetry seemed irresistible as she leaned into him, her expression feigned with grievance.


    .


    .


    .