?Chapter 1171:


    Shelly’s tears spilled over, her hands wringing together.


    “You have to help me! Spare me, please, for old times’ sake!”


    She searched his face, her voice cracking.


    “I know I messed up. I swear I will never do it again. My endorsements are gone—I cannot survive this! You know how much reputation matters for models. Give me one more chance…”


    Norton’s stare was unrelenting, cold as winter stone.


    “I warned you before, Shelly. Target Yvonne again, harm her in any way, and I would not let it pass. This mess is your own doing. Begging changes nothing.”


    Norton’s mind churned with memories of Yvonne’s pain, the sleepless nights she had endured because of Shelly’s schemes. This punishment was too light.


    He waved a hand at the servants.


    “Get her out.”


    The servants moved swiftly, guiding a sobbing Shelly toward the door.


    Yvonne kept her eyes on the TV, but her ears caught every word. Her breath hitched when Norton’s sharp words to Shelly sliced through the air. Surprise rooted her to the spot.


    She had braced herself for Norton to cave again, to blur the edges of right and wrong with his usual soft-hearted meddling. Yet this time, his voice carried a steely edge, his reasoning unshakable.


    A warmth bloomed in her chest, gratitude swelling until it curved her lips into a gentle smile.


    Norton’s gaze softened as he caught her expression. With a low chuckle, he reached out, his fingers tousling her hair in a yful, familiar gesture.


    “What’s got you grinning like that?”


    Yvonne’s lips quirked into a sly, teasing smile.


    “This episode’s plot twist? Absolutely delicious.”


    Her words danced with mischief as she let her hand drift toward his, her fingertips brushing lightly against his knuckles.


    He noticed—of course he did. His hand closed around hers, their fingers intertwining with an ease that felt like habit.


    His smile widened, and in one swift motion, he tugged her into his embrace. His breath tickled her ear as he murmured,


    “If it’s keeping you this hooked, don’t stop watching.”


    Yvonne nestled closer, her nod brushing against his shoulder.


    After a quiet moment, she pulled back just enough to meet his gaze.


    “What if I head back to work tomorrow?”


    Norton’s brow creased, a flicker of worry shadowing his features.


    “Tomorrow?”


    Sensing his hesitation, she pressed on, her tone firm yet reassuring.


    “I will take care of myself. Thanks to you hovering like a mother hen, I’m back to my old self.”


    She tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with determination.


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