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 didnt 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 ? Thats 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 ? Its 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 couldnt 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 Arnolds 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 didnt mean to make a fuss . Tre not a fuss , he repbed firmly . You have every right to take care of yourself . And if you wont , 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 Lindas 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 . Arnold loosened his tie and called out , Nora ? His voice echoed in the stillness , met only by the soft b Wheres Luna ? Alex asked , looking around curiously Arnold turned to one of the maids . Have you seen her ? The maid shook her head . Luna hasnt been home all day , sir . I assumed she was with you . Arnold frowned , an odd unease creeping into his che She hasnt 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 Chapter 31 She probably had something to deal with at her familys 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 couldnt wait to tell Nora all about Lindas 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 . Wheres Mom ? Alex asked Arnold lowered the paper , his expression indifferent . I dont know . Why dont 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 ? Alexs voice burst through the line , full of curiosity . Nora smiled faintly , leaning back in her chair . Why ? Whats up ? Nothing Alex said , his words tumbling out in excitement . I just wanted to tell you about Lindas race last night ! She was amazing , you wouldve Noras smile dimmed slightly , but she kept her tone light . Thats great , Alex. Shes 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 . Ive 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 ] Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!