Chapter 32 Chapter 32 For now , she needed this time for herself . Nora leaned back in her chair , staring at her phone , which was still warm from the call she had just finished . Her thoughts swirled as she wrestled with conflicting emotions . It wasnt that she didnt care about Alex , she loved him deeply . But going back to that house the one filled with memories , judgments , and the constant shadow of Arnold felt suffocating She sighed , shaking her head to clear the unease . Meanwhile , at the villa , Alex stood with the phone still in his hand , his brow furrowed . Shes acting strange , he mumbled to himself before glancing at Arnold , who sat nearby , pretending to read the newspaper . Arnold , however , wasnt as detached as he seemed . He had been listening to Alexs side of the conversation , every word sinking into him . Noras tone … cool and detached .. was unlike the gentle warmth she usually reserved for Alex . For the first time . Arnold felt something unfamiliar : uncertainty . What did she say ? Arnold asked , lowering the paper . Alex shrugged . She said shes busy and cant pick me up today . Arnold raised a brow . Nora had never refused Alex , not like this . Did she say why ? She said her day was inconvenient , Alex replied , his disappointment evident . But I asked her to come tomorrow instead . Arnold didnt respond immediately , a flicker of irritation crossing his face . Naras aloofness was getting under his skin . The next morning , Noras phone buzzed again . She glanced at the screen and saw Alexs name . With a resigned sigh , she picked up . Mom ? Alexs voice sounded small , almost pleading . Yes , Alex ? she asked , keeping her voice neutral . Can you take me to school today ? Please ? Nora hesitated . She wanted to say no , to keep her distance , but Alexs tone pulled at her heartstrings . Before she could respond , Alex added , I really want to tell you something on the way . Its important . Arnold overhead the conversation and found Alex insisting Nors to pick him . It was quite surprising for him to hear such attitude from Nora . Alex she began carefully , its not a good day for me . Cant your dad take you ? Alex faltered . He hadnt expected her to suggest that . Uh Daddys busy , he lied quickly . He said he has a meeting Nora sighed , sensing the untruth in his words . Alex , are you sure ? I can call him- No ! Alex interrupted , panic lacing his voice . Its okay . Just … just this once , please ? Her resolve weakened . Despite everything , Alex was still her son , and she couldnt bear to see him upset . Alright , she relented . Tll pick you up . Really ? Alexs voice brightened instantly . Yes , really . Be ready , she replied , her voice softening despite herself As she hung up , a pang of guilt settled in her chest . She wasnt ready to face Arnold , but she also couldnt abandon Alex . After finishing her breakfast , Nora wiped her hands on the edge of a napkin and rose from the table , her brow furrowing as she recalled something Chapter 32 important Megans side of the work had yet to be officially handed over , and to complicate matters further , there was a Arnold would be attending A small sigh escaped her lips as she straightened her posture and headed toward the meeting room The thought of encountering Arnold again stirred no particular emotion in her It wasnt disdain o r fear , just a muted indifference that had replaced what once might have been admiration . Upon entering the meeting room , Nora took a seat near the middle of the long , polished table , a meeting scheduled for today Around her , other pack members were chatting softly , exchanging notes , and preparing for the discussions to com She greeted a few with polite nods before settling into her chair . For ten minutes , the room hummed with quiet anticipation , and then the door opened with a soft click Arnold stepped inside . The room stilled almost instantly , all conversations dying down as every head turned toward him . His commanding presence was undeniable , his tall figure framed in the doorway as if he were carved from marble . His suit , perfectly tailored , highlighted his broad shoulders and powerful build . Arnolds piercing gaze swept across the room , and his dark , neatly combed hair caught the light , adding to the almost ethereal effect of his prese Megan , sitting beside Nora , leaned over and whispered excitedly . The Alpha is really handsome , int he ? I swear , he could make anyones heart skip a Her voice was filled with admiration , almost awe Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!