Chapter 43 Chapter 43 Nora stood at the edge of the ballroom , the soft murmur o of conversation and the tinkling of glasses fading into the background . She gazed out over the gathered guests , her expression serene , though her thoughts flitted like autumn leaves . Arnolds presence , once a weight on her heart , no longer held the power is used to . She had already begun to let go . Leo , standing beside her , observed her with quiet admiration . Nora appeared gentle and soft , but beneath that exterior lay a thoughtful , resilient spirit . Her ability to mask her emotions so gracefully was something he respected deeply . Sensing the moment , he raised his glass to her . To now beginnings , he said warmly , his deep voice carrying a note of encouragement . Nora turned to him , a genuine smile tugging at her lips . She lifted her own glass , the sparkling water catching the light like diamonds . To new beginnings , she echoed softly , clinking her glass against his As they sipped their drinks , a distinguished middle aged man approached them . His presence commanded respect without needing to announce itself . His tailored navy suit spoke of timeless sophistication , and his hair , combed back neatly , gleamed under the chandelier lights Leo straightened , his face lighting up with recognition . Colton ! What an honor to see you here . Leo , the man was elegant , his voice filled with a sense of coldness and majesty . When you said you wanted to surprise me , did you want to introduce me to this lady next to you ? Leo gestured toward Nora , his tone full of pride as he introduced her . This is Nora , a true artist and a genius in jewelry design Nora offered a polite nod , extending her hand . Its a pleasure to meet you , Mr. Colton Mr. Colton took her hand gently , has sharp eyes assessing her , His gaze lingered for a moment , filled with curiosity . 1 feel like Ive seen her somewhere before … Youre saying shes a genius at jewelry design ? he mused , glancing at Leo before returning his attention to Nora . Torgive my surprise , but youre quite young and far too beautiful to be hadden away in a studio . Are you sure this isnt another one of Leos tricks ? Leo laughed , shalong has head . No tricks this time , Mr. Calton Noras talent speaks for itself . Do you recall the True Love Promise collection ? The ane that caused such a stir a few years back ? Coltons brow furrowed in thought before lus eyes widened slightly . The True Love Promise ? Of course , I remember ! it was a masterpiece delicate yet powerful Tassumed at was the work of an established designer with decades of experience . Les smiled knowingly It was Notas design . She created it when she was barely an adult The revelation left Colton momentarily speechless He turned to Nora , hun expression shifting from polite curiosity to gene admiration . Well , well , he slow smile spreading across his f I must say . Fin impressed Talent like from sorroise so young Youve certainly made an unpression , my dear . Noras cheeks flushed slightly at the unexpected praise , but she maintained for compostate . Thank you , Mr. That collections was very personal to me , and Im glad ir resonated with others . 11:58 C Chapter 43 I did more than resonate , Colton replied , his tone earnest . It elevated the standard of what jewelry design could be . Your work has a depth thats hard to find these days Leo chimed in his voice full of pride . I told you she was remarkable . Colton chuckled , nodding in agreement . You were right , Leo . Nara , if you ever need guidance , or someone to bounce ideas off . I would be more than happy to help . Noras smile deepened , her confidence holstered by his words . Thats very kind of you , Mr. I appreciate the offer and would be honored to learn from someone with your experience . Nora and Mr. Colton were in the midst of an animated discussion about jewelry design . Their voices rose and fell in lively debate , their contrasting views igniting sparks that drew curious glances from the nearby guests . Their back and forth was spirited , almost combative , yet it was clear they both enjoyed the exchange . They looked , to the untrained eye , like rivals locked in a heated argument , but there was mutual respect beneath their words . Remarkable , Colton finally said with a chuckle , shaking his head . Youve got sharp instincts , young lady . You remind me of myself though I dont know if thats a compliment or a warning . Nora laughed softly , her tension melting away . Tll take it as a compliment . Just then , Linda approached , her heels clicking softly against the polished floor . She stopped beside Leo , her smile polite but icy . Leo , she greeted , her voice honeyed with a touch of insincerity . Her gaze shifted to Nora , and d her exp expression hardened , a mixture of offense and disdain flashing briefly across her face . Linda Les replied evenly , his p posture relaxed but his eyes watchful . He noticed the unspoken tension between Linda and Nora and felt a protective instinct stir . With a deliberate smile , he gestured toward Nora . 다 her of my team . Her designs have transformed the studios reputation Allow me to introduce Nora , the most important member of Lindas smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered , her gaze flicking between Leo and Nora . The subtext in Leos words was unmistakable he valued Nors too highly to tolerate any interference . Linda understood the implication clearly : there would be no place for her at Leos studio , now or in the future . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!