Chapter 44 1 see . Linda said smoothly , though her tone betrayed her irritation . Well , I wouldnt have been able to work at such a small studio anyway She turned on her heel and walked away , her head held high , as if dismissing the entire conversation as beneath her . Noras attention shifted as she caught movement in the crowd . Arnold stood a short distance away with his friends Cole and Charles , Cole and Charles were openly staring at her , their surprise evident in their wide eyes and exchanged glances . Arnold , however , was different . His expression was cold , his gaze icy and unyielding , as if she were a stranger he had never known . For a moment , the hollroom felt smaller , the air heavier . The look on Arnolds face stung , but Nora squared her shoulders and held her ground . She wouldnt give him the satisfaction of seeing her falter . Leo noticed her sudden stillness and followed her gaze . Whats wrong . Nora ? He asked quietly , his voice laced with concern . It was a terse response that had left an uneasy silence in its wake , She had taken a long , slow sip of her drink as she settled into a chair in the corner of the lounge , hoping to let her thoughts settle down . As she gazed into the glass . lost in her own musings , she noticed Hals approaching her . His expression was serious and tinged with disapproval He stood there silently for a moment before speaking up in a low , questioning tone .. Did you just bully Linda and stop her from entering the studio ? he asked sharply , his voice echoing in the hushed atmosphere , His tone was accusatory , each word carefully chosen as if he were trying to pinpoint a misdeed he believed was Nora looked up slowly , meeting his gaze with cool determination I did what needed to be done , she replied evenly , her tone carrying no hint of guilt or defensiveness . ed was unforgivable . Her words were calm yet pointed , and with each syllable , it was clear she was not willing to back down or admit to any wrongdoing Hals , taken aback by her forthrightness , hesitated for a moment before his frown deepened . He muttered , almost under his breath , This isnt over , before hurrying away , leaving Nora with the heavy feeling of unresolved tension . Meanwhile , Arnold , busy mingling ding with the other guests , seemed oblivious to the unfolding dispute . His attention was absorbed by conversations and laughter , and he did not notice the quick exchange between Nora and Hals . Later that evening at the reception , Nors found herself engaged in conversation with Leo . They had found a quiet spot away from the main crowd , and the soft murmur of other guests provided a gentle background to their discussion Their conversation was interrupted by a suppet of gossip drifting through the air Nora and Leo overheard a couple of well dressed guests whispering about Linda . One guest remarked , Look at that Miss Linda , she comes from a pack , just the daughter of a small pack Alpha . Its not even comparable to our silver moon park , but she managed to capture the Alphas allection so easily . Its quite something Another voice joined in , saying , They say Alpha attended this banquet just to introduce Miss Linda to several noble elders in the pack . A third guest 11:59 Chapter 44 added , Ive never heard of Alpha bring so attached to any woman . It wouldnt be long before she becomes Luna , and if she marries into Silvermoon , her father and family must be so proud Nora listened silently to the exchange , her expression unreadable as the rumors filled the air around her . Leo , noticing the subtle changes in her eyes , leaned in with a concerned tone . Are you all right . Nora ? You seem troubled by all this , he asked , his voice laced with genuine care . Nora offered him a small smile as she replied . Dont worry about me , Lea . Ive thought it through , and I know I wont get hurt by such talk . Her voice was reassuring , though there was a trace of lingering melancholy beneath the calm surface . Leo chuckled softly and teased , I worry about you not just as a friend but as your partner too . After all , youre coming to the firm tomorrow for your induction , arent you ? Noras eyes sparkled momentarily at the mention of her new role , and she felt a surge of resolve . Yes , Im ready for it , Ive been preparing for this moment , and I have no doubt I can handle everything that comes my way , she responded confidently , The slight discomfort of the earlier events faded away as she thought about the opportunities that lay ahead in her professional life . The party eventually wound down , and Nora found herself behind the wheel on her way home . The cool night air brushed against the windows , and she felt a sense of relief as the hectic energy of the evening began to wane . Just as s she was beginning to relax , her cell phone rang , The screen showed Arnolds name , and although she had no particular desire to visit the villa where he resided , she answered the call in a composed Hello ? she said , her voice steady despite the underlying tension she sensed . Arnolds tone on the other end was brisk and somewhat cold . When are you coming home ? he asked , his words clipped as if he were counting the seconds . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!