Chapter: 120

Influenced by Madeline's insinuations about Norah's supposed new affluent connection, Derek had reconsidered his generosity. The notion that Norah could have been involved with someone else long before and that he was oblivious infuriated him. Why should he hand over anything to her then?

"Norah, you're really testing my patience."

"Mr. Carter, am I the one testing your patience? You're the one seeking a divorce so that you could be with your lover, yet you're reluctant to give me what we had agreed previously. Derek, it turns out I never really knew you." Norah crossed her arms, her jaw tilted slightly.

Derek's gaze fell, shadowed with turmoil. "Two years into our marriage, I realize I've never truly known you."

Their conversation reached an impasse.

Norah, growing impatient, pressed, “Enough with the delays. Are we finalizing our divorce today or not?"

Derek stood firm, saying, "Just sign the paper, and I'll go through the formalities with you immediately.”

Madeline interrupted with feigned concern to Norah, “Miss Wilson, just sign, and you'll be free. Why hesitate over such a straightforward decision?"

“If it's truly inconsequential, why doesn't Derek just relent? Derek, your actions reveal how petty you are!" Norah pointed out.

Norah's comment struck a nerve in Derek, who felt diminished compared to Sean and Kason. In terms of family stature, the Carter family paled in comparison, and aesthetically, Sean and Kason were in a league of their own.

"I'm petty? Damn! I dare you to say that again! I once had you completely under my thumb. You never dared defy me. Yet, you..."

Derek's outburst startled Madeline. "Derek..."

Norah's fleeting amusement vanished, replaced by a steely gaze at Derek. Derek's words were her routine existence among his family's members. Whether in his villa or at Carter Manor, she conducted herself with the humility of a maid, never once defying him with the illusion that he might see merits in her one day and fall for her.

"Now, you label me petty? So what if I am? How bold you have become since you signed the divorce papers! Shall I provide additional instances?" Derek spat out in a fit of anger.

Holding onto Derek's arm, Madeline regarded Norah complacently, gaining pleasure from Derek's revelation of Norah's married life. It made sense now why Derek had once described Norah as merely a servant of the Carter family.

“Derek, since we can't reach an agreement today, let's leave it at that. See you in court." Norah's expression was icy, adding, "I won't give up what's rightfully mine."

Regardless of the circumstances, Norah was determined to claim her due, steadfast in her resolve to fight for her rights.

Norah's steadfast stance irritated both Derek and Madeline.

With a grim expression, Derek tightly rolled the document and said, "We'll just have to see who comes out on top in court."

Barely hiding her smugness, Madeline said, "We'll meet again, Miss Wilson."

As Derek and Madeline walked away, Norah felt a surge of frustration.

Once again, Derek had managed to irk her while delaying the finalization of their divorce.

Settling back onto a chair nearby, a moment of reflection brought a wry smile to Norah's face.

A kind janitor approached, offered Norah a glass of water, and sat beside her. "Here, have some water."