Chapter: 1287

Sean had failed to uncover Norah's past. What little he'd found seemed intentionally left behind.

The deeper, more hidden aspects of her history were completely untraceable.

Even as Black, the second-ranked hacker, Sean's efforts over the past year had yielded nothing.

"You know how much I care about Norah, more than anyone, Kason Hayes."

Sean's use of Kason's full name underscored his seriousness. "I know you and Norah had contact before. I don't mind your relationship, but now, Norah's in trouble. I hope you can truthfully tell me what you know. It's crucial for Norah."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Kason wrestled with his thoughts. Norah's decision to keep her past from Sean suggested she still harbored reservations.

Turning his head, Kason met Sean's earnest gaze.

“Kason, I swear, I won't breathe a word of this to Norah."

After a prolonged internal struggle, Kason finally relented.

“Nora was an orphan as a child. She drifted from place to place in a small village..."

Sean felt an unexpected wave of sorrow surge within him.

Norah's childhood had been marked by hardship-wandering near the border, encountering war, and eventually being sent to an orphanage.

Kason knew nothing of her life thereafter, as he had lost track of her after she entered the orphanage.

"When Nora recognized me first at the Glamour Club, it all came rushing back. That small girl had grown into such a remarkable woman. From what I know, she must have endured a great deal."

Kason's voice held a tinge of regret.

If only he had arranged for the Hayes family to adopt Nora sooner, her life might have been smoother, and their relationship might have blossomed into something more.

But the trail of clues ended there.

“So Norah's been an orphan since childhood," Sean mused. "The people chasing her must have crossed paths with her during her formative years."

But Sean hadn't been part of Norah's past, leaving him at a loss about who she might have angered.

They were back to square one.

Sean stood, his posture radiating determination.

"Thank you, Mr. Hayes, for sharing this. From now on, protecting Norah is my responsibility. I appreciate you looking after her last year. When Norah recovers, I'll bring her to see you."

Sean's message was clear: he was all Norah needed now.