Chapter: 14

Norah scoffed. "Mr. Carter, you're mistaken. When did I ever beg you not to divorce?"

Derek then recalled that Norah had only asked a question earlier, not once begging or resisting the divorce. Recalling how swiftly she agreed to sign the divorce papers, Derek's frustration grew. He finally muttered, "Fend for yourself."

Derek grasped Madeline's hand, ready to leave. However, Madeline gently freed herself and said, "Derek, go ahead. I need a moment to speak with Norah."

“Be quick about it."

After Derek was out of earshot, Madeline addressed Norah, "I'm aware you might hold some bitterness toward me for returning and capturing Derek's heart, but it was bound to happen. Derek's heart has always been with me."

“And your point is?"

Madeline wore a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she continued, “I appreciate your stepping in to care for Derek when he needed it most, something I couldn't do at that time. It's unfortunate how things turned out with your marriage, but Derek is mine, and I hope you can accept Derek was never yours to cling to. Moving on would be best for you.”

Norah immediately caught the underlying motive of Madeline's words.

She was essentially flaunting and warning.

Madeline's words indicated Norah should accept the harsh truth that Derek whom she had taken care of over the past two years could never reciprocate her feelings. Despite his coldness, Derek could change, but never for Norah. Their marriage was a farce.

Yet, Norah didn't give a damn on anything related to Derek anymore.

When she signed the divorce papers, all her illusions faded away. To her, Derek was just a fleeting figure in her life. She was ready to leave the past behind.

"Please, don't flatter yourself." Norah lifted her head, giving Madeline a scornful look. "That man you value as a treasure is rubbish to me."

Madeline's smile tightened. "Norah, there's no need to degrade Derek just because your marriage is ending."

“Degrade him?" Norah laughed as she stepped closer to Madeline. “I'm merely stating the obvious."

With a sneer, Norah added casually, "Derek isn't the only man out there."

Without sparing Madeline another look, Norah walked by. "You two are a perfect match. Enjoy your life together."

With a dismissive wave, Norah left with firm steps, her heels echoing sharply against the floor, embodying a sense of finality.

Madeline stood there, frustration etching her face.

From a chamber upstairs, Kaiden Hayes observed the scene below with interest. Leaning back, he asked, "Who's that woman named Norah? She seems to be something.”

Spencer Morris, leisurely enjoying his drink, responded, “She's rumored to be the Wilson family's illegitimate daughter, who married into the Carter family two years ago. Her arrival seemed to bring luck. Despite doctors' grim predictions for Derek's condition back then, Derek had recovered within a year of their marriage, even reuniting with his former love now. Norah's had a significant impact on the Carter family."

Kaiden recalled the Carter family's shits two years prior and shook his head. "Derek missed the mark there."

Spencer nodded and asked, “I agree. By the way, how's your great- grandpa, Mr. Devonte Hayes? Have you had any luck locating the Supernatural Doctor?"

Five years ago, the Supernatural Doctor became a sensation. Rumor had it she could revive the dead with just a scalpel and cure even the toughest illnesses. But she kept to the shadows, her true identity unknown to all. Getting details about her or asking for her help was no easy task.