Chapter: 221

Sean's text revealed a startling truth, "I forgot to mention something important to you when I was getting the diamond brooch. Your recent injury wasn't by chance. It stemmed from the Fox Alliance's conspiracy with Kathy to abduct and harm you."

A record followed.

As Norah listened to Kathy's voice in the recording, she clenched her phone in disbelief! She had assumed her injury was a repercussion from a previous clash with the Fox Alliance, not imagining Kathy's involvement.

The timing matched the aftermath of mocking Kathy at the mall with Joanna.

Norah cursed silently. Did Kathy think she was so forgiving? Kathy had gone as far as to orchestrate an assassination attempt. Had Luck not been on her side, she could have fallen prey to the Fox Alliance's torture or suffered various humiliations.

Determined, Norah grabbed her car keys, dashed to the garage, revved her sports car, and sped toward Carter Manor.

Kathy, still unmarried, resided there with her family, including Juliana.

After Norah tied the knot with Derek, Kathy's loathe of Norah ignited her to frequently drop by Derek's place just to tease Norah.

Norah had once exercised patience, hoping not to burden Derek with family discord. This, however, resulted in Kathy taking advantage, with Derek persistently advising Norah to tolerate it.

"smack!" Upon entering the Carter Manor with the butler's guidance, Norah was met with the sight of Sharon slapping Kathy. The mix of anger and sympathy on Sharon's face was a new side to Norah.

To Norah, Sharon had always seemed haughty and disdainful. Kathy's actions must have deeply wounded Sharon this time.

Thrown straight to the ground, hair all messy, Kathy lifted her head, glaring with resentment. "I was only looking out for myself. What did I do wrong? Mom, grandma, tell me, if my brother doesn't care about me anymore, who else can I count on?"

Juliana maintained her calm until she noticed Norah standing at the doorway, causing her to halt. “Norah?”

ALL eyes in the room shifted toward Norah, her demeanor gentle yet authoritative as if bathed in light.

“The early bird catches the worm. I arrive at such a captivating display." Her voice, cold and authoritative, filled the room.

Kathy's hands balled into fists. She silently cursed Norah. In her eyes, Norah's failure to manage her brother, letting him reunite with Madeline, had precipitated her downfall. In Kathy's mind, Norah was the root cause.

As Derek watched Norah enter, bathed in light and clad in a white dress, she seemed transformed, standing out in a way he had never noticed before. He realized he was automatically looking for Norah in the crowd, something he'd never done before.

Previously, Norah had been like a shadow in his life, easily overlooked no matter the circumstance. Following their divorce, Norah's presence became unexpectedly captivating, drawing his gaze whenever she was amongst others.

Sharon stepped forward, shielding Kathy, her tone laced with skepticism. “What brings you here?" Her words were sharp and direct.

Norah's lips curled into a cold smile. "I've come to confront Kathy now that we're all gathered."

Turning to Derek, Norah asked, "Mr. Carter, why is Madeline not by your side today?"

Derek looked away. "Madeline has something she needs to take care of."

In truth, he had heeded Juliana's advice against bringing Madeline here, wary of causing any displeasure.

Juliana's cold look eased up a bit at the sight of Norah. She gestured with her hand. "Norah, please, take a seat." She had no desire to glance at Kathy on the floor again.