Chapter: 32

Norah scoffed. "Oh? So you still remember our unfinished divorce procedures? I was under the impression you'd forgotten. Are you waiting for me to plead for a divorce?"

Her stare was sharp as she added, “Especially since you were pushing for those divorce papers a few days ago."

Before Derek could respond, Kathy interjected, “Perhaps you've already found other men elsewhere, and that's why you're in such a hurry to leave the Carter family, huh? You're just a whore!"

Norah's expression turned frosty, and she slapped Kathy without hesitation. "You uncultured thing."

Kathy, with her face covered, hadn't reacted when Joanna landed another slap on her. Kathy's cheeks now bore symmetrical red marks from the double blow.

"It appears I need to educate you in place of your parents."

Madeline rushed to Kathy, asking with concern, “Kathy, are you alright?"

Kathy, tears streaming down her face, cried out, “Derek, that bitch hit me..."

Madeline turned to Norah and Joanna, pleading, "Norah, Miss Andrews, Kathy's just blunt. Was there a need to react so violently? She's just a kid. Kids say whatever comes to mind, no holding back. Why did you feel the need to hit Kathy?"

Norah couldn't help but find Madeline's words somewhat amusing, retorting, "She's in her twenties, and you're calling her a kid Joanna sneered, “You might see her as a kid, but we sure don't. Don't interfere. Better yet, just leave."

Madeline replied with an innocent face, "Miss Andrews, do you have any misunderstandings about me and Derek? Derek initiated the divorce due to a lack of affection toward Norah. It could have been resolved smoothly, yet Norah continued to bother Derek... Besides, Derek was completely unaware of Norah's identity as the racer Selene..."

Joanna scoffed. "Oh, come on. A misunderstanding? I don't think so. You, entangled with someone else's husband, have the nerve to make such accusations? Judgments will surely haunt you since you're shameless enough to be the home wrecker. And accusing Norah of clinging to Derek? Don't be ridiculous!"

Norah grabbed Joanna's arm and said, "Why dwell on these bullshits? Let's leave."

As they walked away, Norah pivoted abruptly and said to Derek, “Mr. Carter, if you find me so disagreeable, why not speed up our divorce? It would spare you from my presence and Miss Powell from being labeled a home wrecker."

Norah's smile widened at Derek's shifting expression.

As she walked further, Norah caught snippets of Kathy's curses, Madeline's distress, and Derek's attempts to soothe.

Joanna frowned and said, “Derek's being stupid, thinking he's all that. With his appearance, I wouldn't take him even if he came as a freebie. In my book, a top-notch partner would be someone like Mr. Scott or Kason - good-looking and powerful. Norah, why not give them some thought?"

Joanna playfully nudged Norah with her shoulder and cracked a joke, “Considering your terms, won't they just fall head over heels for you?"

Norah shot her a disapproving glance and replied, "If you're that keen, take the plunge on your own. Right now, I have other priorities."

Derek had shown Norah that a man's first love held a special place.

Everyone had a first love. Norah regretted trying to compete with Derek's first love.

Now, Norah just wanted to pick up where she left off with the hobbies she set aside for Derek and put even more effort into them.

Joanna pouted and said, "I'm only looking out for you, Norah. Give them some thought..."

Joanna thought if only Bryson were good enough, she'd have suggested him to Norah.