Chapter: 336

Emil chuckled, likening Norah to a playful kitten, charming but not threatening. This was precisely why he and Kalel had been diligently striking up conversations with her.

Right then, Corrin ascended the podium, addressing the assembled guests as he faced the microphone. Adjusting his attire, he cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to my birthday celebration. I trust you'll relish the sumptuous spread, enjoy yourselves, and I extend my gratitude to you all..."

Corrin's words captured the attention of all those present, drawing their focus to him as they listened to his gracious remarks.

Kathy leaned close to Derek, murmuring, “Derek, Luna has returned as well. She's accompanied by a two-year-old girl. It appears to be her first visit in these past two years."

Derek's attention, however, remained fixated on Norah. Were Emil and Kalel causing Norah's distress? He observed her furrowed brow with concern.

Madeline tilted her head, smiling softly. "It's been quite some time since I last saw Miss Luna Wilson. I should pay her a visit when the opportunity arises."

Sharon cast a disapproving look at Madeline. “Shame on you, Madeline!

You know better than we do what you had done to Luna and Derek's engagement!"

Derek, who had numerous better matches, found himself engaged to Luna, largely due to Madeline's interference. Following the car incident, the one Derek married became Norah.

Madeline, having considered every aspect of the situation, wore a look of rigid contemplation. Regardless of her response, it seemed doomed to criticism.

Madeline lifted her gaze to Norah, who stood in solitude, effortlessly becoming the center of everyone's attention.

Corrin continued to deliver his speech, “My birthday banquet is illuminated by your presence. I'm grateful you all could make it despite your packed schedules. Your well-wishes are deeply appreciated. Now, please, enjoy the lunch.”

As Corrin finished, the crowd began drifting toward the dining hall.

Emil offered an invitation to Norah. "Miss Wilson, maybe we could have a meaningful conversation over lunch."

Norah remained stoic, offering no reply.

On her way out, Norah noticed Sharon with Derek and Madeline trailing behind. She didn't expect to see Derek and Madeline here. She puzzled over Derek's presence. They were divorced. Was his attendance at Corrin's birthday merely a jest?

Yet, Norah refused to give them a moment's attention. Doing so would only bring her disgust. She felt she had settled her debts with Derek. If he dared to bring Madeline and his relatives to trouble her further, she would not hold back her wrath.

Emil and Kalel continued to follow Norah. As Norah settled down at the table shared with Corrin, they boldly approached. "Mr. Wilson, would you object if we joined you at your table?"

Corrin, who had meticulously arranged the seating to accommodate eight per table, frowned slightly. He had intended to invite some guests to his table to have a nice talk over the meal. Nonetheless, unable to disregard the influence of Emil's and Kalel's families, he conceded, “Please, be my guest.”

The table, originally designed for six, was now up to eight, including Corrin and his wife, Norah, Luna, Dooley, Shayla, Emil and Kalel.

Just as Emil and Kalel were about to sit down, Norah stood up abruptly.

"Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne, your reputations precede you in Glophia. I had intended to extend you courtesy." Norah's smile was icy. "Yet, you persist in vexing me. Let me be clear, leave me be."

Norah harbored no fear of Sean, let alone Emil and Kalel.

Emil's smile vanished as if struck by frost. "Miss Wilson, such definitive statements are unnecessary. You might regret the outcome."