Chapter: 37

Derek held on to Norah's phone firmly, but before he could respond, Madeline interrupted, “Norah, you're quite the social butterfly. Acquainted with not just Miss Andrews and Nocturne but Mr. Scott, too. Your circle is impressively broad."

Kathy couldn't hide her irritation, yet in deference to Sean, she minced her words. "What's so great about her? It's all about drawing attention from men, isn't it?"

Madeline intervened, "Kathy, enough with the baseless comments. You're tarnishing Norah's reputation."

They were saying mean things about Norah, trying to make everyone think Norah was liberated.

Yet, Sean was fully aware of what was happening between him and Norah.

Before Norah could respond, he beat her, saying, “Looks like you all know what's on my mind better than I do."

Caught off guard, Madeline managed a strained smile. "No, that's not what I meant..."

From the driver's seat, Phillip said, “Miss Powell, rumors suggest your overseas marriage hit a rough patch, prompting your return for some peace. Yet, it seems you've entangled yourself with a married man. The gossip about you being ‘the other woman’ spread across Glophia."

Sean quirked an eyebrow. “Really? Is that the case?"

Tears welled up in Madeline's eyes as she protested, “I'm not ‘the other woman.‘ Derek and I share true love..."

She sought refuge in Derek's embrace, concealing her face.

At Sean's cue, Phillip continued, “And Miss Carter, what about those fellows you were with at Glamour Club the other night? It looks Like you were juggling two boyfriends. Didn't bring them along today?"

Kathy was taken aback, her reply faltering, "I don't have a boyfriend..."

Phillip retorted, "But many people saw you dancing intimately that day."

Derek, now puzzled, confronted Kathy, “You hit the club without telling me? And who were those guys?"

Kathy rushed to defend herself, "It was just out of curiosity. I didn't do anything wrong. Derek, you won't spill this to my parents, right? Please keep it between us."

Norah felt a sense of satisfaction. She realized Phillip was skilled at teasing and knowledgeable. After all, she was clueless about Madeline's and Kathy's dirt.

“Hand over my phone, please." Norah wasn't interested in watching them argue. She impatiently reached out to Derek.

Derek consoled Madeline, whose tears were still on his mind, leaving no extra attention to spare for Norah. Once he returned the phone to Norah, he didn't glance her way again.

Norah grabbed her phone, promptly opened the rear door of the sleek black car, and settled herself inside.

Originally, Phillip had thought about asking Norah to sit in the front passenger seat because Sean preferred having no one next to him.

However, when he noticed Norah had already chosen to sit beside Sean, he decided not to say anything. Given Sean hadn't objected, Phillip decided it was best to remain silent.

As the car took off, whisking them away, Norah sat next to Sean with a stoic expression. After a brief silence, she broke the ice. “Thank you for stepping in, Mr. Scott."

Sean's face showed no change as he replied, "Had I known you were without a vehicle, I would've arranged a ride for you sooner. You don't need to thank me."