Chapter: 4

Norah observed them calmly as if watching a circus act.

“I didn't plead for those villas and properties. The Carter family is wealthy enough but still hesitates over such small matters. I get it. You deem me not deserving," Norah said, her tone self-mocking yet devoid of bitterness. Yet, Derek sensed a profound shift in Norah's attitude, realizing she had changed significantly.

Derek clenched his jaw, wiping away the water from his face before turning to Madeline. "There are plenty of villas in my name. Pick any other ones you like, and it's yours."

Yet, Madeline's anger toward Norah simmered. Aside from Derek, nobody had dared to disrespect her like this. The thought of Norah, Derek's unwanted former wife, acting this way was unbearable.

Madeline glared at Norah, demanding, "So, will you hand that villa over or not?"

Norah's response was firm. "No."

Smack! The sound of a slap echoed as Madeline struck Norah forcefully.

"How dare you! Outside of Derek's grace, you're just a nobody in the Wilson family. You are just a bastard!" Madeline snapped.

Derek's face clouded over briefly before he regained his calm, advising Madeline, "Don't get upset over her."

Norah touched her cheek, wincing from the slap's burn. She tasted blood and glared at Madeline, muttering, “Your manners are Lacking..."

Madeline sought refuge in Derek's embrace, boasting, “I have Derek by my side. You? You're nothing but a discarded stray... Ah! Norah!"

Norah hurled a vase over. The vase smashed against the floor near the sofa, breaking into pieces with a sharp sound.

"If you feel like barking like this, be my guest," Norah retorted, stepping closer. She grabbed Madeline by the hair, forcing Madeline to look up at her before slapping Madeline fiercely.

Madeline's scream filled the room. "Derek!"

Derek fought back his rage, feeling Norah had overstepped today.

After releasing Madeline, Norah stepped back, casually stating, "I'll leave you two to it. May you find joy, bear many children, and share a lifelong bond."

Then, Norah exited Derek's residence, leaving behind the sound of Madeline's sobs.

Even as the door slammed, Madeline remained incensed. She complained to Derek, "Can you believe Norah? She doused us with water and slapped me. You need to teach her a lesson..."

"Enough!" Derek cut her off. Massaging his temples, Derek softened his voice. "She and I are divorced now. I don't want to get tangled with her anymore. Madeline, I'll fulfill your wishes. Just calm down, please."

With a pout, Madeline snuggled into Derek's embrace, voicing her frustration, “Norah's behavior toward you irritates me. You've always mentioned how compliant she is, yet she was anything but. She seemed so aggressive."

Derek recalled Norah's grabbing the cup and splashing water, the cold stare she directed at Madeline when she slapped Madeline. It was a side of Norah he hadn't witnessed before. At that moment, he realized he didn't know Norah. His previous impression of Norah was solely based on her compliance.

Upon leaving, Norah found a black sedan waiting for her at the gate.

The driver, with respect, announced, “Mrs. Norah Carter, Mrs. Juliana Carter has requested your presence."

Caught off guard and unsure of her next steps, Norah entered the vehicle without a second thought.