Chapter: 5

The car gradually halted in front of a grand villa. It was Carter Manor, the residence of Derek's grandparents.

"Mrs. Norah Carter..." greeted the butler, guiding the seemingly preoccupied Norah inside.

The butler seemed to want to converse further but ultimately chose to remain silent. “Mrs. Juliana Carter mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while. Dinner is yet to be served. Perhaps you could spend time with her beforehand."

Norah lowered her eyes and did not respond. She had a feeling Juliana was trying to convince her to reconsider the divorce.

The manor, typically quiet and inhabited only by Derek's grandparents, came to life as Juliana Carter, Derek's grandmother, noticed Norah's arrival and warmly invited her, saying, "Norah, come over here and sit."

Settling in, Norah greeted Juliana with a smile despite the inner turmoil.

Juliana took Norah's hand, expressing concern, "You haven't visited in such a long time. How are things with Derek?"

Norah guessed Juliana was testing her. She doubted Juliana would be unaware of Madeline's return to the country.

With poise, Norah shared, “Derek believes we should get a divorce. Well, I've just signed the divorce agreement, making way for Madeline."

Juliana's response was sharp. “Madeline? Her actions led to Derek's car incident. How dare she come back into his life? Don't fret. I favor you over that woman. So, is there any chance you'd reconsider the divorce?"

Juliana's concern left Norah feeling melancholy. For two years, she harbored love for Derek yet failed to ignite the same in him.

“Divorced? That might just be for the best!" Derek's mother, Sharon Carter, approached with a smirk, her presence _ radiating sophistication and charm as she moved with a captivating grace.

Juliana, witnessing her demeanor, became furious. “Walk properly! Why do you walk like that? Your manners are lacking."

Caught off guard by the scolding, Sharon's expression shifted to one of discomfort. She glanced at Norah, seated next to Juliana, and said with a frosty tone, "Good thing they're divorced. Originally, Derek was to marry Luna Wilson, the Wilson family's eldest daughter. Guess what? Luna disgracefully became involved with someone else and ended up pregnant. Throughout my years in Glophia, I've never even heard of the Wilson family having another daughter. I wonder where this illegitimate woman came from... Taking the role of Derek's wife for two past years, hasn't this woman enjoyed wealth and prosperity enough?"

Norah clasped Juliana's hand, her expression lit up with a smile, seemingly oblivious to Sharon's harsh comments. "You seem to suffer from a bit of cough. I happen to know a soup will help soothe it. I'll give the recipe to the butler later."

Juliana, who had always appreciated Norah's compliant and thoughtful nature, warmly responded, "You're such an angel, Norah. Well, I'm not getting any younger and my health has been declining with age. My darling, you're the only one who shows such concern for my well-being."

Feeling ignored, Sharon's face turned pale as she mocked, “Oh, come on. Drop the act! Now that the divorce agreement is signed, you don't need to keep up the act. Do you honestly believe staying close to Juliana will grant you the right to continue to benefit from the Carter family?"

Before Norah could respond, Juliana interjected, "Norah has always been nice to us all since joining our family. She was by Derek's side throughout his coma, caring for him diligently. Not to mention, she had always treated both you and me with respect. Why are you being so ungrateful now, after all she's done for our family these past two years?"

“Juliana! Norah is nothing but a bastard from the Wilson family. Why do you continue to defend her?" Sharon stomped her feet.

Sharon glared at Norah, pressing, "Did I say something wrong? How does this bastard deserve to be Derek's wife? Had it not been for your and your husband's insistence on her marrying Derek, I would've never approved this woman. Plus, she's Lived off the Carter family's fortune since the marriage. Naturally, she should treat Derek and us with respect. Why do you make it sound like she did something great? Furthermore, she hasn't conceived in the two years since joining our family. You do want great-grandchildren, right? I bet Derek divorced her because of that."

Juliana's expression grew severe. "Sharon, watch your language. How can you speak such nonsense?"

Though taken aback by Juliana's stern expression, Sharon retorted, "I'm merely stating facts. Thankfully, she didn't conceive since that could have complicated the divorce. Any child of hers would be as unwelcome."

Juliana, visibly disturbed by Sharon's words yet gripping Norah's hand reassuringly, advised, "Ignore her, Norah. She's coarse and foul mouthed. Please, I urge you not to be rash on the divorce thing. As long as I breathe, I only recognize you as Derek's wife. My husband and I really appreciate you. Don't fret over Derek's reaction. Focus on getting on well with Derek and leading a fulfilling life together."

Sharon, her eyes brimming with frustration, asked, "Juliana, what's wrong with you? Why are you and your husband always defending Norah? Damn! Norah, just accepting that you and Derek are over will be best for everyone."