Chapter: 68

He had grown accustomed to her presence but never looked at her.

The transformation in Norah following her signing of divorce papers was striking.

Since then, he often dreamt of her, the Norah who cared for him wholeheartedly and the Norah who raced cars...

"Derek, who's caught your attention?" Madeline's arms encircled his neck, snapping him back to reality. "Why are you hiding it from me? Is there any secret between you and me?"

Madeline's tone was so filled with sorrow that Derek turned to embrace her. “It's nothing, just work. You're overthinking it. We have no secrets."

Madeline was bare, pressing herself against him. “Derek, I didn't mean to pry. I'm just scared of losing you to someone else."

She murmured, “My parents are coming home tomorrow. It's making me anxious."

"Madeline, you're the one I cherish." Derek pressed a kiss to her forehead with reverence. "My love for you is unwavering."

Blushing, Madeline hid her face in his embrace and said, “Derek, I trust you."

Jealousy glinted in Madeline's eyes. She knew Derek just lied to her.

She had clearly seen the messages from Norah. She wondered if they were in touch behind her back. She decided she needed to act.

"Derek, have you considered where Norah might go after leaving the Carter family residence? What if she finds herself without a home?"

Madeline expressed her concern with a look of seemingly genuine worry for Norah. "And she's been seeking you out. Don't you think you should meet her to clarify things?"

Derek's expression turned grim. "Norah is acquainted with Miss Andrews and has ties to the Scott family. She won't be left without a home. That's out of the question."

Madeline bit her lip, tracing patterns on his chest. "But she's too proud to just stay with someone as a guest. Hasn't she approached you lately?"

"She approached me for financial support. Whatever is mine is also yours. I won't give her any more than what's necessary." Derek was committed to fulfilling his obligations to Norah but refused to go beyond that.

The thought of Norah's haughty demeanor irked him. Norah was not supposed to act this way. Not in front of him.

“But Derek, you were married to her..." Madeline interjected, “What if she continues to disturb you because you haven't provided any financial assistance?"

"How could she possibly think to do that?" Derek was visibly frustrated. “She wouldn't dare challenge me!"

Derek refused to believe Norah who silently signed the divorce papers he handed to her would dare to confront him now.

“But Derek, remember she's Selene! She may be keeping things from you..."

"I'll take care of it." Derek took her hand and then positioned himself above her...

Norah was surprised to get a response from Derek.

Derek's message read, "Let's meet at Oceanic Treat Cafe at 10 a.m. tomorrow."