Chapter: 75
Norah raised an eyebrow, realizing it was a classic meet-the-parents scenario. She finally grasped Madeline's attitude, as arrogant as Madeline's mother's. It was clear as day to anyone paying attention.
Rhoda donned an elegantly tight dress and failed to soften her severe demeanor, instead giving off a more imposing air as she scrutinized Norah, assessing her worth.
Coen, generally more measured, remarked, “Miss Wilson, part on good terms. We acknowledge your past efforts for Derek. Why degrade yourself with this situation after the divorce?"
Madeline, portraying the victim, quivered, tears streaming down as she clutched her emotions tightly.
Derek's heart sank as he delicately wiped away her tears, soothingly saying, "Madeline, don't cry. It's just a coincidence that Norah is here."
Madeline glanced up to catch Norah's somewhat amused expression and her look of disdain before Norah looked away.
"But one needs to book in advance to dine at Solo Mio Restaurant. Did Miss Wilson arrange a reservation a month in advance?"
Derek's face tensed as Madeline echoed the question he had intended for Norah.
Before the divorce, Derek and Madeline had hooked up, and making reservation at Solo Mio Restaurant was Madeline's idea to celebrate her parents’ return.
Norah chose to remain quiet among Coen's and Rhoda's groundless accusations and Madeline's probing questions. She deemed engaging with these idiots fixed in their perspectives pointless.
Norah's eyes shifted from Rhoda to Coen, then lingered on Madeline and Derek, marveling at the intricate web of fate entangling her and Derek.
Norah just walked to Solo Mio Restaurant on a whim and happened to bump into Derek, who was with his soon-to-be in-laws. She glanced down, finding the situation absurd. Indeed, there existed a profound and unwanted bond between her and Derek.
Derek, with a hint of impatience, stated, "Norah, only you know if this is a mere coincidence or not. Seeing me at the racetrack was unexpected, but today? We just went separated ways after the unpleasant talk in the morning, and now, you're already tailing me. I don't know how you got hold of my whereabouts. I've already made it crystal clear this morning. Until the investigation wraps up, you'd better behave, or you might end up with nothing."
"Threatening me?" Norah's smile was frosty. "Threats are the least of my concerns."
Madeline, through her tears, pleaded, "Miss Wilson, I'm sorry for my earlier words. Can you please leave Derek alone?"
Rhoda, unable to hide her disdain, suggested, "The Carter family is notable in Glophia. Perhaps Miss Wilson is reluctant to sever ties with Derek and lose her Mrs. Carter status. Madeline, stop crying. Derek is devoted to you, and with our support, you have nothing to fear from Norah."
Norah listened to their bullshits, thinking she could have Lingered longer if hunger hadn't taken over.
Preparing to depart, Norah lifted her bag and turned, ready to exit.
Just then, a voice exclaimed, “Oh, is that Miss Wilson? Are you here to dine? Please, come this way."
The manager of Solo Mio Restaurant approached Norah with a welcoming demeanor, offering his greetings with respect.
The crowd in the hall was momentarily taken aback.
Derek observed Norah, his face clouded with curiosity, pondering how she had come to be on such good terms with the manager of Solo Mio Restaurant. Could it be that she formed a bond with the Solo Mio Restaurant owner after the recent race?
Rhoda and Coen appeared confused. They understood the Solo Mio Restaurant owner was a prominent figure, enforcing strict reservation policies that no one dared to break. Given Madeline's account of Norah's status as an illegitimate child to the Wilson family, how had she managed such a connection with the Solo Mio Restaurant's owner?
"Listen up, folks! Our boss has made it clear that Miss Wilson doesn't need a reservation to dine here. She's welcome anytime!" The manager, smiling kindly, gently said to the receptionists, "Remember, any oversight with Miss Wilson, and you'll no longer be needed here."