Chapter: 954

First impressions could set the tone for future interactions.

Norah gave Dolores a brief glance and then looked away without further acknowledgment.

Dolores chose a soft pink lipstick, nearly matching her natural Lip color—an understated selection. Since her arrival at the event, she had stuck close to Marlin, meeting several influential figures in Silverdale, though she hadn't taken much notice of those Marlin hadn't introduced. Upon seeing Norah, an inexplicable sense of panic welled up in her.

Meanwhile, Norah, oblivious to Dolores’ troubled gaze, turned on the faucet and washed her hands, the water cascading over her slender fingers.

Dolores felt her heart rate accelerate, urging her to leave, yet something made her hesitate. Throughout her life, her intuition had been a reliable guide, helping her capitalize on opportunities and skirt disasters. Her intuition screamed that Norah was a threat. She turned to block Norah's path as Norah was about to leave the restroom.

Suddenly, Dolores slapped her own face, a sharp crack that startled Norah.

“Miss, we have no quarrel. Why did you strike me?" Dolores clasped her hand over her face, tears streaming down as she looked up.

“What? I hit you?" Norah's face was a mask of disbelief. She hadn't laid a finger on her. “If you're into theatrics, find another stage.

This isn't the place for acting in front of a stranger!"

To Norah, the encounter was nothing more than a bizarre interruption.

With that, she walked away.

She was baffled by Dolores' actions. If they had been acquaintances, perhaps she might have suspected some underlying conflict or a calculated ploy. But they were complete strangers. She left the restroom without another thought, still puzzled by the inexplicable behavior.

However, Dolores quickly slipped past her and darted out of the restroom first, leaving Norah to watch her hasten away in confusion.

Moments earlier, Dolores had seemed so vulnerable. Now, her swift escape puzzled Norah.

As Norah exited the restroom at a slower pace, her high heels clicked on the floor as she returned to the main hall. A flirtatious voice grew louder.

"Marlin, look at her! I was by the restroom door, washing my hands, when she came out and slapped me. I was so shocked and doubted I could beat her. I had to find you," Dolores told her story, nestled in the arms of a man.

Her delicate coquetry seemed irresistible as she leaned into him with a feigned air of grievance.

Marlin's fingers tenderly brushed the vivid red handprint on her cheek, contrasting sharply with her pale skin.

Marlin himself had gone out of his way to introduce Dolores to everyone. Who would dare to hurt her after that? He was so pissed off.

Those who heard the news also trailed behind him, eager to uncover the entire story. With Marlin still present, who would have the audacity to slap Dolores? Everyone was intensely curious about this individual.

Marlin approached Norah and, in a voice as deep as thunder, demanded, "Did you slap Dolores?"

His tone and eyes were as frigid as ice, and he looked at her as if she were an utter stranger.

Norah was taken aback by his icy voice and gaze.

Were they nothing more than strangers now? What about the kindness he had showed in the past? It seemed that sometimes their past was meaningless.