Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 151:

“Luna, don’t you find your words ridiculous?” Norah said, her arms crossed and her tone even, sharing her

thoughts. “You should feel fortunate that I'm even inclined to converse with you.”

Voice laced with frustration, Luna countered, “I'm speaking the truth. What's wrong with my words?” She

perceived Norah's lack of gratitude as a deep flaw.

Shayla, unable to contain herself, chuckled and mimicked the words, “Ridiculous!” Her innocence made her

seem endearing compared to Luna.

Without a word, Norah turned and made her way into the hall, declaring, “Your company isn’t necessary. I'm

perfectly capable of walking alone.”

Shayla, tugging at her mother’s hand, gestured toward Norah's retreating figure. “Auntie... Mom, look! Auntie...”

Impatience wearing thin, Luna lifted Shayla into her arms. “Enough with the calling. Who do you prefer, your

mom or your aunt? Just stay withquietly and stop mentioning her.”

Still too young to grasp the situation, Shayla simply adored Norah. She pouted, “Mom, auntie... pretty.”

In the banquet hall, the air was alive with the buzz of conversation among business elites, all dressed in their

finest, holding glasses of wine. Children’s laughter and playful shouts filled the space, adding a light-hearted

tune to the sophisticated gathering.

Upon Norah's entrance, heads turned. Her makeup was flawlessly applied, her presence radiant, and she moved

with undeniable elegance.

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“Is Norah really a Wilson? After her divorce, she ceased all contact with the Wilson family. It led many to assume

she was estranged from them,” someone remarked.

“Originally, she married into the Carter family as a Wilson. Despite her divorce, she remains a Wilson at heart,”

another person added.

“I've heard she secured a considerable fortune from the Carter family when she divorced. Whether it’s fact or

fiction, | couldn't say.”

“And why would the Carters let her walk away with such wealth? Sounds more like gossip to me,” someone else

remarked.

Upon her entrance, Norah was met with murmurs that filled the air. Choosing to pretend she didn’t hear the

whispers, she made her way to the table and gracefully picked up a glass of champagne. With a flight ahead of

her, Norah opted for the lighter choice of alcohol.

Standing alone, her beauty, reminiscent of a blooming flower, caught the eyes of many. Previously unnoticed,

her newfound single status now drew attention and curiosity from those around her. Only a select few were

aware of her connection with Sean, a detail that, if known, would deter many admirers.

Men gazed at Norah in awe, while women looked on with a tinge of jealousy. Her allure was undeniable. Even

simply standing there, she radiated amidst the crowd.

Seldom resting at home, Derek had spent the previous night in a whirlwind of passion with Madeline. Awakened

by the ping of a message, he found Madeline clinging to him once more.

“Derek, stay with me...” Madeline’s voice, filled with allure, caused him to pause.

“I just need to check my phone,” he murmured.

“Alright,” she replied.

Turning on his phone, Derek discovered messages from Kathy about the Wilson family’s birthday celebration.

“You'll never guess who we bumped into,” one message read, followed by a photo.

Derek’s eyes widened in surprise as he saw the image. Norah, captured in a red fishtail gown, looked delicate

and captivating, like a mermaid emerging from the sea. She appeared stunning, though her posture suggested a

hint of impatience.

“You're not too late if you head over now. We're waiting for you,” another message from Kathy read.

Clutching his phone, Derek felt a surge of emotion. The longing for Norah was intense. Merely viewing her photo

wasn’t enough. He yearned for her presence, to be openly by her side.

From the bed, Madeline's voice broke through his thoughts. “Derek, who's messaging you?” After a brief pause,

Derek turned to Madeline.

“It's Kathy,” he replied. “She mentioned they're at the Wilson family’s birthday celebration. | think we should join

them. Despite the divorce, I've maintained a cordial relationship with the Wilsons.”

Madeline's interest piqued, and she sat up, eyes wide open. “Derek, you're referring to Norah's family?” she

pressed.

“Yes, it’s Mr. Wilson's birthday today. We were invited... | forgot to tell you.”

“The invitation’s in the hallway drawer,” Derek explained.

“Is Norah going to be there?” Madeline's voice tightened with concern. The mention of the Wilson family brought

only thoughts of Norah, who had been a significant source of distress for her.

Derek avoided her gaze. “Kathy mentioned Norah was invited,” he admitted, his voice lowering.

“Well, we should definitely make an appearance then,” Madeline replied. “Mr. Wilson is your ex-father-in-law,

after all. It’s only right we attend his birthday celebration.” Her words were laced with sarcasm.

She then began preparing for the event. “We need to present ourselves impeccably in front of Norah. We can’t

show any weakness.”

As Madeline sifted through her wardrobe, selecting two vibrant red dresses, Derek offered a gentle suggestion.

“Madeline, remember the white dress | got you? It really suits you, and it's more fitting for today’s occasion.”

Taking his advice to heart, Madeline reconsidered and chose the white dress instead. “I'll go with your

suggestion,” she conceded.

After standing in the banquet hall for a while, Norah was approached by two admirers. “Miss Wilson, a pleasure

to meet you,” greeted a man clad in a gray suit. “I'm Emil Palmer. My family owns the Palmer Hotel. And this is

Kalel Payne.”

Unimpressed, Norah inquired, “What can | do for you?”

“We noticed you were here by yourself and thought you might appreciate scompany,” Emil explained.

With a straight face, Norah quipped, “Oh, $10,000 for a five-minute conversation.”

“Will that be a bank transfer or cash?” Norah asked, her tone cold.

Kalel’s demeanor shifted at her response. “Ever heard of the Payne Estate? | could offer a million. | won't beat

around the bush. How much for your company for one night?”

Norah's expression turned frosty as she set her glass down with a distinct clink, her patience wearing thin. “Your

wealth and who you are mean nothing to me. It’s obvious I'm not interested in talking.”

Emil attempted to smooth over the awkwardness with a smile. “We just thought you might be feeling a bit

isolated, that’s all. We meant no offense.”

Norah remained silent, her face icy.

Emil nudged Kalel lightly, offering a conciliatory tone. “Miss Wilson, my friend here can be rather direct. He

meant it in jest.”

“Oh, really? How much would it cost for you two to stop talking?” Norah paused, then added with a smirk, “Just

kidding.”

The two men left, fuming and at a loss for words, while Emil found Norah's allure undeniable despite their clumsy

introduction. Accustomed to using their family’s status to their advantage in Glophia, they had never faced

rejection. They had boldly approached Norah, believing the weight and worth of the Wilson family’s nwould

give them leverage.