After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

But instead of admitting that outright, he gave a vague, noncommittal, "Hmm."

Then, after a pause, he asked casually. "Do you have time later? Have dinner together?"

Nora considered his invitation.

Cole had helped her just now, and given their professional relationship, sharing a meal wasn't anything unusual. There was no reason to refuse.

"Okay," she agreed.

They arrived at a quiet, upscale restaurant, where Cole had reserved a private dining room.

The room was warm, a stark contrast to the cold rain outside. After they sat down, Cole poured her a glass of water before settling into his own seat.

As she took a sip, he leaned forward slightly and asked, "Did you gain anything from participating in the exchange program this time?"

Nora thought for a moment before answering. "Sort of."

Her primary purpose in attending had been to gather inspiration. Some time ago, Colton had given both her and Leo valuable industry information... data that could shape STARLINE Studio's future designs.

The exchange event had allowed her to see different perspectives, new materials, and innovative techniques. While it hadn't given her a direct breakthrough, it had broadened her understanding.

Cole studied her for a moment before nodding. "That's good."

After attending a few events, Nora felt that she had found a slight sense of direction... an idea forming in her mind, though not yet fully developed.

As she stirred her drink absentmindedly, she suddenly thought of Abby as she hadn't seen her in a while. Looking up at Cole, she asked, "How's Abby doing these days?"

Cole's expression softened at the mention of Abby.. He set his glass down and leaned back slightly. "Abby's been doing a lot better since late last year. She started back at school this year, and now that she's made some new friends, she's enjoying herself both at home and in class."

There was a warmth in his tone, one that only surfaced when he talked about Abby.

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After a pause, he added. "But she still talks about you from time to time. Next time we have a chance, let's arrange to have dinner together again? She'd like that.”

Nora hesitated briefly. She had always gotten along well with Abby, and it wasn't as if she had any reason to refuse.

Nodding, she replied. "Okay."

Cole's lips curled into a faint smile, but he didn't dwell on it.

With personal matters briefly touched upon, the conversation naturally shifted back to business.

They discussed the ongoing projects at STARLINE Studio, new trends in jewelry design, and the impact of recent technological advancements on craftsmanship. Nora listened attentively, occasionally offering insights of her own.

Finally, Cole brought up a new collaboration he was working on. "Alexander and I are finalizing a deal," he said. "It's a long... term investment, but I think it has great potential."

Nora considered his words before responding. "Alexander is careful with his partnerships. If he's working with you, it means he sees stability in the project."

Cole chuckled lightly. "That's one way to put it. He's definitely thorough... he's had me going through layers of negotiations."

Nora smirked. "Sounds like him."

Their conversation continued smoothly, the meal unfolding in a surprisingly comfortable atmosphere.

Cole found himself thinking back to their past interactions.

In the beginning, when he had used Abby as an excuse to meet with Nora, she

had barely acknowledged him. Her attention had been solely on Abby, and her attitude toward him had been indifferent, almost

dismissive.

But tonight was different.

For the first time in a long while, they were able to talk normally... without tension, without hostility.

He wasn't naïve enough to mistake this for reconciliation.

Nora wasn't letting him into her life in any significant way, and they weren't even close to being friends.

But there was a shift.

A small, almost imperceptible shift, but a shift nonetheless.

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She was letting go of old grudges, not for him, but for herself

And for now, that was enough.

The evening air carried a peaceful silence as Nora sat at her desk, methodically working on paper

The only sound in her apartment was the sound of her tapping on the keyboard and the sectional flipping of paper.

As she looked down once again to review a document, a sudden sensation prickled at the hack of her mind..... a mind-link.

Arnold.

His voice was firm but carried an almost casual tone, as though he was merely extending an invitation. nothing more. “Grandma's birthday is coming up. I'd like you to attend."

Nora paused, her grip tightening slightly on the fork. Her stomach clenched... not with hesitation, bur with an all-too-familiar irritation.

He said it so naturally, as if they were still connected in the same way they had been before. As if he had the right to expect her presence.noveldrama

She didn't respond. She didn't need to.

The mind-link faded, leaving behind only the faint echo of his voice in her head. Moments later, her phone screen lit up. Arnold's name appeared.

Once.

Twice.