After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

99.2%

She watched the calls come in, her thumb hovering over the screen. Then, just as suddenly as they

started, they stopped.

No messages. No more calls. Silence.

She exhaled, set her phone aside, and finished her meal, dismissing the entire situation.

The next day, work at STARLINE Studio proceeded as usual. Nora focused on her tasks, barely giving a thought to last night's events.

If anything, she was relieved Arnold had taken the hint.

Upstairs, in a sleek corridor lined with glass walls, Dalton happened to be on his way to a meeting when he caught sight of Arnold.

The man stood near the entrance, arms crossed, eyes scanning the hallways like he was waiting for

someone.

Dalton hesitated before approaching. "Hey," he greeted casually. "Didn't expect to see you here."

Arnold turned, nodded, then sighed. "Looking for Nora." His voice was even, but something about his posture betrayed a mix of frustration and determination.

Dalton pressed his lips together. There it was again... Arnold seeking out Nora, this quiet insistence that never seemed to fade. Before Dalton could reply, Arnold let out another sigh and muttered, "Ignored my mind-link, didn't answer my calls, didn't reply to my messages. No other way left, so I had to come here to

block her."

Dalton's chest tightened at the casual familiarity in Arnold's words. He spoke as if he still had some claim over Nora, as if she owed him an explanation.

The ease with which he admitted his persistence unsettled Dalton, but he kept his expression neutral.

Just then, a burst of laughter echoed from the corridor.

Leo and Nora.

They walked side by side, the atmosphere around them light, easy.

Nora's posture was relaxed, her expression amused as she glanced up at Leo.

con went crazy with regret

99.4%

The warmth in her demeanor was a stark contrast to how she had reacted to Arnold the night before.

Dalton noticed it immediately, and so did Arnold.

Leo's eyes flicked forward, and his steps slowed slightly when he spotted the two men standing near the parking lot entrance. His frown deepened as soon as he recognized Arnold's presence. Without a word, he subtly angled his body toward Nora, intending to guide her in another direction.

But Arnold didn't hesitate,

He stepped forward, cutting off their path. "Let's talk," he said, eyes locked onto Nora.

The laughter in her expression vanished. Her lips pressed into a thin line.

From the moment she had seen him, she had known why he was here. Still, some part of her had expected him to approach her privately, not to make a scene in front of others. But of course, Arnold never did things quietly when he wanted something.noveldrama

Nora met his gaze, her own unreadable. "I'm not going to the birthday party," she said, her voice cool and

even.

Arnold's gaze lingered on Nora, searching for any sign of hesitation. His voice softened, as if he could coax a different response from her.

"There's no need to rush into a decision," he said smoothly. "We can talk about whatever you want."

Nora's expression remained unreadable, her posture firm. She met his eyes briefly before replying, "I don't think that's necessary."

With those words, she turned away, effectively ending the conversation. There was nothing more to

discuss.

Arnold took a step forward as if to block her path. His fingers twitched, almost reaching out, but before he could act, his phone buzzed in his pocket. The sharp sound cut through the tension.

He hesitated, pulled out his phone, and glanced at the caller ID. His jaw tightened.

By the time he looked up, Nora had already reached her car. The door shut with a quiet but final thud.

Arnold exhaled sharply, his thumb hovering over the decline button. He considered chasing after her, but something in her posture... the sheer decisiveness... made him stop. Reluctantly, he answered the call.

Leo, who had been observing from the side, scoffed. His eyes flicked from Arnold

to Nora, noting how the latter didn't spare Arnold a second glance before driving away.

99.6%

"Hmph," Leo muttered, unimpressed. Without another word, he formed on his heat and followed stor toward the lift, stepping in car beside her.

Inside the car, the silence was momentarily thick before Lea broke it.

"What did he want?" he asked, his voice casual, but there was a slight edge to

Nora kept her eyes on the road. "His grandmother is having a birthday party. He wanted me to attend

Leo's eyebrows lifted slightly. "You're right not to go." He tapped his fingers against the armrest, thes frowned as a thought struck him. "Wait a second. Could it be that he brought Linda back to the mater before, and the family didn't approve? And now, knowing the old lady likes you, he thinks if you shon up, it'll be seen as an acceptance of their relationship?

That once you're there, the old lady and the rest of the family will let go of their prejudice again Vinta making things easier for them?"

A small chuckle escaped from Nora. It was light but devoid of amusement.

"Maybe"

Leo scoffed. "No wonder he came looking for you himself. He thinks you're the solution to his problema

Nora didn't respond, merely shifting gears and focusing on the drive.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Cole's phone buzzed on his desk. He glanced at the screen.

Linda.

His expression remained impassive as he let the call ring out. He wasn't in the mood.

Half an hour later, his phone vibrated again.