After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Alex nodded eagerly, his expression animated. "Yeah! We played a lot!" He paused for a moment, as if remembering something important, then straightened up, looking proud. "Oh! You probably don't know Cole and Abby," he said. "Abby is my friend, and she's really nice! And guess what?"

Nora tilted her head slightly, waiting for him to continue.

"I told her about you," Alex announced, puffing out his little chest. "And she said she knows a really pretty and gentle aunt who wants to meet you!" His excitement was contagious, his small hands moving animatedly as he spoke.

Nora smiled but didn't say anything. She listened to him chatter as she led him to the dinner table.noveldrama

They ate together, their conversation lighthearted, filled with Alex's stories about school and his friends.

For a little while, she allowed herself to relax and simply enjoy the moment. But tomorrow, work awaited.

STARLINE Studio had recently secured a partnership with Dalton and Cole.

However, there is still a part of the business that has not been able to find a suitable partner for the time being.

To address this, the company had spent weeks preparing for a merchants' conference-an event designed to expand their influence and attract potential investors.

On Monday morning, after dropping Alex off at school, Nora drove straight to the event venue.

The hotel was already bustling with activity when she arrived. Inside, Leo and the other executives were making last-minute preparations.

As one of the company's lead technicians, Nora was scheduled to take the stage, presenting STARLINE Studio's latest technological advancements and answering questions from the media.

It was an important role, one that placed her directly in the spotlight.

Backstage, she skimmed through her notes while Leo reviewed the schedule.

Moments later, Cole and Dalton arrived.

Dalton barely acknowledged her presence, but Cole's eyes lingered on her for a moment before he shifted his attention to the stage.

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Twenty minutes later, it was time.

Leo and Nora stepped onto the stage.

The conference hall was a masterpiece of modern design, its sleek marble floors reflecting the dazzling chandeliers that hung overhead.

Rows of neatly arranged chairs stretched across the grand space, occupied by industry leaders, reporters, and investors, all awaiting insights from STARLINE Studio's top executives.

The air buzzed with hushed conversations and the occasional rustle of notepads as attendees prepared to Take notes.

Leo stood confidently at the podium, his well-tailored suit emphasizing his composed demeanor.

He spoke with ease, outlining the company's future goals, its expanding partnerships, and the cutting-edge technology that would soon revolutionize the industry.

His voice carried an authoritative weight, commanding attention without effort.

Dalton, seated among the crowd, listened with only mild interest. His gaze occasionally flickered toward his watch, as if silently willing time to move faster.

To him, most of these corporate speeches were filled with rehearsed optimism and technical jargon-necessary, perhaps, but hardly engaging.

However, when Leo paused and gestured toward Nora, indicating that she would take over the presentation, Dalton's brows drew together.

Why her?

Introducing the product and its technology was one of the most critical parts of the conference. Surely, Leo would have wanted to handle this himself. Yet, here he was, handing it over to Nora as if she were

the most natural choice.

Dalton settled back in his chair, skeptical.

Then Nora began speaking.

Her voice, soft yet authoritative, filled the room with an unexpected confidence. She didn't rush her words, nor did she hesitate.

Every technical explanation she gave was laced with clarity, making complex advancements sound accessible, even to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the field.

The audience was engaged.

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Dalton, however, barely listened.

He assumed STARLINE Studio had carefully prepared a script for her. How else could she speak so smoothly? She must have memorized every line, every anticipated question.

Leaning back, he crossed his arms, dismissing her performance.

But then he caught sight of Cole.

Seated a few rows ahead, Cole was fully absorbed, his posture attentive, his gaze fixed on Nora. Unlike Dalton, who found the presentation unremarkable, Cole seemed genuinely interested.

Dalton narrowed his eyes.

From his perspective, Nora's words held little weight. Yet, to Cole, they seemed to matter.

Dalton frowned slightly and snorted in his mind, thinking Cole was being superficial.

As the conference wrapped up, investors and media personnel swarmed Leo and Nora, eager to discuss potential collaborations. Excitement rippled through the room, deals being negotiated in hushed tones.

Dalton had no intention of staying.

He had already scheduled a visit to Linda's newly opened studio that afternoon, and after a quick word with Leo, he left without a second glance.

Linda's studio exuded elegance, from the pristine white walls to the carefully placed designer furniture that subtly showcased her refined taste. The lighting was warm yet sophisticated, casting a golden glow across the polished floors. When Dalton arrived, Linda greeted him with her usual practiced smile-charming, polished, controlled.

"Dalton," she said smoothly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. "I'm glad you came."

He took a moment to scan the room before offering a nod. "Congratulations. The place looks good."

Linda let out a soft, almost melodic laugh as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you, but I really have to give most of the credit to Arnold. He helped me so much."

Dalton smirked. "You're being too modest."

Linda's smile lingered, but there was a fleeting moment of hesitation before she responded. "No, I mean it. It's the truth."

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Just as Dalton was about to reply, something caught his attention.

A large screen mounted on the far wall was displaying footage from the Merchants Conference.

And in the video-

Nora.

She stood on stage, poised and self-assured, answering questions with precision and confidence. The camera captured her thoughtful expressions, the slight tilt of her head as she considered responses, the quiet composure in her posture. Dalton expected to see irritation on Linda's face.

But to his surprise, she wasn't frowning. She wasn't scoffing.

She was simply watching.

Dalton remembered Nora's hateful glare at Linda on Christmas Day, and looking

at Linda now, he felt even more strongly that Nora's heart was no match for

Linda's.

A slow smirk returned to Dalton's lips.

"Don't be so humble," he repeated, watching her closely.

Linda exhaled softly, her voice quieter this time. "I'm not. I've always wanted to study under Colton, but when I met him... I didn't meet his criteria for an apprentice."

There was something almost resigned in her tone, a quiet disappointment that she masked with a well-practiced ease.

Yet, for just a second, Dalton saw something flicker in her eyes-something that

looked suspiciously like

resentment.