Love on the Fast Track

Chapter 16:noveldrama

Joanna scoffed. “Oh, come on. A misunderstanding? I don’t think so. You, entangled with someone else’s husband, have the nerve to make such accusations? Judgments will surely haunt you since you’re shameless enough to be the homewrecker. And accusing Norah of clinging to Derek? Don’t be ridiculous!”

Norah grabbed Joanna’s arm and said, “Why dwell on this nonsense? Let’s just leave.”

As they walked away, Norah pivoted abruptly and said, “If you find it so unbearable, why not speed up our divorce? It would spare you from my presence and Miss Powell from being labeled a homewrecker.”

Norah’s smile widened as she noticed Derek’s shifting expression. As she walked further, she caught snippets of Kathy’s curses, Madeline’s distress, and Derek’s attempts to soothe the situation.

Joanna frowned and said, “Derek’s being stupid, thinking he’s all that—just with his appearance. I wouldn’t take him even if he came as a freebie. In my book, a top-notch partner would be someone like Mr. Scott or Kason—good-looking and powerful. Norah, why not give them some thought?”

She playfully nudged Norah with her shoulder and cracked a joke. “Considering your terms, won’t they just fall head over heels for you?”

Norah shot her a disapproving glance and replied, “If you’re that keen, take the plunge on your own. Right now, I have other priorities.”

ᵐᵒʳᵉ ᵘᵖᵈᵃᵗᵉˢ ⁱⁿ ᵍᵃˡⁿᵒᵛᵉˡˢ.ᶜᵒᵐ

Derek had shown Norah that a man’s first love held a special place. Everyone had a first love. Norah regretted trying to compete with Derek’s first love. Now, Norah just wanted to pick up where she left off with the hobbies she had set aside for Derek and put even more effort into them.

Joanna pouted and said, “I’m only looking out for you, Norah. Give them some thought…” Joanna thought that if only Bryson were good enough, she’d have suggested him to Norah.

The race organizers had set up a place for racers to grab a meal. Joanna took Norah there and selected a table near the window.

“Solo Mio Restaurant needs a reservation months in advance. Only the Scott family could afford the bill for the racers’ reservations,” Joanna explained. Solo Mio Restaurant was famous in Glophia for its exquisite yet expensive cuisine.

As they settled down, the manager approached with a smile, saying, “The boss has invited you to dine on the top floor.”

They were taken aback. The rooftop at Solo Mio Restaurant was a spot even the affluent found hard to access. Everyone knew that the owner of Solo Mio Restaurant was a person of considerable influence.

Those around Joanna and Norah were taken aback to see them being invited by the owner to the exclusive rooftop dining area. This caused a stir among the affluent youth present, who gave them a once-over.

Derek caught sight of this and couldn’t hide his annoyance.

Madeline said with significance, “Looks like Norah’s been thriving since parting ways with the Carter family. From shining as Selene to rubbing elbows with Mr. Scott and the Solo Mio Restaurant.”

Kathy sneered, “They label her as a slut, so she must’ve charmed her way in. Perhaps she made these connections while tending to Derek, unnoticed by us all.”

Neither Norah nor Joanna had any clue about the identity of the Solo Mio Restaurant owner. Their curiosity was piqued, and they followed the manager upstairs. Norah spotted a nobleman at the table, surrounded by fancy food and wine.

It was Sean.

Norah, taken aback by Sean’s presence, casually sat with Joanna. She squeezed Joanna’s hand, and Joanna got the hint, asking, “So it’s you, Mr. Scott, the owner of Solo Mio Restaurant? May we ask the reason for this special treatment?”

Sean smiled at Norah and said, “Well, you truly live up to your reputation. I admire you.” He glanced down at the steak before him and murmured, “I lost. Nocturne, you’re better than me.”

Looking up into Sean’s eyes, Norah asked, “When is the next competition, just you?”

Joanna, caught off-guard, soon pieced together that Sean was actually Nocturne.

Sean, with a demeanor of calm assurance, was slicing his steak. “Your keen insight doesn’t disappoint. As I had said, our paths will cross again, and I find myself in need of your assistance.”

We paused for a second before continuing. “You know, I had proposed to keep your identity under wraps in exchange for a favor from you. Well, I’ve got to say, you’re really something for bluntly refusing me. I’m impressed, and I’ve got no choice but to invite you here for a talk.” After taking a bite of steak, Sean wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Do you have a moment to hear me out?”

Noticing Sean’s and Norah’s expressions, Joanna started eating, knowing she was an outsider in their game.

Norah had already guessed what Sean would say. She smiled and said, “Please, Mr. Scott, proceed.”

“My grandpa, Rodrigo, has been sick for ages, and the Scott family has been on the lookout for the Supernatural Doctor for more than a year. I received some information about the Supernatural Doctor, but I’m not confident if she would provide medical treatment.” Sean spoke in a way that left room for interpretation.

Norah chuckled and said, “I’ll keep my word. There’s no need for tests, Mr. Scott.”

Just a few days ago, Norah had asked Kason to relay the message, promising to provide medical services if Sean, now known to her as Nocturne, secured the top spot in the Krusa Mountain Racing. Discovering Sean’s identity as Nocturne made her agreement all the easier.

Sean lifted his glass and said, “To think Selena herself is the Supernatural Doctor. Cheers to that.”

Sean had been tipped off by Kason and had harbored suspicions about Norah’s identity, which had drawn his focus to her on this day.

As the main investor behind Krusa Mountain Racing, Sean had long known that Norah was Selene. He had raced against her as Nocturne two years ago. However, after that, Norah had vanished from the racing scene, leaving no trace behind.

The revelation that you’re Nocturne took me by surprise, Mr. Scott.” Moments earlier, Norah hadn’t caught on right away to what Sean was after when he came looking for her, so she tested him. Since Sean had no intention of concealing his identity as Nocturne, he straightforwardly admitted it.

Truth be told, Norah had never imagined that Nocturne could be Sean. Rumors had it that Sean had gained control of the Scott family by being tough, and he was the one keeping the Scott Group running with his competence. The public painted Sean as tough and clever, and hardly anyone dared to cross paths with him.

Norah hadn’t expected that a big shot like Sean, leading a prestigious family, would be into the thrilling and risky world of racing. She glanced down, hiding behind her lashes as she checked out Sean without being too obvious.

Sean chose to keep the conversation minimal, allowing them to focus on their meal. Norah, for her part, ate with relish, engaging in the conversation when prompted by Sean.

Upon concluding her meal, Norah set her fork aside and expressed her gratitude. “Your hospitality is much appreciated, Mr. Scott.”

Raising his wine glass, Sean nodded in acknowledgment.

Sean occasionally sipped from his glass, his interest apparent as he watched Norah.

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