Love on the Fast Track

Chapter 35:

The manager of Solo Mio Restaurant approached Norah with a welcoming demeanor, offering his greetings with respect. The crowd in the hall was momentarily taken aback. Derek observed Norah, his face clouded with curiosity, wondering how she had come to be on such good terms with the manager of Solo Mio Restaurant. Could it be that she had formed a bond with the owner after the recent race?

Rhoda and Coen appeared confused. They understood that the owner of Solo Mio Restaurant was a prominent figure who enforced strict reservation policies that no one dared to break. Given Madeline’s account of Norah’s status as an illegitimate child of the Wilson family, how had she managed to establish such a connection with the owner?

“Listen up, folks!” the manager said, smiling kindly. “Our boss has made it clear that Miss Wilson doesn’t need a reservation to dine here. She’s welcome anytime!” He gently addressed the receptionists, “Remember, any oversight with Miss Wilson, and you’ll no longer be needed here.” The receptionists nodded, stealing intrigued glances at Norah.

Madeline, stepping away from Derek, asked with a voice tinged with tears, “Miss Wilson, are you acquainted with the Solo Mio Restaurant owner?”

Under Norah’s steady gaze, Madeline hesitated, then added, “I heard that only those close to the owner can bypass the reservation requirement.”

Norah stayed quiet.

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The manager, beaming with pride, announced, “Miss Wilson is a VIP guest here, as per the owner’s instructions to ensure she’s always well taken care of. Please, Miss Wilson, this way.”

Norah, with a slight smile and glancing at the four faces showing various degrees of displeasure, felt a surge of gratification. “I appreciate it,” she said.

As Norah passed Derek, she murmured, “This Sunday.” Derek’s puzzled look only made her smile more freely, her laughter echoing vibrantly.

The manager escorted Norah to an exclusive chamber upstairs, dedicating himself to her service and providing her with unparalleled hospitality.

Derek couldn’t shake the image of Norah’s graceful presence from his thoughts. He recalled the woman’s once tender actions, contrasting with her current aloofness. Was it truly that simple for her to let go of her feelings for him? No, that couldn’t be possible. Norah must still harbor feelings for him.

Madeline asked softly, “Derek, how is it that Miss Wilson is considered a VIP by the Solo Mio Restaurant owner? Does she have influential connections?”

Derek let out a sigh and said, “She’s chosen her path. It’s none of my business.”

He tenderly dried the tears on Madeline’s cheeks, comforting her. “Madeline, please stop crying. It pains me to see you this way.”

With a tear-stained smile, Madeline responded, “Alright, I understand. Go and settle the bill.”

She nudged Derek gently, urging him toward the cashier.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Rhoda moved closer to Madeline and asked, “Madeline, I’ve never heard of this Norah having any significant standing in Glophia. How did she come to know the owner of Solo Mio Restaurant?”

“I’ve explained this already. She’s the type to lure in men. Maybe she’s got some shady link with the owner of Solo Mio and is after Derek. She left Derek alone this morning. Luckily, I got wind of it and timely intervened,” Madeline said with bitterness.

Making Derek meet Norah was Madeline’s idea. If not, Derek would have kept Norah waiting for the finalization of the divorce, and her schemes couldn’t proceed. Whenever Madeline spotted Norah, jealousy inevitably bubbled up inside her. Despite Norah’s allegedly uncertain parentage, her beauty and poise overshadowed Madeline, the Powell family heiress. Norah’s presence around Derek fueled Madeline’s insecurity.

Rhoda leaned in and whispered to Madeline, “You must employ whatever strategies necessary to secure Derek’s affection. Remember, wealth is paramount. Men can’t be trusted.”

Rhoda’s gaze briefly lingered on Coen, aware of his indiscretions yet choosing a veneer of tranquility for the sake of their children.

Madeline’s eyes hardened with determination, saying, “I’m aware.”

Meanwhile, Norah savored her meal in the chamber, appreciating the culinary excellence.

She acknowledged that Sean’s generosity was indeed remarkable.

As she was about to exit the restaurant and unexpectedly bumped into someone, she suddenly recalled the card Sean had given her.noveldrama

Sean had assured her, “Utilize this card at any Scott Group establishment for utmost service. In other words, it’s a pass in Glophia. Should any complications arise, contact Phillip, and he will promptly address them.”

Sean’s concern for her was genuine.

Norah savored the flavors of the steak, admiring its exquisite taste. Solo Mio Restaurant certainly deserved its acclaim in Glophia. Its cuisine was exceptional!

After leisurely finishing her meal, Norah approached the cashier to pay. The receptionist smiled and said, “Miss Wilson, all your charges are covered by your boss.”

Norah responded calmly, steadying her pulse. “Extend my thanks to your boss.”

Norah knew these privileges came from Sean, who recognized her for her role in delivering medical treatment to his sister and grandfather.

Derek had mentioned looking into Norah’s background.

Returning from work, he found Madeline intently reviewing some papers in the living room.

“What’s that you’re reading?” After loosening his tie, Derek sat beside Madeline, drawing her close in her nightgown and breathing in her scent.

Madeline playfully pushed him away. “Cut it out. I’m looking into Norah’s background.”

“That was fast.” Derek looked up, examining a document detailing Norah’s connection with the Wilson family.

The report highlighted Norah’s sudden emergence in the Wilson family two years ago, noting the absence of information about her before her arrival, leaving a gap in her history prior to joining the Wilson family.

Out of the blue, Madeline lifted the paper she held and passed it to Derek. “Derek, check this out. After leaving the Carter residence, Norah’s been staying at Dreamview Villas! Dreamview Villas is a place not just anyone can access.”

The document included photos of Norah entering Dreamview Villas, dated within the last week. Derek’s expression grew serious.

Dreamview Villas was a well-regarded location in Glophia. It was rumored that only a handful of families resided there, all holding significant power and influence. How was it possible for Norah, known as the Wilson family’s illegitimate daughter, to live there?

“Isn’t the Scott family at Dreamview Villas too? Could Norah have moved in with the Scott family?” Madeline speculated, her eyes widening in shock. “That can’t be right!”

“Why not?” Derek countered. “At the racetrack, her protective stance toward Norah was unmistakable. Plus, the Solo Mio Restaurant manager’s deference to Norah suggests a connection with Sean. I can’t dismiss the possibility.”

“Considering how Norah seemed to pursue you, I thought she had feelings for you. Derek, you’re not still hung up on Norah, are you?”

Derek quickly refuted, “No way! My feelings have always been for you!”

His declaration seemed as much a reassurance to himself as it was to Madeline. “That’s reassuring,” she replied softly, her eyes searching his face for any hint of uncertainty.

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