Love on the Fast Track

Chapter 76:

Derek’s words cut deep, yet Norah had clung to him for two years, hoping he would have a change of heart. She believed that one day he’d see her worth and treat her right. But when she saw Madeline’s return, Norah realized only one person could truly sway Derek’s ways, and that was Madeline!

When Kason expressed his willingness to support her happiness, Norah couldn’t help but chuckle at how she’d once only had eyes for Derek. After their split, Norah discovered a world teeming with decent men and came to understand she had been giving up too much for Derek.

“I’m a straight shooter, Kason. If something’s not right, you’ll hear it from me directly,” Norah replied.

“Sounds good,” Kason said. “Let’s aim to be good buddies then.”

“Sure thing, friend. Shall we head out?” Norah stifled a feeling, a pang of nostalgia washing over her. She found it puzzling how Kason, being a military man, could forget their shared childhood memories.

“Derek, this Sky Restaurant has such a vibe. It’s almost on par with Sola Mia Restaurant, don’t you think?” Madeline, clad in a stunning red dress with intricate details, wore a touch of makeup that enhanced her features.

Derek rested his hands on the table, musing, “It’s not quite up to Sola Mia. The food’s just average here, but the ambiance and price make it fancy in Glophia.”

Their waiter arrived with lemon water for Madeline. She took a sip, leaving a lipstick mark on the rim, then glanced around, noticing an elegantly dressed young woman in the corner.

With her hair pulled up and wearing a crisp white suit with a classy watch, the young woman exuded professionalism, holding a glass of lemon water as if she were waiting. Madeline squinted, finding the young woman vaguely familiar.

Let your imagination soar with gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s．çο𝗺

She nudged Derek, urging him to take a look. “Derek, do you recognize her?”

Derek stole a glance and nodded. “That’s Miss Arnabel Morns. Remember her?”

Madeline recalled Arnabel, who had gone overseas to study five years ago and had been somewhat of an enigma since then. “It looks like Arnabel’s back in town. I wonder who she’s meeting. Could it be…”

Before Madeline could finish, she spotted a well-dressed man heading their way. He was slender and had an imposing demeanor. His shirt was buttoned up to the collar, giving him an air of discipline, and his tailored suit accentuated his flawless physique. His expression was composed, yet it carried an aura of authority, as if he held the reins of the world in his hands.

The man strode over to Arnabel and took a seat opposite her. Madeline’s eyes widened. “Mr. Scott! He knows Arnabel? And she was waiting for him!”

Without a second thought, she whipped out her phone and snapped a few pictures.

Derek snatched Madeline’s phone, his expression stern. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?”

“Derek, don’t you know Mr. Scott?”

“Scott supports Norah? With Amabel back, I bet Norah’s tenure at Dreamview Villas is on shaky ground!” Madeline snatched her phone back, clicking away for another dozen shots. “I’m going to send these over to Norah and watch her heart sink!”

“Are you out of your mind? If Mr. Scott catches wind of this, we’ll be in hot water!”

Madeline waved off Derek’s concern. “Norah wouldn’t dare breathe a word to Mr. Scott. She’ll just stew in her own misery. And if she gets the boot later on, we can sweeten the deal and make it a win-win.”

She grinned. “Two birds, one stone! Perfect!”

Locking her phone, Madeline remarked, “Mr. Scott didn’t even bring Phillip today, like he’s out on the town with Miss Morris. Who would’ve thought Mr. Scott and Miss Morris were tight? Turns out, there’s more to their relationship than meets the eye.”

Derek noticed Amabel’s excitement as she chatted with Sean, who remained aloof, muttering a few words before abruptly standing up. In a sudden twist, Amabel reached out, clutching Sean’s sleeve and saying something. Madeline seized the moment to snap a few more shots.

Derek realized there was more to Sean and Amabel’s connection than he initially thought. He wondered what Norah would do once Sean gave her the boot. Derek assumed Norah would go to Kason or come back to him for assistance. He gritted his teeth, seeing Norah as nothing more than a schemer.

Thinking she’d roped in two men at once, Derek suspected she had a backup plan tucked away.

“Mr. Scott left? Wasn’t he staying for dinner?” Madeline exclaimed.

Sean’s figure disappeared through the doorway, and Amabel sat, dabbing at her eyes.

Impatiently, Derek said, “Why are you poking your nose into other people’s business? Tonight’s about us and our candlelit dinner. Let’s enjoy it.”

Madeline shot him a glance, her smile faltering. “I know, but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s up with you. My mom’s been pestering me about meeting your folks too.”

Derek felt a pang of annoyance. “I haven’t squared things away with Norah yet. If your folks don’t mind, I’ll set a date to introduce your family to my mom. Why are you rushing me? It’s just a postponed wedding, for crying out loud.”noveldrama

Madeline was stunned, realizing he had been too harsh.

Derek hurriedly reassured the tearful Madeline. “Hey, I misspoke. That’s not what I meant. I was just a bit frazzled. Please don’t be upset. I won’t say stuff like that again. Don’t cry.” He got up and crossed over to Madeline, enveloping her in a hug.

“You know how much I care for you, right? I’ll make it up to you. Please, no tears. Look, our candlelit dinner’s about to start. Do you want to look puffy-eyed in the photos?”

Madeline stifled her tears, smiling weakly through them, pushing at his chest. “You’re a pain, Derek! How could you say something hurtful like that? Sit back and let’s eat.”

After their meal, Derek went to settle the bill.

With Derek gone, Madeline sat opposite Amabel with her bag. Amabel’s eyes were red, evidence of recent tears. She had ordered a meal but barely touched it.

“Who are you?” Madeline studied the woman before her, furrowing her brow. After a moment, she asked, “You?”

“That’s me, Miss Morris. Surprised you remembered,” Madeline smiled softly, getting straight to the point. “Miss Morris, you’ve got a thing for Mr. Scott, don’t you? Did he say something to upset you earlier? I saw you shedding some tears.”

Amabel’s smile was strained. “No, he didn’t, but… I do have a soft spot for Sean. Why do you ask? Guessing he turned you down, huh?”

Amabel nodded eagerly. “You bet. Do you know? Please tell me.”

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