“Norah, I’ve been away just a few days for intensive training. When did you start at Silver Private Hospital? Last I knew, you were managing two companies. Won’t you return to your role as chairwoman?” Joanna asked casually, holding the steering wheel while looking over at Norah.
“My current focus is on heart disease research. Gil extended an invite, so I decided to join the hospital,” Norah explained, briefly looking up from her phone where she was answering work-related emails.
“Got it. Norah, you know I’ve got your back no matter what. If there’s ever anything, just let me know,” Joanna declared with conviction.
Joanna had recently committed to an intensive training program in a secluded facility to sharpen her shooting skills and combat abilities. Norah was well-informed about it through Joanna, who mentioned it was organized by Bryson.
Joanna shared her training experience, saying, “It was incredibly educational. The downside? The instructions were so strict that I couldn’t even play on my phone. I’ve missed you dearly. Did you make any visits to the Hayes family’s residence or the Scott family’s? Did you encounter any issues?”
Norah gave a brief rundown but left out details about her patients.
“Isn’t it romantic that you get some alone time with Mr. Scott and Mr. Hayes, respectively? Did anything interesting happen at those dinners?” Joanna teased with a grin.
Since Norah divorced Derek, she had been keen on setting Norah up with new guys, hoping to steer her away from reconciling with Derek. Thinking of what Derek had done to Norah, Joanna wished she could kill him.
“Right now, I’m not looking to jump into another relationship. Derek’s delaying the divorce, taking it to court,” Norah’s temper flared up at the mention of Derek.
“Ugh! What a bastard! Norah, want to have a go at sorting him out?” Joanna frowned.
“I just want to wrap up this divorce quickly and cut ties with him for good. Since signing those divorce papers, I keep running into Derek on different occasions. The other day, I ran into him and Madeline at Solo Mio Restaurant…”
“What happened next?” Joanna leaned in, eager for more.
Joanna couldn’t help but laugh after hearing Norah’s story and said, “He never imagined you’d be an honored guest of the Scott family, did he? I bet he, Madeline, and Madeline’s parents were all taken aback. I’d be surprised too, if I were in his shoes. So, you’re already on good terms with Mr. Scott? I didn’t know Solo Mio Restaurant offered special treatment to anyone.”
Norah rolled her eyes and said, “I’m working with them now.”
“That highlights the significance of proficiency!” Joanna responded. “My father has decided I should run one of our family companies. Once I’m back from training, I’ll take over as CEO. It’s my first time in charge, and I’m quite thrilled about it.”
“Well, what if you go bankrupt?” Norah teased.
“My father mentioned it’s a smaller venture as practice for me. If it goes bankrupt, he’ll step in to help. And my brother’s got my back. He wouldn’t let me fail. And there’s you-so failure’s not in the cards!” Joanna said excitedly. “I’m on my way to being CEO!”
Norah decided not to dampen her spirits with any more teasing. “So, where are we headed?”
“To Clamour Club! It’s time for some fun! Today, I want you to take it easy. My brother mentioned you’ve been working at the hospital for a week. It’s high time you kicked back and let go of some stress! Do you need to switch up your outfit?”
In her simple and comfortable attire, Norah didn’t quite match the club’s vibe.
“That sounds good.”
An hour later, they arrived at Glamour Club.
“It’s been ages since I’ve had a drink. I’m claiming all these!” Joanna went all out ordering drinks.
Norah smiled helplessly. “I’ll drive you home.”
Before hitting the club, they stopped by Splendor Building to get a makeover with Aaron’s help.
The dance floor was packed, the crowd moving to the pulsating beats, fully embracing their wild side. Norah sipped her cocktail leisurely.
Upstairs, passers-by couldn’t help but steal glances at Norah and Joanna.
Last time, Norah’s choice was a white strapless mini, but tonight’s red fitted dress accentuated her figure even more strikingly. The lighting further highlighted Norah’s exquisite features, and as a lock of hair fell across her forehead, she elegantly tucked it behind her ear. Her cascading curls added a touch of allure to every move she made.
Joanna, sporting a crop top and shorts, had her hair up, showcasing her neckline.
After a sip of her drink, Joanna’s cheeks flushed a rosy hue. “Norah, if I were a man, I’d choose you in a heartbeat…”
With occasional burps interrupting her speech, Joanna added, “Derek’s such an idiot for choosing Madeline over you. He’s bound to regret it. And when he does, you better take him back!”
Norah couldn’t help but smile. Joanna’s support meant the world to her.
Recalling Derek’s words from their last encounter in the cafe, a shadow passed over Norah’s eyes. Derek was undoubtedly a despicable man. That was probably why he thought so lowly of everyone else.
Norah kept quiet about what Derek had said. She knew Joanna would storm into his office, ready to confront him if Joanna found out. This was typical of Joanna-she let her anger out through her actions.
“Norah, you deserve better,” Joanna said, her voice trembling. Tears started to form as she took another sip. She confessed, “You don’t know how much I wanted to take care of that bastard. I wanted to contact you, but I didn’t want to bother you. Damn that Derek! How dare he treat you like that! What a despicable jerk!”
Norah found Joanna’s words somewhat amusing. She set her drink aside, moved closer to comfort Joanna, and pulled out a tissue to wipe away her tears.
Meanwhile, Madeline linked arms with Derek and Kathy. The three of them, all dressed up, made their entrance into the Glamour Club.
Kathy cheerfully exclaimed, “After being locked up for so long, I’m thrilled to finally be out! Madeline, you’re amazing. Thank you for convincing Derek to bring me along.”
Derek warned her with a stern look, “Just make sure you stay out of trouble. I won’t be as forgiving if you mess up again.”
Kathy promised, “I’ll be good.”
Trying to lighten the mood, Madeline urged, “Derek, enough with the warnings! Come on, there’s a live band tonight. Let’s get closer to the stage.”
Derek wasn’t really there for the music. His usual nights out involved drinking and flirting. However, he tagged along for Madeline’s sake.
They found a booth and settled in. Kathy offered to take their orders. “Derek, Madeline, what do you want to drink? I’ll head to the bar and get it.”
The club was alive with music and dancers moving freely, fully immersed in the rhythm. Norah and Joanna were having drinks upstairs when a group of bold men approached them. Unlike Jordy, these men took the hint and moved on after being politely declined.
“It turns out that actual combat training is worlds apart from Taekwondo. Once I’m fully trained, I’ll be more than capable of fighting for you, Norah!” Joanna declared.
Sitting beside Joanna, Norah propped her chin up, half-listening to her tipsy ramblings while occasionally sipping her drink.
Then, suddenly, a wave of excitement erupted from downstairs. “It’s Rosy Secret!”
“Rosy Secret has arrived! They’re finally here!”
The entire club darkened, save for the spotlight that found its way to the stage. The DJ paused the music, and the previously energetic crowd stopped, all eyes drawn to the stage.
The band featured four members: a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer, and a singer-a striking woman, with the instrumentalists donned in masks.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.