Chapter 157 Get Lost

Sharon cast a disapproving look at Madeline. "Shame on you, Madeline! You know better than

we do what you had done to Luna and Derek's engagement!"

Derek, who had numerous better matches, found himself engaged to Luna, largely due to Madeline's interference. Following the car incident, the one Derek married became Norah.

Madeline, having considered every aspect of the situation, wore a look of rigid contemplation. Regardless of her response, it seemed doomed to criticism.

Madeline lifted her gaze to Norah, who stood in solitude, effortlessly becoming the center of everyone's attention.

Corrin continued to deliver his speech, "My birthday banquet is illuminated by your presence. I'm grateful you all could make it despite your packed schedules. Your well-wishes are deeply appreciated. Now, please, enjoy the lunch."

As Corrin finished, the crowd began drifting toward the dining hall.

Emil offered an invitation to Norah. "Miss Wilson, maybe we could have a meaningful conversation over lunch."

Norah remained stoic, offering no reply.

On her way out, Norah noticed Sharon with Derek and Madeline trailing behind. She didn't expect to see Derek and Madeline here. She puzzled over Derek's presence. They were divorced. Was his attendance at Corrin's birthday merely a jest?

Yet, Norah refused to give them a moment's attention. Doing so would only bring her disgust. She felt she had settled her debts with Derek. If he dared to bring Madeline and his relatives to trouble her further, she would not hold back her wrath.

Emil and Kalel continued to follow Norah. As Norah settled down at the table shared with Corrin, they boldly approached. "Mr. Wilson, would you object if we joined you at your table?"

Corrin, who had meticulously arranged the seating to accommodate eight per table, frowned slightly. He had intended to invite some guests to his table to have a nice talk over the meal. Nonetheless, unable to disregard the influence of Emil's and Kalel's families, he conceded, "Please, be my guest."

The table, originally designed for six, was now up to eight, Including Corrin and his wife, Norah, Luna, Dooley, Shayla, Emil and Kalel.

Just as Emil and Kalel were about to sit down, Norah stood up abruptly.

"Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne, your reputations precede you in Glophia. I had intended to extend you courtesy." Norah's smile was icy. "Yet, you persist in vexing me. Let me be clear, leave me be

Norah harbored no fear of Sean, let alone Emil and Kalel.

Emil's smile vanished as if struck by frost. "Miss Wilson, such definitive statements are unnecessary. You might regret the outcome."

Emil assumed the Wilson family and Norah couldn't bear the consequences if his and Kalel's family targeted them.

Comin's complexion lost its color. "Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne, please forgive Norah. She's unaware

of who you really are. Her words weren't meant to offend."

"Who says I'm unaware?" Norah countered, her calmness throwing the table into a state of surprise.

Corrin gaped. Norah was familiar with Emil's and Kalel's notoriety and still chose to dismiss them? It suggested Norah might have a more formidable backing than the Wilson family, although that seemed unlikely.

Even Corrin hesitated to confront Emil and Kalel.

Kalel's look tumed icy. "Norah, don't be so arrogant. Emil's offering you respect. Disregard his kindness, and I assure you, I won't hesitate to deal with you right here."

Luna, protective, covered Shayla's ears, her gaze fixed on Norah with mixed feelings.

Despite having left Glophia, Luna recognized the menace posed by Emil and Kalel. Their

attention on a woman typically spelled trouble.

Norah found herself in an unfortunate spotlight during this birthday celebration.

"Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne." A distinct male voice interrupted, drawing the attention of everyone at

the table. Derek arrived with Madeline by his side. Comin's expression soured further. Not only had Sharon appeared, but also Derek, adding to his unease. Why would the Carters, despite Norah's divorce, attend his birthday banquet and stir

discomfort?

"Mr. Carter, are you intervening on behalf of your former wife? Your current flame is here, watching with keen interest, someone taunted.

Derek's face remained stoic. "My approach was solely to speak with you two. It has nothing to do with defending my ex-wife. My commitment to Madeline is unwavering."

Emil and Kalel exchanged glances.

Kalel laughed. "So, Miss Wilson and you are mere acquaintances now? We have some conversations planned with her. Please don't interrupt us. If you wish to chat, there will be opportunities later."

Their intent was clear. They wished for Norah to concede. This display of defiance from Norah

only fueled their desire to dorninate. They eagerly anticipated her submission, envisioning her

yielding gracefully, a thought that spurred their ambitions further.

Derek's hands balled into fists. I can't stand idly by while she's treated this way in my presence."

Emil challenged, "Treated how?"

Tuming, Derek caught Madeline's look of disappointment and found himself at a loss for

words.

"Nothing." Derek's voice was barely above a whisper. Gripping Madeline's shoulder more firmly, he announced, "We have other matters to attend to. We're leaving."

Their exit from the banquet hall was so swift that many guests were left puzzled about their intentions.

Following Derek's departure, Sharon and Kathy chose not to stay for the meal, exiting shortly after Derek.

Norah observed Derek's retreating form, noting his habitual tendency to test her limits. He had defended her yet lacked the courage to acknowledge it openly. Once, she had harbored hopes that Derek would treat her with kindness and defend her, but those years had proven fruitless.

To lighten the mood, Corrin chuckled. "We have guests among us. Mr. Palmer, Mr. Payne,

please, take a seat and enjoy the meal. Let's set aside any distractions for now."

Emil, with a sense of entitlement, took a seat and pointedly stated, "Mr. Wilson, our interest is clear. We're here for Norah."

Kalel echoed, "Exactly, our attention is solely on Norah."

Their declaration carried an unmistakable threat, straining the atmosphere around the table.

Norah's response was a derisive sneer, her gaze piercingly focused on the two men. "I've asked you to leave. Was I not clear?"

Norah's audacity nearly stopped Corrin's and Samira's hearts as they braced for the fallout that might ensue for the Wilson family.

Kalel's eyes narrowed menacingly. "You bitch..."

His insult was cut short as a fist flew toward him, aiming directly at his face.

"Ever been told how repulsive your staring is? It's as if a toad's gazing at me, utterly revolting." Norah snapped.

The impact sent Kalel tumbling to the floor, clutching his face in agony.