Chapter 55 Need A Company

Norah was clueless about Sean's helping her out. Following Aikin's explanation, hospital staff ceased their whispers about Norah and Aikin, and any admirers for Norah wisely backed off. They weren't foolish. Understanding that Dr. Wilson had no interest in a relationship, they knew it was time to back off.

On Friday, Norah was ready to put an end to her ongoing divorce procedures. She planned to meet Derek at the City Hall at nine in the morning.

After the divorce, her agenda included visits to the Scott family's residence and the Hayes family's residence later in the day.

Norah hesitated to accept a long-term care patient. The commitment demanded more time than she was willing to spare.

Waiting at the City Hall, Norah was prepared. If Derek failed to show, she was determined to confront him at his workplace directly. She refused to be taken for a fool.

The day was bright, and the air conditioning inside offered a respite from the heat.

Dressed in white, seated near the entrance, Norah naturally drew gazes from passersby. People were drawn to beauty, a simple truth of human nature.

An unread email lingered on Norah's phone. As she was about to open it, Derek's voice broke the silence, yelling, "Norah, you're quite punctual! Eager for our divorce, aren't you?"

Norah tumed off her phone's screen and slipped it into her bag. Looking up, she noticed Derek with Madeline clinging to his arm.

"Ah, Mr. Carter, planning a divorce and a wedding on the same day? My best wishes. However, let's handle one matter at a time. Miss Powell, would you mind waiting aside?" Norah was indifferent to Madeline's existence. Her priority was finalizing the divorce swiftly to distance herself from them permanently.

"Seems you're in a hurry, Miss Wilson. Are you here by yourself? Where's Mr. Hayes or Mr. Scott? Didn't they accompany you?" Madeline mocked.

Norah replied sharply, "I don't need an escort to get a divorce."

She glanced at Madeline and added, "And how is my divorce any of their concem?"

Madeline, feigning surprise, whispered, "I just assumed you were close to them. After all, getting a table at Solo Mio Restaurant without a reservation and rides offered by Mr. Hayes aren't everyday occurrences."

Positioned behind Derek, Madeline added, "I was under the impression you were involved with them. Was I mistaken?"

"You've got quite the imagination, Miss Powell. But life isn't solely about romantic entanglements. I don't want to continue this conversation. I'm here to wrap up the divorce, nothing more, Norah retorted calmly.

Norah, eager to avoid further discussion with Madeline, tumed to Derek and said, "Could we speed up this process? I'm not here to play a guessing game with you."

"I merely made a casual remark. Why are you upset, Miss Wilson?" Madeline's eyes welled up with tears. "Derek told me you were the kindest woman he'd ever met. Seems that's not quite

accurate.

Norah said with a faint smile, "Well, you're not exactly as described by the rumors either."

"Which rumors?" Madeline looked puzzled.

"Oh, there's quite a bit of stories about you."

Derek gave Norah an icy stare and said, "Enough talking. I'll consent to the divorce, provided

you sign this."

He presented a document from his bag and handed it to Norah, saying, "Sign this now, and we can proceed immediately."

After reading the document, Norah dropped it onto the floor in disgust. "Derek, your audacity knows no bounds!" Derek was attempting to leave her with nothing.

"You were unfaithful first. You were the one who offered me compensation, yet now you want me to give up everything. What's the meaning of this?" Norah's words were cold. Her voice, laced with disdain, captured the attention of bystanders.

Observers speculated on the reasons for their divorce, pondering why Derek could part ways with such a striking wife like Norah. Glancing at Madeline beside Derek, their suspicions about infidelity were confirmed.

Barely concealing his frustration, Derek whispered harshly, "You've been aware of my affair with Madeline before our marriage. And you? Perhaps you've had your own affairs. Living in luxury at Dreamview Villas, driving sports cars, wearing designer attire. Norah, you're far wealthier than I presumed."

He added sarcastically, "You talked about my affair with Madeline, yet I've never pried into your history."

Norah grinned. Derek's "investigation" was to check how she had been doing after signing the divorce papers. Predictably, upon discovering her improved circumstances, Derek intentionally delayed the divorce.

Norah coolly stated, "Mr. Carter, are you suggesting I'm doing much better after I left you?

Indeed, I am. I no longer need to confine myself at home and cook for you. I am affluent and

liberated, but that doesn't excuse your betrayal!"

Madeline, tearful, intervened, "Miss Wilson, he merely expressed concem for your well-being after divorce by looking into your affairs. But tell us, Miss Wilson, with whom are you residing?”

The implication was clear. Norah must be depending on someone else's hospitality, as owning

a property in Dreamview Villas seemed impossible.

Confronted with Madeline's probing, Norah replied with calm detachment, "That's not something you need to worry about. She had no interest in divulging more.

Derek retrieved the documents from the floor, offering, "Just sign this, and we can finalize everything right now. I won't pry into your affairs any further."

Norah was adamant about divorcing Derek. Reflecting on their marriage filled her with regret. She belatedly realized there were better ways to show gratitude. Marrying him was perhaps the least wise.

Derek had reveled in Norah's care for two years, and now he aimed to lead a happy life with Madeline while leaving Norah empty-handed.

"Not happening!" Norah scowled.

"Miss Wilson, his wealth shouldn't concern you. If you're so eager for a divorce, why not just sign the document? I recall how swiftly you signed your name at the divorce papers last time." Madeline leaned in closer to Derek.

The nerve of Madeline bringing up what had happened when the divorce papers were signed irked Norah.

"Oh, are you referring to when I walked in on you two together? I had to act quickly to leave you to your activities, didn't I?" Norah stood with her arms folded, a playful smirk on her face, saying, "Here's an idea. If the two of you demonstrate your affection right here and now, I'll sign the papers immediately, without any hesitation."

Derek's expression turned stormy. "You..."

Norah's cutting remark visibly struck a nerve, leaving Derek and Madeline glaring at her angrily.