Chapter 76 Candlelit Dinner

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

When Kason expressed his willingness to adapt for 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 regretted giving up so 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 to me." Kason said, "Let's shoot for being good buddies then."

"Sure thing, friend. Shall we head out?" Norah stifled a grin, feeling a pang of nostalgia wash 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 Solo Mio 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 Solo Mio Restaurant's standards. The food's just average here, but the ambiance and price make it fancy in Glophia."

Their waiter arrived with lemon water for both.

Madeline 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 tied up and wearing a crisp white suit with a classy watch, the young woman

exuded professionalism, holding a glass of lemon water like she was waiting for someone.

Madeline squinted, finding the young woman vaguely familiar. She nudged Derek, urging him to take a look. "Derek, do you recognize her?"

Derek stole a glance and nodded. "That's Miss Amabel Morris. Remember her?"

Madeline recalled Amabel, who had gone overseas to study five years ago and had been somewhat of an enigma since then.

"It looks like Amabel'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 Amabel and took a seat opposite the latter.

Madeline's eyes widened. "Mr. Scott! He knows Amabel? 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 stem. "What on earth do you think you are doing?"

"Derek, don't you know Mr. 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 gonna 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 clean break!"

She grinned. "Two birds, one stone! Perfect!"

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

Derek noticed Amabel's excitement as she chatted with Sean while Sean 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. Curious, 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, he 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.”

Derek felt a pang of annoyance. "I haven't squared things away with Norah yet. If your folks don't mind, I'll go 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!"

Madeline was stunned.

Realizing he'd 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. Please, 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 all 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'd ordered a meal but barely touched it.

"Who are you?" Amabel studied the woman before her, furrowing her brow. After a moment, she asked, "Are you Madeline?"

"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 yeah, I've got a soft spot for Sean. Why do you ask?"

"I'm guessing he turned you down, huh? Curious to know why?"

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