"Speak of the devil. That was fast!" Norah jumped up to answer the door.

She pulled it open to find Adrian Chambers standing in the hallway holding a large

box, with Sara right behind him carrying a massive bouquet.

"Happy housewarming, Norah!" Sara beamed, handing over the flowers.

"Thank you!" Norah smiled warmly.

"Another colleague had to fly out on a business trip, but she said we'll celebrate again when she gets back," Sara added.

"Yeah, she called me earlier," Norah said.

Adrian set the heavy box down on the entryway console, his handsome face lighting up. "I wasn't sure what to get, so I picked out a decorative centerpiece. You can figure out where it looks best later."

"You guys didn't have to go all out," Norah protested lightly. "I'm literally only staying here for a month to be closer to work. You're treating this like I'm settling down for good."

Chatting effortlessly, the group made their way into the living room. Adrian paused, a flicker of surprise crossing his face when he spotted Estelle. His casual grin instantly vanished, replaced by a look of profound respect. "Mrs. Lamont."

Sara quickly followed suit, offering a polite greeting.

She had heard the legendary stories about the young woman standing before her- both online and straight from Norah. She had admired her from afar. During Norah's birthday party, Sara had only caught a fleeting glimpse of Estelle, assuming her intimidating aura stemmed from standing next to the formidable Jonathan Lamont.

But seeing her up close today, Sara realized Estelle possessed a breathtaking, almost ethereal beauty. Her cool, effortless elegance was so striking that even the usually brazen Sara found herself feeling unusually nervous.

Estelle offered a warm, welcoming smile. "You're Norah's friends. There's no need to be so formal."

"Exactly," Norah said, looping her arm through Estelle's. "She's super chill. Not at all like my Uncle Jonathan. Seriously, make yourselves at home."

"I'll go grab some fruit from the kitchen. Have a seat," Estelle chuckled, turning away.

"Aunt Estelle, I'll help!" Henson declared, hopping up to follow her.

Sara watched Estelle leave, then leaned in to whisper to Norah. "I saw her from a distance at your birthday party and thought she was gorgeous. But up close? She's absolutely stunning."

Norah burst out laughing at Sara's whispered confession. "Why didn't you just tell her that?"

Sara patted her chest, exhaling like she had just dodged a bullet. "I was too scared!" Adrian chuckled, highly amused. "Who knew you were so good at kissing up?"

"It's not kissing up!" Sara shot back with a glare. "It's the raw, unfiltered truth!"

As they laughed, Estelle returned

with a tray of fresh fruit, her cell

her ear Yeah

phone pressed to her

we're at Norah's place. Henson and some of Norah's friends are here

too."

"Alright, we'll wait for you."

Estelle ended the call, and Norah immediately perked up. "Uncle Jonathan?"

Estelle nodded. "He's driving over now."

A few minutes later, Magdalen

Sampson and Emily arrived with little Kya in tow. Once Magdalen burst through the door, the real party began The apartment instantly

with vibrant, chaotic energy.

Gabriel and Sylvia were still in C City finalizing preparations for their wedding, which was only a month.

away, but they bad though onth...

arranged for a housewarming gift to be delivered.

Norah felt a flush of embarrassment. "I'm only staying here for a few weeks. I can't believe everyone made such a huge deal out of this."

"I think everyone realizes this apartment is your true coming-of-age," Estelle said

with a gentle smile. "That's why we're taking it so seriously."

Norah laughed self-consciously. "Are you making fun of me?"

Estelle raised an eyebrow. "I'm completely serious."

That simple reassurance suddenly made Norah realize how immature she used to be. She couldn't help but laugh at herself.

With the exception of Jonathan, the entire group was assembled, and the debate over where to eat began.

Adrian suggested finding a high-end Western restaurant, while Sara argued it wouldn't be lively enough for a celebration.

Magdalen caught Estelle's eye, a spark of pure mischief dancing in her gaze. "If you

want lively, why don't we go get hotpot?"

In a fraction of a second, Estelle knew exactly what Magdalen was scheming.

She didn't agree out loud, but she certainly didn't object.