Chapter 222:
Derek took a sip of water, hesitating whether to tell Madeline about the business. Then, he opted to remain
silent, keeping his thoughts to himself. Madeline, lacking any business acumen, wouldn't grasp the complexities
he dealt with daily. What was the point in explaining if she wouldn't understand?
“Not bad,” Derek finally uttered.
Derek’s eyebrows arched in a show of impatience, but he managed to keep his tone even, preventing Madeline
from sensing any displeasure.
“That's good to hear, Derek.” Madeline's intention to reveal her pregnancy was abruptly halted as Derek
diverted his attention to answer an incoming call. She paused, watching him in silence.
Dressed sharply in a suit, Derek’s appearance was marred slightly by the fringe that obscured his eyes. His lips
were a thin line, and his brow creased with concern following the conversation.
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“Derek, what was the call about?” No sooner had Derek ended the call than Madeline inquired, eager for insight
into the sudden shift in his demeanor.
Gripping the phone firmly, Derek announced, “Norah is with Sean.”
The smile that had been brightening Madeline's face suddenly froze. “Wasn't their relationship just a rumor?”
“Sean's sister just announced Norah's relationship with Sean on her social media. Does that sound like a rumor
to you?”
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With a mix of frustration and disbelief, Derek forcefully set his cup on the table before sinking into the sofa.
“Norah’s playing a clever game. She’s enchanting Sean while keeping Kason on the hook. Now that Sean and
Norah are public, it's clear Kason is out of the picture.”
Madeline's heart sank as she pondered the reality of Sean and Norah's relationship. Was Norah truly poised to
bask in the Scott family’s prestige and wealth?
As Derek spoke about Norah's newfound relationship, a sense of reluctance shadowed his expression, leaving
Madeline taken aback. Could it be that Derek still harbored feelings for Norah? The realization dawned on
Madeline that if Derek's feelings for Norah persisted, she had inadvertently played a role in nurturing this.
“By the way, Madeline, what was it you wanted to tellearlier?” Derek inquired after a pause.
Madeline simply shook her head, dismissing her previous intent to reveal her pregnancy. “It’s nothing important.
| was just concerned about your work at the company.”
“You lack familiarity with the company’s operations. Just enjoy your days. However, if you desire to work, | won't
hinder you.”
Madeline's potential earnings could alleviate sof the financial strain on the Carter family.
Madeline wrapped her arms around Derek’s, adopting a playful demeanor. “No, Derek, I'd rather stay hwith
you.”
The thought of abandoning her comfortable routine for work was unappealing to Madeline.
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As she contemplated the timing of revealing her pregnancy, Madeline found herself in a quandary. She decided
to wait for a more opportune moment to announce this news, especially given Derek's current distress over
Norah.
Madeline hadn't yet formed a strong attachment to the unborn child in her belly.
Meanwhile, in Milan, Norah awoke in a vast bed, the remnants of the previous night's tenderness still painting
her cheeks a soft hue of red. Sean’s assurance echoed in her mind. “Norah, you can learn to trust. Whatever
challenges arise, confide in me.”
Norah sensed the sincerity in his words. Ever since she and Sean becan item, she often found herself
comparing Sean with Derek, with Sean always outshining Derek. Upon reflecting, she realized her heart had
raced only for two men. While she held admiration and respect for Kason, her feelings for him were unrelated to
romance.
Energized, Norah leapt from the bed. Sean had reserved the entire top floor of the hotel for an unspecified
duration, specifically for her.
Recalling the previous night, in the soft glow of her room, Sean had whispered against her neck after a kiss, his
voice laced with vulnerability. “Norah, may | stay?