After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

At that moment, Colton, sensing the tension lingering in the air, spoke up. "Let's move inside. We'll

continue our discussion over dinner."

With that, the group made their way into the private dining room.

Dalton remained rooted in place for a moment, watching as his father, William, walked ahead without sparing him a glance. He hesitated, expecting some indication that he should follow, but none came.

That meant one thing... he wasn't allowed in this conversation.

His frown deepened.

Nora was being let in, but he wasn't?

His mind churned with questions. What exactly was being discussed that made it inconvenient for him to

be there? And why was Nora involved in it when he wasn't?

Inside the private room, the atmosphere was markedly different from what Linda had experienced

outside. The conversation flowed effortlessly, with everyone showing genuine interest in Nora's work and

potential.

To her surprise, the council members not only knew about her but were optimistic about her future.

Some even discussed the possibilities of collaboration, expressing their willingness to support her career.

Nora, despite being composed, could feel the weight of their expectations.

After the meal, the discussions continued for another hour. By the time the gathering came to an end, she had exchanged contact information with several high-ranking figures.

She should have felt pleased with the outcome. And yet, as she stepped outside, a familiar name flashed

across her phone screen.

Alex.

Nora's fingers twitched slightly, but without hesitation, she hung up the call.

A moment later, the phone buzzed again.

She frowned and rejected the call once more.

This time, the calls didn't continue... but instead, another name appeared.

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After Heft, Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

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Arnold.

Her chest tightened slightly, but her irritation quickly overpowered any concern. She refused to answer. Instead, she simply turned off her phone, wanting to distance herself from whatever issue Arnold was trying to involve her in.

But then, a sharp voice echoed in her mind.

**Nora.**

It was Arnold's mind-link. His voice carried urgency, something she wasn't used to hearing from him.

Alex fell down the stairs at school. He's in the hospital.

Nora's breath caught in her throat.

For a brief second, she froze. Then, without another thought, she turned on her phone, grabbed her things, and rushed toward the hospital.

Her mind raced as she hurried through the corridors, each step feeling heavier than the last. The sterile smell of disinfectant filled her nostrils as she approached the VIP ward, her heart pounding violently against her ribcage.

When she finally entered the room, her breath hitched.

Alex lay on the hospital bed, looking small and fragile against the white sheets. A bandage was wrapped around his head, his skin pale, his eyes slightly dazed. But the moment he saw her, a weak but

unmistakable smile broke across his face.

Nora's throat tightened.

"Mom..." Alex's voice was hoarse, yet filled with relief.

She hurried to his side, her hands trembling slightly as she reached out. "Alex... what happened?"

Before Alex could answer, Arnold spoke from the side. "The doctor said it's just a mild concussion. It's not

serious."

Nora's chest rose and fell rapidly, the tension within her slowly easing.

Still, her fingers brushed against Alex's hand, as if reassuring herself that he was really here, that he was okay.

Alex squeezed her hand lightly. "I'm fine, Mom," he murmured. “I knew you'd come."

Nora swallowed hard, her emotions too tangled to put into words.

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At that moment, nothing else mattered. Not the gathering, not Linda, not Dalton's suspicious gaze

All that mattered was that Alex was safe.

Noticing that Nora hadn't eaten dinner, Arnold took out his phone and dialed a number, instructing someone on the other end to bring food over. His voice was calm, but there was an undertone of authority... one that she used to listen to but no longer felt obligated to obey.

"I don't need it." Nora said flatly, her gaze fixed on Alex. The boy's small body lay limp against the stark white sheets, his bandaged head making her stomach clench with guilt. He had always been a lively child, but now, he looked so fragile, his little chest rising and falling in uneven breaths.noveldrama

Arnold exhaled, his lips pressing together as if suppressing a response. Then, without a word, he put his phone away and leaned back in his chair across from

her.

Linda was nowhere in sight. That, at least, was a relief. But it was replaced by the growing tension in the

air.

Alex stirred, his lashes fluttering open slightly, and he gave Nora a weak smile. "Mom..."

She squeezed his hand, forcing herself to smile. "I'm right here, sweetheart. How do you feel?"

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