Chapter 260

Although Nora was already Susan’s apprentice, Susan had passed away.
Still, Nora was formally accepted as her disciple.
She performed the traditional act of serving tea, officially becoming Susan’s student.
When all the ceremonies were finally over, she and Louis left the hotel together.
Outside, Daniel stood leaning against his car, his face obscured by shadow, betraying no emotion.
Louis said quietly, “Do you need a ride home?”
Nora declined.
Things were already complicated enough between her and Daniel; she didn’t want
to drag Louis into the mess as well.
Louis nodded and left on his own.
Nora walked toward Daniel’s car.
The autumn wind carried a chill, swirling around the two of them.
Daniel looked at her, his lips twisting into a sardonic smile. “Congratulations. You got exactly what you wanted.”
After tonight, Eleanor would be nothing but a laughingstock.
The Chambers Group-and Daniel himself-would become the target of public ridicule.
Nora’s usually reserved face was even more composed than usual; she could hear the anger Daniel was barely holding back.
He was blaming her.
“The Almanac of Air was never Eleanor’s to claim,” she said, her voice cold and flat. “You knew exactly how the Quinns treated Aurora, and you still went through with it. Daniel, you have no right to talk about shame.”
What was done was done. If there were accusations to be made, let them all be aired.
Daniel gave a short, incredulous laugh. “Nora, does everything have to be so black and white with you?”
“Do you have any idea how much damage you did to the merger tonight?”
He had done everything to make the engagement happen, to fulfill Eleanor’s wishes.
He’d wanted to fix everything and spend the rest of his life with Nora.
But Nora wouldn’t have it.
She wanted to destroy the alliance.
“I don’t know,” Nora replied coldly, “and frankly, I don’t care. The debts you owe Eleanor are not Aurora’s to repay-and they’re certainly not mine, either.”
“Get in the car.”
Daniel ground his teeth, but had nothing left to say.
What was done was done. He had a mess to clean up.
He drove Nora back to North Manor.
After dropping her off, Daniel left without another word.
Within two hours, the story was already exploding online.
There were no official recordings, but someone had filmed everything.
The video showed, in excruciating detail, just how incompetent Eleanor truly was.
Meanwhile, “The Almanac of Air belongs to Aurora” was trending everywhere. Public opinion was crushing.
Nora had no interest in watching the spectacle. She took a shower and went straight to bed.
The next morning, she came downstairs and found Mrs. Chambers waiting for her.
Mrs. Chambers was livid.
“Nora, what on earth do you think you’re doing?” she demanded, her voice shrill. “Do you have any idea how much you’ve embarrassed the Chambers family?”
What could have been smoothed over quietly, Nora had insisted on airing for the world to see.
Nora stood at the top of the stairs. “You’re not welcome here.”
She still hadn’t forgotten how Mrs. Chambers had once pushed Karen down the stairs, causing her to lose her baby.
Who’s to say Mrs. Chambers wouldn’t do something just as ruthless to make Daniel give up on Nora?
Mrs. Chambers was truly merciless.
“I only exposed the truth,” Nora replied coolly. “If you want breakfast, the kitchen
can make you something. If you’re not eating, please leave.”
Mrs. Chambers was nearly shaking with rage. “You’re kicking me out? You-” Google seaʀᴄh
“Not eating? Then please see yourself out.”
Four housekeepers stepped up to stand beside Mrs. Chambers, making it clear they would escort her out if necessary.
Mrs. Chambers had never been so humiliated in her life.
She was trembling with fury. “This is my son’s house. If anyone should leave, it’s you.”
“Fine,” Nora said calmly, heading for the door.
But the housekeepers blocked her path.
“Ms. Cooper,” one of them said, “Mr. Chambers left strict instructions. You’re not to leave the house.”