Chapter 225

Whenever Hogan Chambers mentioned Eleanor, his composure shattered, no matter how hard he tried to hold it together.
It was only then that Nora realized just how unwelcome Eleanor was in the Chambers family.
But with Daniel by her side, she figured it didn’t really matter what the others thought.
Mrs. Chambers shot Nora a cold glance. “At least Eleanor was formally recognized at the family gathering. You, Nora, are already divorced from Dan. Even if you’re carrying a child, it’s still illegitimate.”
She made it clear she would never acknowledge the child Nora was carrying.
“That’s enough,” Hogan Chambers said, his face darkening. “The five percent stake is a personal gift from me. It has nothing to do with you.”
Furious, Mrs. Chambers slammed her cutlery down and left the table.
The meal ended in oppressive silence.
In the end, Nora didn’t accept the shares.
On the way home, she and Daniel sat on opposite sides of the car, not saying a word.
Her phone rang twice. She ignored both calls.
Eventually, she just silenced it altogether.
Back at North Manor, Daniel went to shower. Nora stepped out onto the balcony, phone in hand.
She called the number back.
A woman’s voice on the other end asked, “We see you’ve scheduled an abortion. Could you come in next Monday for a checkup?”
Nora closed her eyes and answered quietly, “Yes.”
She ended the call and pressed a trembling hand to her stomach.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Tears blurred her vision, and waves of reluctance crashed over her.
But there was no other choice.
She had once wanted a child-had dreamed of being a mother. But now, she simply couldn’t do it.
She couldn’t allow herself a weakness. She couldn’t let herself be trapped again.
She had to reclaim The Almanac of Air-Aurora and her mentor’s legacy. And she still needed to hold Eleanor accountable for Grandma’s death.
The first chill of autumn crept into the night.
By the time Daniel found her, the cold had seeped into her bones.
He took her hand, concern etched into his tired face. “Why have you been out here so long?”
Nora gathered herself and turned away, heading inside.
“Get some rest.”
“Aurora.” Daniel’s voice was quiet as he watched her slender silhouette retreat. She paused, glancing back at him.
He crossed the room, gently brushing her cheek with his fingertips. “Did you leave Payne with Mrs. Winters because you don’t trust me?”
His question was straightforward, his lips pressed in a thin line, some unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes.
Soft lamplight fell across Nora’s face. She looked up at him, her voice calm and steady.
“I’m not able to raise him right now,” she explained. “That’s why I asked Mrs. Winters for help.”
Daniel’s features softened. “I am able, Aurora. Why won’t you even consider me?” He was fishing for something, hoping she’d let something slip.
Nora
gave him a faint, cold smile. “I can’t.” ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by (.)net
He had used both Grandma and Payne to control her before-and even the child she was carrying was nothing but a bargaining chip between them.
How could she possibly trust Daniel with Payne?
For a moment, Daniel seemed unable to breathe.
He heard the resentment in her words.
“Aurora-”
She cut him off. “If you finally have some free time, you should get some rest.”
She grabbed her clothes and went into the bathroom. As the door shut behind her, her heart pounded in her chest.
She hoped Daniel hadn’t guessed anything.
When she came out, Daniel was already asleep.
His face was pale, brows furrowed-even in sleep, he looked weighed down by worry.
Nora lay down beside him, her mind still spinning over Monday’s appointment. Daniel stayed home for two more days, and his health improved.
On Monday morning, he dropped Nora off at the hospital before heading to the office.
Nora went to see Payne first, making sure he was doing well before leaving the hospital and taking a cab to a discreet private clinic across town.