Chapter 282

How could he possibly bring himself to arrange their marriage?
Hans raised his glass, a hint of mockery flickering in his eyes.
“It seems that fate is no match for childhood sweethearts. I respect your choice.”
The marriage to Louis had always been just a strategic retreat for him—a way to push forward by stepping back.
What Hans really wanted was for Nora to leave Daniel.
Daniel knew it too, but he had no choice.
He owed Eleanor far too much.
He hoped this marriage alliance would somehow make it up to her a way to finally settle the debt once and for all.
Nora received Hans’s audio message just after finishing Louis’s bedtime story. She sat in silence for a long moment, listening to Daniel’s recorded words: “I can let her go, but I won’t agree to her marrying Louis.”
Daniel always chose Eleanor. No matter what happened between her and Eleanor, Daniel’s loyalty never faltered.
She had known it for a long time.
Now, the pain in her heart felt numb, almost empty.
After a while, she let out a long, weary sigh, feeling a strange sense of relief.
She sent Hans a thank you. Whatever his motives, he had pulled her out of the mire.
She was free.
She dragged out her suitcase and began to pack.
Halfway through, she called Louis.
He’d just finished packing his things and was about to head out.
Nora told him Daniel was letting her go, and asked him to pack a few things for Payne before coming to pick her up.
Louis agreed without hesitation.
Nora sped up her packing, the thrill of escape slowly overtaking the bitterness.
She felt light, almost happy.
When she was done, she went to wake Payne. “We’re going to Millbrook with Dad.”
Payne shot up from bed, eyes shining. “Really?”
“Really.” Nora nodded, helping him into his clothes.
“What about Mr. Chambers?” Payne asked. “Is he coming too?”
“He’s not.”
“Oh.” Payne looked a little disappointed, but the thought of seeing his dad and finally living together with both his parents-made him smile again.
Nora knew the house staff would tip Daniel off, and there were security cameras everywhere, so she waited until Louis arrived.
By the time the staff realized what was happening, Louis had already loaded her suitcase into the car.
Nora took Payne’s hand, stepped out the front door.
“Ms. Cooper, where are you going?” The housekeeper sounded panicked.
Her only answer was the sound of the car pulling away.
The housekeeper hurried to call Daniel. “Sir, Ms. Cooper just left with her suitcase.”
The glass slipped from Daniel’s hand, spilling wine across the floor.
He shot to his feet, not even bothering with his coat, and rushed out the door.
At the entrance, Hans blocked his way.
“Dan, we’re not finished with our drinks.”
Daniel grabbed Hans by the collar, slamming a fist into his face, his eyes blazing with fury.
“Hans.”
If Nora was leaving now, Hans had to be involved.
Hans fought back, landing a harder punch on Daniel’s jaw. “Bastard.”
A few minutes later, Will arrived with two security guards and dragged them apart. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs.net
Both men still glared daggers, looking like they’d tear each other apart if given the chance.
Will wiped sweat from his brow. “Come on, calm down. Let’s talk this out.”
Daniel was the first to leave. “Let’s go.”
Will turned to Hans. “Mr. Cooper
Hans touched his bruised lip and watched Daniel’s unsteady figure disappear down the hall.
“He’s been drinking-don’t let him drive.”
Will wanted to say, Mr. Chambers never drives after drinking. But Hans was already out the door, humming a cheerful tune, clearly in high spirits.