Chapter 337

After Nora and Una finished sending their messages, Nora slipped her phone back into her bag. She sat quietly for a long while, feeling a bit restless, so she stood and wandered out into the garden for some fresh air.
Footsteps sounded behind her.
She glanced over her shoulder and saw Judy approaching.
Judy had tried to greet Nora twice before, but Nora had always responded with chilly indifference. This time, Judy dispensed with pleasantries and went straight to the point, calling Nora by name.
“Nora, I heard you used to head up the perfume division?”
Nora met her gaze. “I was just in charge of product development, not the entire division.”
Judy made a little “oh” of surprise, then extended her hand. “Well, I’d like to invite you back as head of development.”
Nora arched an eyebrow. So Judy was going to be running the perfume division now? Daniel had told her the whole department was on hold. Still, it wasn’t really her concern.
She declined Judy’s offer without hesitation.
Judy stepped closer, her expression puzzled. “From what I’ve heard, your studio isn’t doing all that well. Dan even provided you with a production line, didn’t he? Why not come back?” Get full chapters from.net
Nora was speechless. Where had Judy gotten the idea her studio wasn’t successful?
In truth, her studio had only been up and running for three months, but it was already earning a solid reputation—especially for bespoke fragrances. She only took on two custom orders a month, and those slots were booked out through next year. And that was after she’d turned down more than a few requests.
The reason she wanted her own production line was to build a stronger public reputation, to lay the groundwork for future growth.
“You should look for someone else, Ms. Chambers.”
Nora started to head back to the living room.
Judy moved to block her path. “I’m serious, Nora. You’re Mr. Frost’s protégé, and
if you come back to run R&D, I can double your salary.”
“Please move.”
Nora didn’t bother to hide her dislike.
Judy glanced up and noticed Daniel approaching. She finally stepped aside.
“Nora, just think about it, okay?”
Nora ignored her and walked away.
Daniel waited for her, and as she reached him, he took her hand naturally. Her fingers were a little cold, so he gently rubbed them between his palms.
“What are you doing out here?”
“When are we heading back?” Nora asked.
“We can leave now.” He slipped an arm around her waist and led her toward the front of the house.
Once they were in the car, Nora leaned back in her seat and propped her head on her hand. “Is your aunt back to take over the perfume business?”
“My uncle’s been ill-they’re moving him to a hospital here, so she came to look after him. She wants Judy to get some experience with the perfume division, and I agreed.”
Daniel didn’t try to hide anything from her.
No wonder Judy had tried to recruit her.
“The production line will stay as yours,” Daniel assured her, sensing her concern.
Nora nodded.
A strange silence settled between them, heavier than before.
She simply leaned back, closed her eyes, and let the gentle music lull her to sleep.
Daniel quietly turned up the heat.
When they arrived at North Manor and stepped inside, Payne came barreling
toward them like a little rocket, only for Daniel to quickly catch him before he could crash into Nora.
“Payne, you can’t run into Mom like that.”
Payne sighed, his eyes big and a little teary, but he nodded obediently.
“Mom, where did you go?”
He was in his pajamas, clearly ready for bed.
Louis walked over and scooped Payne into his arms. “He refused to sleep- insisted on waiting for you.”
Nora leaned in and kissed Payne’s cheek. “Sorry I’m late, sweetheart. Time for bed now.”
Payne wrapped his arms around Louis’s neck. “Then I’ll wait for you, Mom.”