After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

In his mind, Nora was still the same woman who had always lingered around Arnold, hanging onto his every word, seeking his approval.

Someone who had once been inseparable from him.

Yet now, she had barely spared Arnold a glance.

Cody turned to his companion, expecting some kind of reaction, but Arnold's expression remained impassive.

He wasn't angry. He wasn't surprised.

If anything, he seemed as if he had already expected it.

Meanwhile, from the far side of the parking lot, Bran emerged. His sharp eyes quickly took in the situation, and without hesitation, he made his way toward Nora.

"Nora," Bran greeted with an easy smile.

This time, she looked at him and smiled back.

The exchange was simple, natural... but it didn't go unnoticed.

Cody's gaze flicked between Arnold and Nora, then to Bran, his curiosity piqued.

Arnold, however, remained still, his face unreadable.

There was no logical reason for him to care, yet something in the air felt different.

Bran, on the other hand, didn't press for further conversation. He seemed satisfied with the acknowledgment, and soon, all four of them found themselves stepping into the building together.

Inside the elevator, silence stretched between them.

Inside the elevator, Bran stood close to Nora, his attention lingering on her delicate side profile. Under the soft glow of the elevator lights, her light makeup enhanced her natural elegance, and the subtle fragrance of her perfume added a quiet charm.

She was dressed in a fitted blouse and a sleek skirt, her high heels adding to her poised demeanor.

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She wasn't trying to attract attention, yet she did so effortlessly katyresortiessly. Bran's gaze was focused, a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

He had known Nora for some time now, but there was always something about her that remained just

out of reach

She was composed, intelligent, and had a quiet confidence that made people naturally gravitate toward

her.

Arnold, standing on the other side of the elevator, noticed Bran's unwavering stare. His expression didn't change, but something subtle flickered in his eyes.

He remained silent, but his mood grew somewhat unreadable.

It was an unfamiliar feeling... he had never cared about who looked at Nora before.

Yet now, the sight of Bran's intent gaze stirred something he couldn't quite name. The elevator chimed, signaling their arrival at the STARLINE Studio floor. As the doors slid open, Nora stepped out first, her steps light but decisive. Bran immediately followed, his movements instinctual, as if drawn to her presence.

Arnold lingered for a moment, watching them walk away. There was something about their dynamic that unsettled him, but he didn't dwell on it.

Without a word, he turned and followed the receptionist into the parlor to wait for his scheduled meeting

Later That Evening;

Arnold spent the entire day at STARLINE Studio discussing cooperation matters. Meanwhile, after finishing her work, Nora gathered her things, ready to leave. Just as she stepped outside the office, Bran caught up to her.

"Nora," he called out, falling into step beside her. "Tell me, what's so interesting about Silvermoon Pack?"

She glanced at him, arching a brow. "What I like doesn't necessarily suit you," she replied smoothly. "Don't you have friends? Wouldn't it be faster to ask them?"

Bran smirked. "What they tell me doesn't interest me."

His response was direct, and for a brief moment, Nora was caught off guard by

his insistence. There was an intensity in the way he said it, as if he wasn't merely asking about Silvermoon Pack but about something deeper.

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Deciding to shift the topic, Bran casually asked, "What are your plans for the weekend?"

Nora, not thinking much of it, replied, "I'll be accompanying my grandmother to the opera and dance theater in the evening."

Bran's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Opera and dance theater, huh?" He tilted his

head slightly. "I've never been to one. What's it like?"

Nora gave him a skeptical look. "Why do you want to know?"noveldrama

"Just curious," he said with an easy grin.

She sighed, reluctant but not completely dismissive. "It's a mix of comedy, dance,

and theatrical performances. It's fun, but also artistic in a way."

Bran nodded thoughtfully, then, without hesitation, pulled out his phone and began searching for tickets.

Nora frowned. "You're seriously going?"

"Why not?" he said casually. "Sounds interesting."

Just as he completed the booking, his phone rang. It was a friend inviting him to

an evening party. He barely hesitated before responding, "I already have plans for

tonight."

His friend sounded surprised. "Plans? You never miss our gatherings."

Bran only chuckled. "Things change."

With that, he hung up, his decision made.

That Night:

After returning home, Nora settled into her usual routine. As she went through her planner, her eyes landed on the calendar, and she suddenly remembered... Abby's birthday was coming up.

After a brief moment of thought, she reached for her phone and called Cole.

The moment Cole saw her name on his screen, his heartbeat quickened. It had been a while since she reached out to him directly. Recently, he had struggled to find reasons to see her. With the cooperation project not requiring him to visit STARLINE Studio, their paths had barely crossed. But now, she was calling him. He quickly answered. "Nora?"

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