Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 18:

Norah extended her hand toward Derek, silently asking for her phone back. Derek held on to Norah's phone

firmly, but before he could respond, Kathy sneered, “Norah, quite the social butterfly. Acquainted with not just

Miss Andrews and Nocturne, but Mr. Scott, too. Your circle is impressively broad.”

Kathy couldn't hide her irritation, yet in deference to Sean, she restrained herself. “What's so great about her?

It's all about drawing attention from men, isn’t it?”

Madeline intervened, “Kathy, enough with the baseless comments. You're tarnishing Norah's reputation.” They

were spreading rumors about Norah, trying to make everyone believe she was liberated and seeking attention.

Yet, Sean was fully aware of what was happening between him and Norah.

Before Norah could respond, Sean beat her to it, saying, “Looks like you all know what's on my mind better than |

do.”

Caught off guard, Madeline managed a strained smile. “No, that’s not what | meant.”

From the driver's seat, Phillip spoke up, “Miss Powell, rumors suggest your overseas marriage hit a rough patch,

prompting your return for speace. Yet, it seems you've entangled yourself with a married man. The gossip

about you being ‘the other woman’ has spread.”

Sean raised an eyebrow. “Really? Is that the case?”

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Tears welled up in Madeline's eyes as she protested, “I'm not the other woman. Derek and | share true love...”

She sought refuge in Derek's embrace, concealing her face.

At Sean's cue, everything seemed to fall into an uncomfortable silence.

Phillip continued, “And Miss Carter, what about those fellows you were with at Glamour Club the other night? It

looks like you were juggling two boyfriends—didn’t bring them along today?”

Kathy was taken aback, her reply faltering. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Phillip retorted, “But many people saw you dancing intimately that day.”

Now puzzled, Norah confronted Kathy. “You hit the club telling us nothing? And who were those guys?”

Kathy rushed to defend herself. “It was just out of curiosity—I didn’t do anything wrong. Derek, you won't spill

this to my parents, right? Please keep it between us.”

Norah felt a sense of satisfaction. She realized Phillip was skilled at teasing and knowledgeable—after all, she

was clueless about Madeline's and Kathy's dirt.

“Hand over my phone, please,” Norah said, not interested in watching them argue. She impatiently reached out

to Derek.

Derek consoled Madeline, whose tears were still on his mind, leaving no extra attention to spare for Norah. Once

he returned the phone to Norah, he didn’t glance her way again.

Norah grabbed her phone, promptly opened the rear door of the sleek black car, and settled herself inside.

Originally, Phillip had thought about asking Norah to sit in the front passenger seat because Sean preferred

having no one next to him. However, when he noticed Norah had already chosen to sit beside Sean, he decided

not to say anything.

Given that Sean hadn't objected, Phillip decided it was best to remain silent.

As the car took off, whisking them away, Norah sat next to Sean with a stoic expression.

After a brief silence, Sean broke the ice. “Thank you for stepping in, Miss Wilson.”

Sean's face showed a change as he replied, “Had | known you were without a vehicle, | would've arranged a ride

for you sooner. You don’t need to thank me.”

He looked at Norah seriously. “Besides, | have a favor to ask of you, so save your gratitude.”

Norah felt uncomfortable with the idea of being in debt to someone. She affirmed, “I will do my best to assist Mr.

Rodrigo Scott.”

Norah understood the principle that nothing cwithout a cost, and she suspected Sean's kindness was aimed

at ensuring she’d dedicate her efforts to Rodrigo’s treatment.

The car fell into silence once more.

Derek watched as Norah departed with Sean, then turned his attention back to the unfolding , feeling

agitated. He realized the gossip swirling around Glophia was fueled by his and Madeline's public appearances.

He felt people were becoming aware of his divorce from Norah, mistaking Madeline for a mistress.

He reassured Madeline, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Madeline. I'll make things right.”

Madeline cried. “Derek, what others say doesn’t bother me. Being with you is all | want.”

Moved by her words, Derek first addressed Kathy's reckless actions at the club before turning to console

Madeline gently.

Sometlater, Sean mentioned a topic. “Supernatural Doctor, is it within your capability to heal any ailment?”

Norah responded with a level of modesty, “You're givingtoo much credit, Mr. Scott. If | were capable...”

“Of curing any illness, cancer wouldn't be a concern today,” Norah responded, her voice calm yet tinged with

uncertainty.

Sean appeared disappointed by her answer.

“Mr. Scott, are you asking about someone else’s health besides Rodrigo Scott?” Norah considered the possibility

that Sean might be seeking help for another individual if Rodrigo’s condition wasn’t the only concern.

Sean remained silent, and Phillip, behind the wheel, asked, “Ma’am, where can | take you?”

“Dreamview Villas,” Norah directed.

Phillip was momentarily taken aback upon learning their destination was also Dreamview Villas. Sean remained

silent, and Norah, choosing not to press the issue further, began to fiddle with her phone.

During their visit to Solo Restaurant, Norah and Phillip had exchanged numbers to facilitate communication

for her upcoming visits to the Scott family residence for medical purposes. Yet, she hesitated to share her

contact details directly with Sean.

Interacting with someone of Sean’s caliber was intimidating for Norah. She sensed an overwhelming presence

around him, marking him as potentially dangerous. Had she not made a bet and promised Sean earlier, she

wouldn't have dared to take the risk of treating Rodrigo.

“Have you dealt with leukemia before?” Sean asked after sthought.

A sense of dread washed over Norah. She speculated that Sean’s inquiry might be on behalf of someone dear to

him.

With caution, she replied, “I possess considerable knowledge about leukemia. While | can’t guarantee a cure, |

can effectively control the condition...”

Leukemia’s treatment often involved bone marrow transplants and chemotherapy. For Norah, moderating the

disease and extending the patient's life by several years was feasible. Her extensive research into leukemia,

particularly for a scholarly paper, had equipped her with a deep understanding of the disease’s symptoms.

Sean eased up and asked, “So, you know a bit about leukemia, right? Then, after you're done with Rodrigo,

please check on my sister.”

This revelation caught Norah off guard, as she hadn't anticipated Sean having a sister. Her familiarity with Sean

was limited to his reputation for seizing control of the Scott family through formidable tactics, with minimal

details about his family life or past.

Norah's inquisitive look prompted Sean to explain further. “I'll brief you on her condition beforehand.”

As they reached their destination, the car arrived at a spot Norah recognized well. Dreamview Villas boasted

standalone homes, with each house considerably far apart. Phillip parked the vehicle outside the villa as

instructed by Norah.

“Thank you for the ride, Mr. Scott. Until next time,” Norah said, standing at the doorway and expressing her

gratitude politely. She genuinely appreciated Sean's intervention that day and the transportation home.

A distant smile adorned Norah's face as a soft breeze played with her hair, prompting her to tuck a strand behind

her ear. Something in Sean shifted at the sight. He averted his eyes, his lashes casting shadows below.

“There's no need for thanks,” he responded. When the black sedan pulled into the driveway, he noticed that

their two villas were adjacent.

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