Abby,pletely unaware of the sudden tension, leaned forward and gave Nora a small, affectionate kiss on the cheek.


    "Bye-bye, Auntie," she said sweetly.


    Nora smiled, returning the soft gesture. She bid Cole and Abby farewell, then turned to follow Leo out of the lodge.


    What she didn''t notice was the way Cole''s eyes lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.


    As they walked, Leo nced at her, a yful smirk tugging at his lips.


    "How do I feel like Cole was looking at me with suspicion?" he mused aloud.


    Nora arched a brow. "Really? What''s he got to scrutinize you for?"


    Leo let out a soft chuckle. "Could it be that he saw me getting too close to you and thought our rtionship was too ambiguous?"


    Nora''s smile faltered slightly.


    Leo''s words were teasing, but a part of her didn''t find them amusing.


    "Don''t be ridiculous," she muttered. "That''s not it."


    Leo watched her closely. "You sound awfully sure about that."


    Nora''s gaze flickered ahead. "They want Arnold and Linda together more than anything."


    Leo didn''t argue. Instead, he looked at her with something close to quiet understanding.


    Then, unexpectedly, his voice dropped to something softer.


    "You should pay more attention to the men around you, Nora."


    She turned her head slightly, caught off guard by his tone.


    For a second, she saw something in his eyes-concern, maybe even a hint of protectiveness.


    But before she could say anything, Leo simply smiled, his usual yful demeanor returning.


    12:11


    "Come on," he said, tilting his head toward the main road. "Let''s get out of here."


    And just like that, the moment passed.


    Yet, as they walked away from the hot spring lodge, Nora couldn''t shake the feeling that something had shifted-something subtle, something unspoken.


    By mid-afternoon, as steam curled from the hot springs and the soft murmur of guests filled the lodge, Nora prepared to leave. She had spent enough time here, and though the warm water had soothed her body, her mind remained restless.


    Just as she was about to call for a car, her phone buzzed. It was Arnold''s grandmother.


    "Nora, dear," the olddy''s warm yetmanding voice came through. "You muste to Lancelot Manor for dinner tonight."


    Nora hesitated. "Grandma, I-"


    Before she could politely decline, the woman continued, "You''re at Hot Springs Lodge, aren''t you? Perfect. I''ll have Arnold pick you up and bring you along."


    Nora opened her mouth to protest, but the line went dead.


    She sighed, staring at the phone. The invitation had turned into an order, leaving her no choice but to wait.


    Minutes turned into an hour. The lodge''s grand clock chimed softly, marking the passage of time. But no one came.


    Not Arnold. Not Alex. Not even a simple call or message exining their dy.


    Nora''s fingers drummed lightly on the wooden table in the lounge. A small part of her wasn''t surprised. She had been stood up by Arnold before, but she had thought-just for a moment-that maybe today would be different.


    She checked her phone. No missed calls. No texts.


    A wry smile curled on her lips. So much for that.


    Even Alex, who had slipped away earlier, hadn''t bothered to check in.


    Realizing she had waited long enough, she decided to arrange for a car herself.


    Just as she was about to make the request at the front desk, Leo appeared, hands tucked casually into


    his pockets. His sharp, handsome features were set with mild amusement.


    12:11


    After Heft Aloha father and a famil


    "Going somewhere?" he asked.


    "Lancelot Manor," she replied.


    Leo raised an eyebrow. "Alone?"


    She shrugged. "No one''sing. Might as well go by myself."


    Leo scoffed. "Absolutely not. I''ll drive you."


    She started to refuse, but his expression made it clear he wasn''t taking no for an answer.


    By the time they reached Lancelot Manor, the sun had set, leaving a faint orange glow on the horizon.


    The grand estate loomed ahead, its elegant gates opening as they approached.


    To Nora''s surprise, Arnold''s grandmother was already at the entrance, waiting.


    As she stepped out of the car, the olddy''s eyes immediately flicked to the driver''s seat. Leo, handsome andposed, gave a polite nod.


    For a second, the warmth in the olddy''s expression faltered. Her gaze sharpened, clearly displeased. "Where''s Arnold? Where''s Alex?" she asked, voice tinged with irritation.


    Nora smiled politely. "They should be here soon."


    The olddy let out a soft huff, ncing back at Leo. It was clear she wasn''t pleased that her grandson had let someone else escort Nora.


    "Well," she said, stering a smile back on, e inside, dear."


    Nora bid Leo farewell and followed the elderly woman inside.


    The house smelled of fresh roses and the faint aroma of roasted meat. The olddy led her to the sitting room, where they chatted for quite a while.


    However, as the hours passed, there was still no sign of Arnold or Alex.


    The olddy''s expression grew darker.


    Just when her patience was about to snap, the doors finally opened.


    Arnold and Alex walked in.


    15-11