After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Arnold, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, responded casually, "He's still young. It's normal for him to be upset."

Linda nodded in agreement, though something lingered in her gaze as she watched Bran disappear into the crowd

Tonight, Nora's presence was nothing short of captivating. She wore a midnight blue gown that shimmered under the warm glow of the chandeliers, the fabric flowing effortlessly with every step she took. The delicate embroidery along the bodice caught the light, accentuating her graceful silhouette.

A pair of diamond earrings framed her face, their brilliance complementing the quiet confidence in her eyes.

Bran had been on his way to greet the host when a movement to his right caught his attention. His gaze landed on Nora, and for a moment, the noise of the ballroom faded into the background.

She was breathtaking.

There was an elegance about her that wasn't just in her attire..... it was in the way she carried herself, poised yet distant, like someone who was used to walking alone without feeling lonely.

Bran's friend, standing beside him, noticed his distraction and followed his line of sight. When he saw Nora, his expression shifted to one of admiration.

"She's stunning," the friend murmured, unable to look away. "Who is she?" Bran barely blinked. "Nora."

His friend's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Wait.... Nora? The Nora? The one who...."

Bran didn't let him finish. "Yes."

A beat of silence. Then his friend exhaled, shaking his head. "Damn. No one told me she was this beautiful"

Bran didn't respond. Instead, he set his glass down and made his way toward her.noveldrama

Leo noticed first, his gaze flicking toward Bran as he approached. Cole, who had been speaking with Nora, turned as well, his grip tightening slightly around his wine glass. He had seen that look before.... the way Bran's eyes followed Nora with unmistakable interest.

Bran, unfazed, greeted both Leo and Nora with his usual politeness, though his focus was unmistakably on her.

Throughout their conversation, his eyes drifted back to her time and time again, as if drawn to something he couldn't quite explain. There was curiosity there, but also something deeper, something he himself hadn't fully acknowledged yet.

Cole, watching, felt an unspoken tension settle between them. He met Bran's gaze briefly, and in that fleeting moment, an understanding passed between them.... silent, yet clear.

Bran wasn't just being polite,

Cole's grip on his glass faltered for the briefest second before he steadied himself.

Nora, however, seemed unaware of the silent exchange.

A few moments later, she excused herself and walked toward the buffet area. She

hadn't had dinner yet, and the scent of freshly prepared dishes was far too tempting to ignore.

Bran followed, his steps measured yet intentional.

By the time she reached for a plate, he was beside her.

"You have good timing," he said casually. "They just brought out the fresh appetizers."

Nora turned her head slightly, surprised to find him there. "You're quite observant,"

she replied lightly, reaching for a serving spoon.

Bran smiled. "Years of attending these events. You learn a few things."

15:14

After I left. Alpha father and

Without hesitation, he took the empty glass from her hand. "Here, let me." Before she could protest, he had already placed it on the counter beside them. Then, with an effortless charm, he picked up a small plate of cake and handed it to her. "This one's good. Not too sweet."

Nora hesitated for a fraction of a second before accepting it. "Thank you."

Bran's demeanor remained easygoing, but there was an undeniable attentiveness in the way he interacted with her.

He wasn't just making small talk.... he was studying her, learning her responses, gauging her reactions.

Across the room, Charles had been keeping an eye on the buffet area.

His brows lifted as he took in the sight of Bran handing Nora a plate, standing just a little closer than necessary, speaking to her with a warmth that wasn't usually part of his usual reserved nature.

Curious, Charles turned on his heel and made his way back to Arnold and Linda. Lowering his voice slightly, he leaned in. "That Bran... I think he likes Nora." Arnold let out a quiet, nearly imperceptible chuckle. "So it seems."

From the side, Linda had also taken notice of the interaction. Her painted lips curled into a faint smirk as she observed Bran's apparent attentiveness.

Others might have believed Bran was genuinely drawn to Nora, but Linda knew better.

She knew Bran's true nature.

Bran wasn't a fool. He wouldn't genuinely fall for someone like Nora.... not after everything.

If he was playing this game, it was with a different goal in mind. He was luring her

In, setting the stage, only to leave her humiliated when she least expected it.

Linda tilted her head, pretending to sip from her wine glass as she watched Bran hand Nora a plate of dessert.

The way he leaned in slightly, the way he seemed so thoughtful...... It was all an act. An entertaining one.

Her gaze flickered back to Arnold, curious about his reaction.

15:14