After I left Alpha father and son went crazy with regret

Dalton, keenly perceptive, picked up on the lack of warmth in Leo's voice.

For a while now, he had been trying to build a better relationship with Leo. Despite their business collaborations, Leo never seemed particularly interested in deepening their association.

Dalton didn't take offense. He was used to social maneuvering. Besides, at that moment, someone else approached them, pulling his attention away.

With a polite nod, he excused himself and moved toward the crowd.

Dalton had always been adept at reading people, and he knew when he wasn't welcomed. Still, the indifference from Leo had begun to grate on him, especially since their business collaborations had required more frequent interaction lately.

But now, something else captured his attention.

As he moved toward the quieter section of the venue, his steps came to an abrupt halt.

Just ahead, framed against the soft glow of the decorative sconces, were two familiar figures.

Arnold and Nora.

The sight struck him with a strange sense of déjà vu.

The scene of Arnold and Nora cuddling together a month or two ago came flooding back to him.

The two of them had such a natural vibe, like they'd known each other for years, but how could Nora - a woman who always harbored jealousy and was incompetent - know a big shot like Alpha Arnold?

His gaze sharpened.

Before he could fully process the situation, Arnold made a small movement.

He picked up a plate and carefully placed a slice of cake on it. Then, without a word, he extended it

toward Nora.

Dalton's jaw tightened slightly.

It wasn't a grand gesture, nor was it overly intimate. But something about it felt personal, as though an entire conversation was being exchanged in silence. Nora, however, did not reach for it.

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After I left, Alpha father and son went craz

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She merely regarded the piste for a second, then lifted her gaze to meet Arnold's.

There was no hesitation, no warmth only quiet finality in her expression.

Arnold didn't speak, but the subtle way his fingers curled against the plate betrayed something unspoken.

Dalton found himself narrowing his eyes.

This realization unsettled Dalton. He had known Arnold for quite some time and understood that Arnold

was not one to grow close to people easily. Yet, with Mora, he seemed at ease, as if they shared an unspoken understanding. The doubt in Dalton's heart deepened. Something was off

Taking a decisive step forward, he approached Arnold with a polite nod. "Arnold," he greeted, his tone

even.

Arnold, holding two glasses of wine, glanced at him and smiled. "Dalton. Enjoying the evening?"

Dalton's gaze flicked toward the second glass in Arnold's hand. He tilted his head slightly, feigning curiosity. "Who's the other drink for?"

The question was casual, yet deliberate.

Arnold chuckled, a knowing glint flashing through his eyes. He didn't answer immediately, instead swirling the liquid in his own glass as if contemplating. Then, with a light smirk, he said, "Does it matter?"

His nonchalance only fueled Dalton's curiosity. There was something strategic about Arnold's avoidance.

Before Dalton could press further, Arnold bid him farewell:

"If you could you please excuse me for a while?"

And he strode away, heading toward Linda.

Dalton frowned and looked over in the direction he'd left, only to realize that Linda had somehow stood with Leo, and Nora was walking towards the two of them.

Dalton froze.

Arnold was in such a hurry to get over there, he was actually afraid that Linda would be bullied by Nora and Leo, right?

Thinking of this, Dalton also walked over towards that side.

Arnold arrived just in time to hand Linda the drink, his casual demeanor maskingnoveldrama

the calculation in his actions. "Here," he said, offering the glass before glancing at Leo. "What were you two talking about?"

After I left Alpha father and son went crazyWith

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Changes 164

Linda smiled, but it was the kind of smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. I wanted to ask Leo wo questions, but..." She hesitated, casting a brief glance at Leo, then back at Arnold 1 diert find the right

moment."

Arnold, as always, was quick to smooth over the situation. "Leo," he said with an easy tone, "why don't you find a time to have dinner with Linda? It'll be a good chance to talk property."

His words were light, almost offhanded, but the intention behind them was anything but casual

He was meant to help Linda atk Leo to talk alone.

The moment the suggestion left Arnold's lips, the atmosphere changed.

Nora, standing beside Leo, went cold in an instant. Her eyes, which had previously held a trace of amusement, darkened with unmistakable displeasure.

It was subtle, but the sharpness in her gaze was impossible to ignore.

Leo, on the other hand, responded with a laugh-one that carried no warmth.

It was the kind of laugh that dismissed an idea outright, one that belittled even the notion of considering

iL

He looked Arnold directly In the eye, his expression impassive. "I'm not available," he stated flatly.