Chapter 59 Is Eating Ramen Noodles Okay
Some folks just can't see the truth. Every time Bianca stirs up trouble, Willie always blames Nora.
Nora wasn't one to act on impulse. She lowered her head slightly and spoke in a melancholy tone, "Willie, I keep thinking about the past. Those two years when we had no money. Olivia was out hustling for clients, you managed operations, and I handled logistics."
"We lived on ramen and canned food every day. We worked so hard, promising that as long as we had each other, we'd succeed. But now that Bianca's here, why are you being so harsh on me?"
"Willie, I've never competed with Bianca for anything. I know she's your sister, and I'm just an outsider. There's nothing between Philip and me. He turned her down; it's got nothing to do with me. If you don't believe me, you can ask any of the staff."
Nora reminisced, thinking about how Willie had been so clever back then. He sent Olivia out for clients and had her handle the miscellaneous tasks.
The most important things were always in Willie's hands. Both she and Olivia were just pawns in his game.
Once Willie's business took off, he brought his siblings into the company, making Olivia and Nora outsiders.
Nora wouldn't let herself get emotional with Willie now. For Olivia's share of the company, she'd stand her ground against the Reed family!
Willie felt a pang of guilt hearing Nora's words.
If it weren't for the constant family drama, Willie hadn't planned on pushing Nora out.
He was grateful to Nora for helping him for two years without asking for a dime.
And Nora was smart; Willie appreciated that about her.
Sighing, Willie's tone softened, "Nora, I get it. You can go back to work now."
Nora left the office.
Bianca rushed over immediately, glaring at her with contempt.
Nora simply said, "Willie wants to see you."
Bianca stormed into the office, and soon enough, yelling could be heard: "Before causing trouble for others, get your facts straight. Philip isn't interested in you. You got jealous for nothing, and you deserved the humiliation!"
Bianca was crying inside.
Willie, with a stern expression, said, "And did you apologize to Nora for getting someone to attack her last time?"
Nora stood outside, listening with a cold smile.
If Willie hadn't brought his family to South City, Olivia and Willie's relationship might not have fallen apart, and the company would've run smoothly. Unfortunately, Willie trusted the wrong people, and those people only wanted his money.
Eventually, Bianca came out, reluctantly apologizing to Nora.
"Nora, I'm sorry about what happened before."
Nora, sitting in her swivel chair, didn't even turn around. "Just stop making things up in the future."
Bianca left, seething with anger.
After she left, Amelia said to Nora, "You should've seen her face. She was so mad it looked like it was going to burst."
Nora didn't feel much satisfaction.
In reality, she hated scheming and conflicts, but where there are people, there's drama. If you don't get involved, it will swallow you whole.
7 PM.
Nora arrived at the Riverside Apartment entrance.
For some reason, being here always made her feel heavy-hearted.
During the day, she kept herself busy enough, but at night, the melancholy always crept in.
When she got home, the place was empty.
Nora changed out of her dress, slipped into some comfy pajamas, and headed to the kitchen to whip up something simple to eat.
Halfway through her meal, Steven walked in.
His face was tense, and as soon as he stepped inside, he shot her a cold look, looking very grim.
Nora refused to meet his gaze, turning her head to continue eating her noodles.
Steven's expression stayed cold as he trudged into the master bedroom, loosened his tie, and tossed it on the bed without a word.
He didn't come out.
Sitting at his computer, he opened up the stock market, three screens showing different pages. He always monitored multiple screens while working.
Nora didn't call him for dinner.
Steven waited half an hour, but Nora still didn't call!
Normally, she would have by now.
The longer he waited, the more irritated he became. Finally, he slammed his mouse down and stormed out.
The dining room was empty. Nora had finished her noodles and cleaned up her dishes before going to her room.
Steven went to the kitchen. There was no food.
Nora hadn't cooked today.
Steven's face darkened as he passed by Nora's room, the door slightly open. She was inside, replying to emails.
One email was from a foreign client wanting to buy a batch of goods and asking for the company address to visit her tomorrow.
Such clients weren't uncommon. Those who came to the country generally wanted long-term business.
Receiving this email at night made Nora happy, instantly lifting her spirits.
It seemed that making money really could alleviate anxiety!
Nora's fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed a response, sending the company's address and her name.
Steven leaned against the doorframe, glaring at her back.
His presence was overpowering.
Nora noticed him after sending the email. Feeling less gloomy, she had the energy to talk to him.
"What's up?" Nora asked, leaning back in her chair.
"Is there no food at home?" Steven stared at her.
Nora glanced at the time; it was after 8 PM. "You haven't had dinner yet?"
"No." He replied, seeing Nora's lack of response, he added, "You usually cook when I come home. Today, you didn't."
Nora sighed internally and asked, "Are you hungry now?"
She still owed him thousands of dollars and was living in his apartment, using his computer. She couldn't exactly be tough.
"Yes." Steven looked at her.
Nora felt a bit uncomfortable and looked away. "How about ramen noodles?"
There were still a couple of packs of ramen noodles in the house.
Steven frowned, covering his stomach, indicating it was upset.
Nora remembered he had been having headaches and a cough recently, probably not fully recovered.
Ramen noodles wouldn't be good for him.
"Alright." She stood up, wearing her loungewear as she walked out of the room. "How about some pasta?"
"Okay." Steven nodded.
Nora said, "Then wait a bit. It won't be ready quickly. You can take a shower first."
"Okay." Steven went to take a shower and put on the same loungewear as hers.
Nora opened the fridge and took out the ingredients.