Chapter 9: This Is the Gift You Carefully Chose
On the way back, Nora sat in the passenger seat, keeping quiet, worried she might spill Isaac's secrets by accident.
Isaac glanced at her, puzzled by her silence. "Do you have such strong feelings for him?" he suddenly asked.
Nora turned away, "It's none of your business."
Isaac sighed. He knew he needed to explain things properly, or Nora might end their agreement once they got home.
He thought, 'It's not that I care about the relationship, but now's just not the right time.'
As he drove, he tried to think of a good excuse when Nora's phone rang.
She checked the caller ID—it was Harold.
After a moment, she answered, "Hello, Harold?"
"Nora? Are you home yet?" Harold asked.
"If you have something to say, just say it," Nora replied.
Harold was curious. Leo had filled him in on everything that happened after the two left.
With a mischievous thought, Harold asked, "Are you wondering about that guy's identity?"
Nora glanced at Isaac, who was driving, and said, "Yes, can you tell me who he is?"
"No way," Harold replied.
Nora fell silent. Then why did he call?
Sensing her confusion, Harold chuckled. "Don't worry; he and I aren't a threat to your Isaac."
Nora frowned. "Then he..."
"Let him tell you himself. I just wanted to clear up any misunderstandings you might have about me," Harold said.
"Alright, I understand, Harold." After that, Harold hung up, leaving Nora deep in thought.
Isaac, who had heard the whole conversation, quietly sighed in relief. He almost thought Harold was causing trouble, but it turned out he was helping.
Seizing the moment, Isaac said, "Don't worry, I'm not a threat to Isaac. My identity is just complicated. I hope you understand."
Nora pursed her lips. "I trust Harold, so I'll tentatively believe you too. But if I find out you've harmed Isaac..."
"I know, you won't let me off," Isaac smiled, raising a hand as if swearing. "I promise I won't. But, can I ask you a favor?"
Nora looked confused. "What favor?"
"I'm not in a position to deal with the Porter family. Please try not to mention me to them."
Nora smiled. "Don't worry; I won't."
She was still the official wife of the Porter family. She'd be crazy to tell them she had a lover.
After Katie's birthday party, she'd have nothing to do with the Porter family, and no one would care who was by her side.
The matter of identity was brushed aside, but Isaac sensed Nora was still wary of "Steve."
The next day, Steve left early. When Nora got up, she saw a message from Isaac, reminding her that today was Katie's sixtieth birthday.
The Porter family had a lot of influence, and Katie's birthday was a big deal. The celebration was held at the most luxurious hotel in Aridonia, with the entire elite of Aridonia in attendance.
The party kicked off at 2 PM, and before that, Isaac was going to help Nora get ready.
For the occasion, Nora picked out a sleek black fishtail gown to match Isaac's sharp black suit.
The banquet hall was dazzling, lit up like a Christmas tree.
Isaac, holding a fancy box, walked confidently to the stage.
He opened the box for Katie, revealing a stunning bracelet.
Katie's eyes lit up with satisfaction. "This bracelet is wonderful! You're incredibly considerate."
Isaac beamed, "As long as Grandma likes it, I'm happy!"
After Isaac's gift, it was Nora's turn.
Edmund, sitting next to Katie, watched Nora with nervous anticipation, a smile tugging at his lips, eager to see Katie's reaction to Nora's gift.
Nora gently took out a pearl necklace, smiling as she handed it to Katie. "Grandma, this is the birthday gift I prepared for you."
Edmund's smile faltered, confusion clouding his face. Nora lowered her eyes, unsure of how to explain.
Katie's radiant smile faded when she saw the pearl necklace. It was clear she found it a bit underwhelming. But, being polite, she lowered her eyelids and said, "Oh, thank you."
Whispers spread through the crowd, but Nora kept a calm facade as she stepped back.
As soon as she did, Isaac grabbed her wrist. "Is this the carefully chosen gift you prepared for Grandma? Don't you know how many pearl necklaces she's received over the years, each one bigger and better than this? If you didn't know what to get, you shouldn't have tried to show off! You're just embarrassing me!"
Isaac didn't expect that the pearl necklace was a gift for Katie. If he'd known, he would've stopped her.
Nora sneered but stayed silent.
The gift she had painstakingly prepared had been given to someone else by him, and now he was accusing her of not understanding etiquette.
The gift-giving continued, one after another, making the event lively.
Nora glanced up and saw Kalista's turn was coming up. Unlike Nora's sleek gown, Kalista wore a white puffy dress, looking like a Barbie doll.
When it was her turn, Kalista, with her wholesome and approachable charm, leaned towards Katie. "Mrs. Katie Porter, you'll definitely love the gift I prepared for you today."
"Oh? What is it?" Katie asked, affectionately patting Kalista's hand.
Kalista raised her hand, and a waiter quickly brought over a painting covered with a curtain.
Kalista took the painting and waved to Isaac.
Nora looked to her side, and Isaac had already walked over, completely ignoring the fact that Nora was still playing the role of his wife.
"Isaac, help me reveal this painting so Mrs. Katie Porter can take a good look," Kalista said.
Isaac nodded. "Alright."
The two of them held the cover and slowly revealed it, their coordinated and harmonious manner making them look like a couple to those who didn't know better.