Chapter 114
Walter frowned, unwilling to leave. He was worried Noah might say something to upset Nora.
"Is this woman more important than Grandpa now?" Noah asked angrily.
Walter didn't speak, keeping his head down in silence for a long time. "Samuel, go outside with Dad."
Samuel looked back at Nora, refusing to leave.
Nora cupped Samuel's face. "Wait for Mommy outside, it's okay. Mr. Wood just wants to talk to Mommy."
Samuel nodded and left reluctantly.
Only Nora, Noah, and the assistant remained in the room. The assistant spoke first. "Ms. Adams, name your terms. What will it take for you to voluntarily give up custody of Samuel?"
"Samuel is mine." Nora gripped her fingers tightly. "Walter and I agreed that Samuel is mine. He won't fight for custody, and I won't accuse him of rape."
Nora took a deep breath and looked up at Noah. This wasn't her fault, and there was nothing to be ashamed of.
Samuel's existence was an accident, but it wasn't consensual on her part back then.
Noah's expression darkened instantly. "Ms. Adams, you're quite clever."
Nora bit her lip, her voice hoarse. "I have nothing to lose, and I won't take a penny from the Wood family. If you're worried, I can sign an agreement stating that Samuel has nothing to do with the Wood family."
Noah narrowed his eyes. "You should know that if I sue for custody of Samuel, your chances of winning aren't great."
"Mr. Wood, Walter has an arranged marriage with the Clark family. He'll get married and have his own children. Samuel's existence would be bad for the alliance between the Clark family and the Wood family. Rather than affecting your partnership, it's better to hide Samuel's identity. He's my son and doesn't belong to the Wood family." Nora was negotiating with Noah. "Besides, I now have a stable job and income. As Samuel's mother, I don't think you'd necessarily win."
"Unfortunately, you've been in prison." Noah's words crushed Nora's heart.
Her time in prison was a stain that could never be erased from her life.
For the rest of her life, she would be a burden to Samuel.
What kind of good child could a mother who'd been in prison raise?
"Samuel is under my brother Jasper's name." Nora looked up at Noah. "I don't think making a big fuss and taking me to court would be good for Walter or Mountain Construction Group."
Noah looked at Nora meaningfully. He'd thought Nora would take this opportunity to make all sorts of excessive demands, showing a greedy face that disgusted people.
But now it seemed she was a smart woman who knew how to negotiate with him systematically.
Noah indeed hadn't wanted to go to court.
Once it got to court, the matter between Walter and Nora would be exposed, which would be bad for Walter and bad for Mountain Construction Group.
"Since Samuel is a Wood family child, we absolutely won't ignore him. Samuel needs a good learning and educational environment. I'll have someone give you three hundred thousand dollars a month as an education fund. You take good care of Samuel and bring him to Silverlight City to visit me once a month. If Samuel doesn't get a good education with you, I'll take forceful measures to take him away, and you won't see him until he's eighteen."
The terms Noah offered weren't harsh, and this was entirely for Samuel's sake.
"Samuel doesn't need the Wood family's education fund." Nora clenched her hands and stood up to bow to Noah. "I understand your real intention in keeping me here isn't just because of Samuel, but also because of Walter."
Noah felt somewhat impressed. Though Nora seemed timid, she was actually quite smart.
"Walter and I will never be together, so you don't need to worry. You should trust Walter—he's more rational than anyone and won't give up the alliance with the Clark family for me." Nora turned to leave.
"Mr. Wood, this Nora seems to want nothing, but I'm afraid she's just saying what sounds good." The assistant was a bit worried.
"She's in Emerald City and can't cause much trouble. Have someone keep an eye on her. If she makes any mistakes in taking care of Samuel, bring Samuel back to me." Noah said calmly, glancing at the assistant. "What does the Clark family say?"
"The media has been suppressed. The news about Pearl being taken by the police hasn't been leaked. The Clark family's position is that as soon as Pearl gets out, they'll announce the engagement between the two families." The assistant said quietly.
Noah looked thoughtful. Walter had always been obedient—hopefully he'd be obedient this time too.
He just hoped this Nora wouldn't become a wild card.
Outside the room.
Walter held Samuel, waiting for Nora to come out.
"Did Noah give you a hard time?"
Nora shook her head and reached out to take Samuel. "Mr. Wood, we're going home."
"Nora, think carefully about what I said." Walter frowned, feeling he'd been too indulgent with Nora, which was why she was treating him this way.
"Walter." Nora stopped and looked back at Walter. "You have your own life to live. If you can't give me what I want, please stay away from me."
Walter frowned. "Nora, you're too greedy."
Nora smiled sarcastically and got into the elevator.
She really was too greedy, but it was just an excuse to keep Walter away from her world.
"Mommy, will they take me away?" Samuel hugged Nora's neck and asked quietly.
"No." Nora shook her head, her voice hoarse.
Samuel nuzzled against Nora. "Mommy, did I make you worry?"
"Why did you go with Noah?" Nora asked softly.
"He had a paternity test and said I was their family's child, that he was taking me away. If I didn't behave and go with him, he would take me away from Mommy." Samuel was really scared.
"No, Mommy won't let anyone take you away."
Walking out of the hotel, Nora saw Michael standing by the car waiting for her.
Maybe it was because he was standing there, but even the sunset seemed brighter.
"Daddy!" Samuel instinctively called out happily, but then lowered his head sadly.
Michael wasn't his daddy.
"Did they give you a hard time?" Michael asked.
Nora shook her head. "They said they'd give Samuel an education fund. I refused."
"What does Samuel want to eat?" Michael was in a good mood—Nora knew to refuse.
"I'm not picky." Samuel's eyes lit up when he saw Michael.
Children's affection is always so pure.
"My brother texted saying he has to work late tonight and needs me to watch Samuel temporarily. Mr. Smith, I'll take Samuel home tonight. We can just take a taxi." Nora wanted to take Samuel back to her rental.
Michael glanced at Nora. "Come home together. The chef has the night off."
Samuel cleverly hugged Michael's neck. "I really want to eat Mommy's noodles. Mommy, will you make some for me and Daddy?"
"Overtime pay." Michael didn't give Nora a chance to refuse, put Samuel in the car, and secretly smiled.
Nora quickly waved her hand. "No need for overtime pay."
"The housekeeper has something at home, and the chef is off too. From now on, my three meals a day and daily needs will have to trouble you." Michael said seriously.
Nora nodded quickly. "Don't worry, Mr. Smith. I'll learn your eating habits as soon as possible."
"I'll have David transfer the money saved from the chef and housekeeper to you." Michael spoke as if discussing work with Nora.
In reality, he knew Nora had strong self-respect, so he was finding ways to give her money so she wouldn't need to take a penny from the Wood family.
He could afford to support ten Noras and Samuels—why would they need an education fund from the Wood family?