Chapter 196
“Nora lowered her head, tears streaming uncontrollably onto the back of her hand, dampening the silk scarf.”
“Michael had noticed those scars long ago. He never asked about them and had always been deeply respectful.”
“But he had the dress designer include a matching silk scarf to wrap around her wrists. He was incredibly thoughtful.”
“This would make her unable to resist falling for him. She simply didn’t have the strength to love anyone again.”
Nora was afraid that if she loved this time, she might lose her life. The wedding reception.
“After all, as the daughter of a wealthy family, her wedding reception was extraordinarily lavish.”
“They said every guest would receive a luxury party favor, and only the rich and powerful were invited.”
“The only members of the Smith family who were invited were Michael and Nolan. Michael attended, but Nolan did not.”
“Probably because Luna, the wife of the Smith Group chairman, had become too notorious lately, and bringing her along would have been embarrassing.”
“But everyone in the Fields family was invited. This showed just how influential the Fields family was in the business world.”
“‘Daryl, did you miss me?’ The bride was a warm-hearted girl—not particularly stunning, but undeniably remarkable.”
“At a glance, it was clear she was a carefully raised and protected princess, with a bright, sunny smile—pure and genuine.”
“‘If I said I missed you, the groom would panic,’ Daryl said with a smile. Nora hid behind Michael, trying to avoid Daryl’s gaze as much as possible.”
“She realized Daryl could joke too—she had thought he was always serious. ‘Michael, did you miss me?’ the bride asked.”
“Michael took Nora’s hand and smiled. ‘If I said I missed you, someone would panic.’ Nora blushed and stood beside him, feeling everyone’s staring eyes.”
“Before entering the venue, Nora had heard that the bride once liked Michael, but after he rejected her, she had gracefully remained friends with him.”
“Now she had her own love and marriage—a bright and kind girl. ‘Such a beautiful girl! Michael, how did you win her over?’” “The bride looked at Nora excitedly and stepped forward to cup her face. ‘You’re so gorgeous. Stop liking Michael—men aren’t worth it. Like me instead.’”
“Nora looked at the bride nervously, unsure what to say. ‘She’s shy—don’t scare her,’ Michael said, smiling as he pulled Nora into his arms.”
“‘Unbelievable! Even Mr. Smith has his day.’ The bride was thrilled, as if seeing a wonder of the world. ‘Daryl, look at Michael!’” Michael has someone he likes now. What about you?" Daryl snorted, his gaze falling on Nora, silent.
“‘I have someone I like too.’ Zander walked over and greeted the bride. ‘I like her as well. Mr. Smith and I are in fair competition.’”
"I like her too. The three of us are competing." Atticus walked over holding Milo.
“‘And me too—this is my mommy!’ Milo happily reached out to Nora for a hug. Nora quickly picked him up.”
“‘Mommy, Uncle Daryl said you’d come take care of me when you got back. Is that true?’ Milo asked excitedly. Nora felt nervous and didn’t answer.”
"Mommy, I miss you so much."
“With the three Fields brothers competing over Nora and Michael’s face darkening, she became the center of attention.”
“Nora felt a little scared, worried the bride might be upset since it was her event, and nervously wanted to leave with Milo.”
Fortunately, the bride didn't care at all and teased Michael with a smile, "You better keep a close eye on her.
“‘I see the three Fields brothers are all watching closely,’ Michael said with a confident snort. ‘Of course, I’ll keep a close eye on her.’”
“The bride laughed. ‘But I heard things aren’t going well at your company. I saw it in the news—what’s going on with your engagement to the Clark family?’”
Michael glanced at the bride, "Still going according to plan, no need to worry."
“The bride nodded. ‘That’s good. I’m not worried about you. Who are you again? Oh right—you’re Michael.’ The Smith Group’s success today was all thanks to him.”
"Nori, how old are you?" In the lounge area, Juliet came over and immediately asked Nora's age.
“Nora stood up nervously and respectfully. ‘Mrs. Fields, I’m twenty-six, almost twenty-seven.’ Juliet paused. ‘When’s your birthday?’”
“Nora lowered her eyes sadly. ‘I’m sorry. I was the child switched at birth with the Adams family, so my birthday has always belonged to someone else.’”
“Nora still didn’t know her real birthday. ‘Nora, if I may ask…’ Juliet said quietly, a little nervous. ‘Please don’t take offense.’”
“Nora nodded, feeling a natural warmth toward Juliet. ‘Please go ahead.’
‘Nora, when the Adams family and the Thomas family discovered the babies had been switched…’” “‘Did the Adams family do a paternity test?’ Juliet knew the question might upset Nora, but she still asked. She desperately wanted to find her daughter.”
Nora nervously clenched her hands and nodded, "The Adams family did a paternity test with Evelyn."
“‘What about you? Did you do a paternity test with the Thomas family?’ Juliet asked nervously. Nora froze.”
“The Adams family only needed to confirm that Evelyn was their daughter. Evelyn’s adoptive mother, Jasper’s mom, had already acknowledged her identity.”“So there was no need for another paternity test. ‘Mom, everyone’s looking for you. Why did you come over here?’”
“Before Nora could speak, Daryl came over and helped Juliet to the other side. Juliet hesitated, glancing back at Nora several times and murmuring,”“‘Daryl, Nori was born the same year as your sister both almost twenty-seven. Can you check? Please, check. Can I do a paternity test with her?’”
Juliet looked at Daryl nervously.
She really liked Nora and wanted to know if Nora was her daughter.
“‘Mom, you’ve asked everyone like this before. Nora absolutely cannot be a Fields family child. I’ve investigated—she’s the daughter of the Adams family’s maid.’” Daryl sighed.
Juliet shook her head, "No, this time is different." Daryl sighed, "Okay, okay, I'll check, alright?"
“Juliet nodded. ‘Can you ask Nori if she’d be willing to do a paternity test with me? I’m willing—just bother her a little, okay?’”
Daryl looked at Juliet with sympathy and nodded, "Okay."
“He knew that over the years, Juliet had put so much time and effort into finding her lost daughter.”
“‘Mom, if it’s not her this time either, you have to trust me and let me handle the search. We’ll find her slowly, okay?’ Daryl said gently.”
"I have a feeling. Yes, this time it's definitely her."
Juliet murmured softly.