Chapter 81
Michael frowned. Even as slow as he was, he understood what Nora meant now.
He was planning to use her as a shield.
She was planning to have him support her financially.
To be his secret lover.
Actually, Nora wasn't stupid. Once a man and woman got involved physically, it became very hard to define the relationship between them.
Naturally, he would protect her, Samuel, and Jasper, because it was a small matter within his capabilities.
"I'm not lying." Seeing Michael remain silent, Nora's eyes reddened. "Those rumors aren't true. I'm not that terrible. Besides Walter, there's been no one else."
Michael frowned and picked up the test results to look at them. The results were from Silverlight City Hospital.
Obviously, Walter's assistant had taken her to get tested. They were all STD screenings.
Honestly, these tests were somewhat insulting.
"I won't touch Walter's woman." Michael tossed the test results on the table.
Nora lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes.
Just because she was forced into sex that one time, against her will, did she have to carry that label for the rest of her life?
"You don't need to use those women's tactics. You have value to me, just not that kind of value. I'll protect you and Samuel, so there's no need for these plans." Michael spoke again.
Nora said nothing, so ashamed she wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
She had wanted to use this method to temporarily tie Michael to her, but Michael had no interest in her at all.
He even seemed disgusted.
"I'm sorry." Nora's fingers trembled as she took back the medical report and put it in her bag.
"Let's eat." Michael told Nora to eat.
Nora ate a few bites that tasted like wax, then didn't say another word.
"Nora, I need a personal assistant. David will send you the salary details. Adjust your mindset and go to HR for an interview. Take advantage of this opportunity." As they left the restaurant, Michael mentioned this.
He had come to understand Nora's character - proud, with strong self-esteem.
She definitely wouldn't accept money directly, but she would accept a job.
Nora had been admitted to Emerald City Celestial University with the top score in Emerald City. Her abilities were definitely solid.
Having just gotten out of prison, she should get some proper experience.
Nora looked at Michael with burning eyes, seeming somewhat excited. "I'll do my best. Thank you, Mr. Smith."
Michael said nothing and had the driver take Nora back before leaving.
Nora stood there, watching Michael's car drive away, not going home for a long time.
Michael seemed different from those other people.
At least he seemed to respect her.
With a bitter smile, Nora mocked her own pitiful self-esteem.
"Are you Nora?"
Nora turned to leave when a woman got out of a car that had been parked in the courtyard all along.
The woman was very beautiful, with pale skin that gave her a kind of fragile beauty.
"Who are you?" Nora was somewhat wary.
"My name is Aria. I'm Pearl's sister." Aria's voice was very soft, and her eyes were slightly red. "Sorry, did I scare you? I'm not here to hurt you, don't be afraid."
Nora was scared and wanted to run, but from Aria's manner, it seemed she wasn't here to hit her.
"I'm very sorry. I just heard about what Pearl did to you. I'm really sorry. I'm apologizing to you on her behalf." Aria bowed to Nora with reddened eyes.
Nora dodged in panic. She couldn't accept this.
"What do you want? I won't drop the case or settle privately. I won't." Nora shook her head. No matter what methods they used, she wouldn't agree.
"You misunderstood. I'm really not here to ask you to drop the case. My parents went too far." Aria softly reassured her. "Actually, I wanted to meet you."
Aria wore a white dress, her whole demeanor extraordinary and refined.
She carefully rolled up her sleeves, revealing both arms covered densely with scars from cutting and self-harm.
Nora froze, shocked and stunned.
Aria was the young lady of the Clark family - how could she...
"Nora, I wanted to meet you because I know we're from the same world. We're both sick." Aria's voice was very gentle. "I'm sorry, I saw the video of them bullying you."
Nora looked away.
"I also experienced school bullying. I was also forced by someone against my will, not knowing who it was. All these years, I've been living in torment, constantly thinking about ending it all." Aria spoke of experiences similar to Nora's.
Nora was shocked. How could Aria, the young lady of the Clark family, have experienced these things?
"But recently, my condition improved, because I discovered that the person who dragged me into hell was actually the man I love most. Suddenly it all seemed worth it." Aria smiled somewhat shyly, her cheeks flushing.
Nora could tell she must love that man very much.
"Nora, I hope you can be like me and come out of it, emerge from the darkness, and try to accept the people who hurt us." Aria smiled like a blooming white lotus.
If Nora weren't an atheist, she might think Aria was an angel.
"Accept the people who hurt me? Then wouldn't all the harm I suffered be deserved?" Nora couldn't understand Aria's words.
"No, Nora, don't misunderstand. I mean that being stuck in the past is permanent harm to you." Aria shook her head to explain.
"When others throw mud at us, we can use that mud to grow flowers." Aria stepped forward, wanting to hold Nora's hand. "Nora, try to let yourself go."
Nora thought Aria was excessively kind.
"When others throw mud at me, I can choose not to fight back, but I can't grow flowers, because I'm already rotting in the mud." Nora took a step back. "Ms. Clark, please go back. No matter what you say, I won't drop the case."
"Nora, this card has a hundred thousand dollars in it. Consider it a small compensation from me on Pearl's behalf. Will you take it? Otherwise, I'll feel guilty." Aria looked at Nora.
Nora frowned. "I won't take your money. The harm Pearl did to me can't be measured in money."
"Nora, I really like you, and I can relate. Can we be friends? I'll convince my parents not to make things difficult for you anymore." Aria said with a sob in her voice, looking at Nora with grievance.
Nora couldn't figure out Aria's intentions.
Be friends with her?
Was this Aria genuinely kind, or did she have some mental issues?
"I don't need that."
"Nora, I was too presumptuous coming today. I must have scared you. Don't rush to refuse. I'll come see you often. I hope we can become best friends. I'll protect you." Aria interrupted Nora, smiling as she hugged her.
Nora's body stiffened. She thought Aria was really too naive.
Friends?
Nora felt that this Aria had ulterior motives.