Chapter 5 Shut Up

Derek and Madeline had just arrived at the Glamour Club when Kathy and some of her close friends were seated in a booth upstairs.

"Madeline, you're back! I've missed you so much," Kathy said, giving Madeline a big, dramatic hug to show how thrilled she was.

Madeline returned the hug but was a bit reserved, softly saying to Kathy, "Why are you still behaving like a kid?"

Then, turning her attention to Derek, Madeline added, "Staying young at heart is nice. I think you're the only one who truly keeps me close."

Kathy, being sharp, caught the hidden message in Madeline's words. She stood up for Derek, saying, "Madeline, Derek was so lost without you while you were away. When you returned, he promptly ended things with that woman from the Wilson family!"

Previously, Kathy had been upset with Madeline for the latter's leaving, especially since Derek had ended up in a coma after a car crash. But after watching Derek grieve and drink his days away, longing for Madeline upon waking, Kathy's hard feelings fade. She figured if Derek and Madeline were together and made Derek happy, she should be all for it. She was all in on cheering for Derek and Madeline getting back together.

After Kathy finished speaking, her friends around them burst into an excited conversation.

Madeline couldn't resist a smile as she savored the lively atmosphere. She settled beside Derek, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

Derek had daydreamed about this moment more times than he could count, yet facing it in real life brought a strange mix of excitement and unease like his dreams didn't match reality.

He was about to speak to Madeline, but Kathy's voice cut in. "Derek, look, isn't that Norah?"

All eyes in the booth shifted in that direction.

Derek saw Norah, dazzling in a silver-white sequined dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her brown hair flowed beautifully down her back, and her makeup was flawlessly applied, making her stand out like a radiant goddess among the crowd.

With just a glance, Derek knew it was Norah without a doubt.

Several men surrounded Norah, led by a hefty guy, while a few others wore menacing expressions.

The dim light made it difficult for Derek to make out Norah's expression. He was unsure whether she felt scared or was enjoying the attention.

"Mr. Carter, your wife is a true beauty."

"That guy is Mr. Smith leading the pack, right? He's known for being a bully, using his brother's status in the entertainment business to act all high and mighty. If she gets involved with Mr. Smith, things won't turn out well for her."

"And who says she's against it? Just look at her outfit. She's bound to catch every eye here in the Glamour Club."

"Damn! When Mr. Carter showed up with his wife at the party in the past, I failed to note how gorgeous she was. I never imagined she'd be this stunning with such an amazing figure!"

Kathy echoed, "Before Derek woke up, she was always out there, dressing in a way that turns heads, just looking to catch the eyes of men. Now that Derek's not with her anymore, she'll have to hustle to support herself. She's sharp, already snagging Mr. Smith's attention."

Her friends brought Kathy's words and chuckled among themselves.

Derek couldn't hide his annoyance, sharply cutting them off, "Stop it!"

Derek fixed Kathy with a stern look. "Kathy, where did you learn to talk like that? You're lacking in manners. A lady should know better than to say those words."

Kathy hung her head, feeling the weight of his words. She feared Derek more than anyone, her eyes brimming with tears.

Madeline gave Derek a gentle pat on the back and said, "Kathy's still young. No need to be too hard on her, okay? What's got you so upset with her?"

Glancing at Norah, Madeline added, "If Norah hadn't seen us together today, she wouldn't have ended up here tonight, on the hunt..."

Derek's mood darkened even more and snapped, "I'm no part of the reason for her choices." Could Norah, who was naturally sneaky, hide her true self by acting innocent? Certainly not.

Norah was already riled up about Derek's harsh words and Madeline's return. The person who'd reached out via Joanna hadn't shown up yet, adding to her frustration. With her patience wore thin, Norah snapped, "Get lost!"

Jordy Smith couldn't handle the rejection and tried to lay a hand on Norah. "Who do you think you are? Dressed up like a slut, aren't you here looking for company? I'm more than capable of keeping you company!"

Norah calmly smiled as she saw his chubby hand inching toward her shoulder. She quickly snatched his wrist, gave him a swift elbow to the chin, and pushed him away.

Jordy yelped, stumbling back a few steps before collapsing. He clutched his chin, grimacing in agony. Spitting out blood and bits of teeth, he cursed, "Fuck! How dare you hit me?"

The commotion from upstairs briefly halted when Jordy let out a howl, then resumed again.

Norah stood firm, warning, "Try it again, and you'll miss more than just your teeth."

With his teeth missing, Jordy muttered, "Do you know who I am? Who do you think you're messing with? I could have you gone from Glophia by tomorrow."

Norah remained unfazed. She reached for her designer handbag beside her and started searching through it.

Thinking she was scared by his words and wanted to call for backup, Jordy said arrogantly, "You knocked my teeth out, and I won't let you off the hook easily! You've got two options. Spend time with me for the night or face bankruptcy and a stint in jail. I've got pals in the police, and I can pull some strings..."

"Derek, where are you going?" Seeing Derek beside her rise abruptly, Madeline swiftly clasped his hand and asked, "You're not planning to help Norah, are you?"

Derek looked serious as he explained, "Norah and I are still married in the eyes of the law. She's technically still part of the Carter family. If she's harassed, it reflects poorly on the Carter family."

Madeline attempted to hold him back. "Derek, if you keep quiet, nobody knows she's your wife. She's asking for trouble on her own..."

Seeing the resolve on Derek's face, Madeline pressed on, "Let's not forget she doused us with water earlier today. Besides, she's fine. Whatever trouble she finds herself in, she's asked for it. No woman who respects herself would be out here chasing men at a club after splitting up. She's just playing the victim."

In the middle of Jordy's bluster, Norah coolly pulled a business card from her purse and flung it at Jordy's feet, commanding, "Shut up!"

But Jordy was too worked up to stop. Without checking the business card, he commented, "Why do you think throwing a business card at me will make me shut up? That's hilarious! You're not getting out of Glamour Club safe and sound today!"