Chapter 7 A Fateful Encounter

Nora wanted nothing more than to stay away from Mason. Every time she saw him, an overwhelming feeling of unease settled in her chest. But since he had taken the initiative to pick his son up, how could she stop him?

"Of course! I'll get him out now," she hastily replied, forcing a polite smile onto her face. "After all, it's better for kids to stay with their parents. My humble home is hardly the right place to raise a boy of Abner's status."

Mason narrowed his sharp eyes as a glint of coldness flickered through them.

Was that just my imagination? Or was there a hint of disdain in her voice? It almost sounded like she was trying to drive us away.

His already serious expression darkened further, his jaw tightening as tension settled in his posture. Even his voice carried an unmistakable iciness when he responded, "Sorry to trouble you."

"Oh, don't mention it. You're my brother-in-law, which makes you family. There's no need for formalities," Nora said smoothly, a saccharine smile stretching across her lips as she turned on her heels to walk away.

Damn it, I feel so guilty! If he ever finds out that I hacked three billion from his account, I'll be behind bars for the rest of my life!

Her thoughts spiraled into panic, so much so that she failed to notice the uneven floor beneath her feet. Before she could react, her left foot caught against her right, and with a sharp gasp, she lost her balance.

"Argh!"

A terrifying thought flashed through her mind-what if she hit the back of her head against the ground? That would be catastrophic!

But the impact never came.

Instead, she found herself caught in someone's firm grasp, her body pressing against a hard, muscular chest. A cold yet strangely familiar scent wrapped around her-an intoxicating blend of fresh mint and something deeply masculine. It seeped into her senses, momentarily clouding her mind.

For a moment, everything else disappeared.

Mason remained still, his arms firmly wrapped around her waist, holding her in place. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes, dark and intense, stared down at her with a mix of contempt and intrigue.

I knew it. Women are all the same. They always act like they're avoiding attention, yet the moment an opportunity arises, they pull some ridiculous stunt to get closer.

Nora's heart pounded violently in her chest as she met Mason's steely gaze. The way he was looking at her sent an uncomfortable shiver down her spine.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Murphy! I tripped over my own feet," she blurted, flustered, desperate to clear up any misunderstandings.

But Mason merely scoffed, his lips curling into a smirk that sent her temper flaring.

"Well, well, well. I never thought Ms. Nora from the Taylor family would be so desperate. Rumor has it that you slept with a man eight years ago for five million. What exactly are you trying to achieve this time?"

Nora's entire body stiffened.

What an absolute jerk! I'm not up to anything! And why the hell would he believe Amanda's nonsense? This man is one of the richest in the world, yet he has zero ability to judge a person's character!

She gritted her teeth, forcing a fake laugh. "Oh, you must be joking, Mr. Murphy. I hear the latest trend is younger sisters-in-law eloping with their brother-in-law. Older ones like me? We don't stand a chance. You think too highly of yourself."

She attempted to break free from his grasp, but before she could, Mason's grip tightened around her waist, holding her in place with effortless strength.

"Not admitting it? Then how do you explain falling right into my arms?"

Nora struggled harder, her irritation growing by the second.

I'd rather hit the ground than be stuck here with him!

"You're an important figure, Mr. Murphy. What are you playing at now? Trying to create more gossip about yourself on Instagram? Is that why you're doing this-to make headlines again?"

She knew she was provoking him, but at this point, she didn't care. Anything to make him let go.

But Mason remained unfazed. If anything, his interest only seemed to grow.

"I've always wondered why my son insists on being with you. It can't just be because you're his aunt. That reasoning is too far-fetched. So, I've decided to get to know you better and figure out exactly what draws him to you."

For a moment, Nora was left speechless.

Fine. If he wants to know more about me, he could at least let me go first!

"Let go of me," she demanded, her patience wearing thin. "Then we can talk."

But instead of releasing her, Mason's grip only grew stronger.

His voice dropped an octave, sending a wave of unease through her. "I think the closer we are, the better I'll understand you. So tell me, are you using my son as an excuse to get close to me?"

Nora's eyes widened in absolute disbelief.

What the hell? Where does this man get his logic from? This is beyond ridiculous!

Unable to take it anymore, she suddenly twisted in his arms in an attempt to break free. But in her struggle, something unexpected happened-her soft lips accidentally brushed against his.

A sharp, electric jolt ran through both of them, sending shivers down their spines.

A stunned gasp echoed in the room, and before either of them could react, two little heads peeked out from behind the study door.

"Oh my! Did they just kiss? Isn't that how stories of sisters-in-law running away with their younger brothers-in-law always begin?" Asher asked, his eyes wide with mischief.

Abner, on the other hand, clapped his hands excitedly. "They're perfect together! Cue the applause!"

Nora's entire face turned scarlet. Snapping back to her senses, she mustered every ounce of strength she had and shoved Mason away.

A loud thud echoed through the house as she slammed the door shut in his face.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her pulse hammering in her ears. But despite her best efforts to shake it off, the lingering sensation of his cool touch and intoxicating scent clung to her.

No! I have to resist! I can't let him get to me, especially not when I've stolen three billion from him! And more importantly-Amanda has been with him before!

Her gaze snapped toward the two boys, who were still watching her with amused expressions.

"What are you looking at?" she snapped. "Have you never seen a pervert harassing an innocent woman? Get back into your room! And erase everything you just saw from your memory! Understand?"

The boys exchanged knowing looks, scratching their noses awkwardly.

"That was your dad, wasn't it?" Asher asked.

Abner, however, was positively beaming with excitement. "Yes! And isn't it great? My father is finally choosing a stepmother for me. And it's someone I actually like!"

Meanwhile, outside the apartment, Mason stood still, his gaze fixed on the closed door.

Damn it. Did I just get thrown out of a house?

Just then, the elevator across the hall dinged open. Two fashionably dressed young women stepped out, chatting excitedly.

"Ella, I'm so upset! There's a rumor going around that Mason has an illegitimate child. He's been with so many women, so why hasn't he chosen me yet? If we had one night together, I'm sure I could give him a child. That might even help me climb up the social ladder!"

Ella rolled her eyes. "Why would Mason Murphy ever look at someone like you? He's worth more than three hundred and fifty billion and is one of the richest men in the world. Even the most high-profile women bow at his feet. Us? We don't stand a chance. It's nighttime. Stop dreaming."