Chapter 3

The next afternoon, the snow that had fallen intermittently for a week finally stopped.

Nora sat in a coffee shop, the snow outside reflecting faint sunlight, stirring unbidden memories in her mind.

Days ago, on a similar afternoon, Stefan, about to leave for a business trip, knelt to tie her shoelaces and invited her for a walk.

She lounged in her chair, her voice lazy. "It's cold outside. I don't feel like moving."

Stefan held her foot, his palm warm, his smile indulgent. "Then we won't go. Remember to take your medicine after I leave."

In just a week, everything had changed.

Penelope sipped her coffee. "I know you hate crowds. Is this place okay?"

The members-only coffee shop was private and quiet, with only soft piano music in the background.

"You're too thin now," Penelope said, eyeing Nora's gaunt, pale frame, her brows furrowing. "Let me order you a chestnut cake. You used to love it."

Nora shook her head. "I can't stomach that now."

Penelope gasped, about to speak, but Nora cut her off. "Let's get to the point."

"I asked you here to show you this company." Penelope slid a document across the table, its cover embossed with the golden logo of DeepBlue Tech, exuding mystery. "I barely mentioned you, and they reached out, offering you the role of the server security consultant. The pay is triple the market rate for a job that's just routine maintenance."

The document confirmed it, a salary three times the norm for light work.

Penelope lowered her voice. "But this company has deep ties. On the surface, it's a global tech giant, but behind it are tangled connections to powerful families in Valoria."

Nora couldn't deny the job's appeal; its tasks, pay, and pace seemed tailored for her.

But all she wanted after the divorce was a quiet, simple life, and getting involved with a web of international influence felt unwise.

Penelope noticed the conflict in her eyes and didn't push. "No rush to decide. They're giving you plenty of time. I'll look for other options too."

Nora exhaled, nodded, and tucked the document away.

Penelope drained her coffee and waved her phone. "Don't stay cooped up tonight. I booked a spa, and my private doctor can check on you, help get you back in shape."

"Maybe another day," Nora said, pulling up a text from Stefan's assistant. "There's a gala for a film project the Gordon Group invested in. I need to make an appearance."

Penelope's face darkened, her words sharp. "At a time like this, you're still playing his game?"

Nora gave a bitter smile. "It's the last time. It doesn't matter."