For the first time, Dominic was caught off guard and countered in such a straightforward manner. What was more amusing was that the person challenging him was a mere sophomore, ten years younger than he was.
Without revealing any discomfort on his face, Dominic replied softly, "Miss Miller, there's no need to beat around the bush. Just say what you want."
"Do you need a woman?"
Nora's words were like a bolt of lightning striking Dominic's ears. He had never encountered someone so blunt. No pretense, no beating around the bush, and no softening of words.
"Are you sure?" Dominic moved closer, stepping into Nora's space until the distance between them was as thin as a sheet of paper. She could even feel the warmth of his breath against her skin.
He ran his fingers lightly across Nora's face, pausing at her full, crimson lips.
Nora's heart raced wildly at his every movement. She bit her lip hard, refusing to show any sign of fear or vulnerability.
Even she hadn't expected Dominic to be so bold. Her hands rubbed together nervously, trying to conceal her unease, but it was all too obvious.
Suddenly, Dominic stood up and tossed his coat to her, then let out a hearty laugh.
"Go home. I'm not interested in young girls like you!"
"Why not? Do you only like older women like Mrs. Taylor?"
The woman Nora mentioned was none other than Elias's mother—Dominic's legal wife.
Dominic remained composed, casting a brief glance at Nora before looking away again.
"I'm not sure why you're so eager to become my woman. But there are two things you should be clear about, Miss Miller. One: I'm already married. Two: I have no interest in women a decade younger than me."
"You—!" Nora was so frustrated she almost cursed out loud! No wonder people always gossiped about his peculiar taste. Now she could see that they were absolutely right! That woman was twelve years older than Dominic, yet he could still call her *'wife'* so sweetly.
Come to think of it, it made sense why Elias could act so arrogant and unrestrained. It was all because he had Dominic as a stepfather. Remembering how Elias always flaunted his status as the young master of Anderson Corporation, Nora found him more and more detestable!
"Young lady, take my advice. You should go back and focus on your studies. Don't sell yourself out for any reason. It's not worth it."
"Your future is long. Don't do something you'll regret later," Dominic continued.
"I won't regret it!" Nora declared firmly.
With that, she shoved the door open and stormed out.
Nora wandered aimlessly along a familiar street, her mind weighed down by a torrent of thoughts. Memories of her sweet times with Elias, her first love, flooded back. But now, they felt like a blade slicing through her heart, leaving her restless and bitter.
Her steps were unsteady, unsure of where to go.
Dominic's words from earlier echoed repeatedly in her mind. *"Your future is long. Don't do something you'll regret later."* Her head throbbed with confusion. So much had happened in just one day—more than she could bear. Her body felt as if it would collapse at any moment. Her mind was a chaotic mess, unsure of what to do next. The only thing she was certain of was that she didn't regret it. By any means necessary, she had to get involved in Dominic's life and make both Elias and Anna pay the price.
The cool evening breeze swept past, carrying the scent of the wild iris flowers lining the roadside. Nora's high heels wobbled on the uneven pavement, and blood oozed from her swollen ankle.
By the time night fell, she finally reached home.
"Nora! Nora, you're back!"
Elias—he had been waiting outside her house since the afternoon. The moment he saw her, he hurriedly grabbed a bouquet and rushed toward her.
If it had been in the past, Nora would have been ecstatic, perhaps even jumping for joy. But now, standing before the face she had once loved so deeply, all she felt was utter disgust.
"Nora, can we talk for a moment?" Elias stepped closer and gently took her hand, his voice soft and pleading.
Nora pulled her hand away as if his touch burned her. She stared at him with cold, detached eyes. The sight of him, with that same feigned innocence and concern, made her stomach churn.
"Talk?" she sneered, crossing her arms over her chest. "What's left to talk about, Elias?"
Elias's face fell. "Nora, please, just give me a chance to explain. What you saw earlier wasn't what it looked like…"
"Wasn't what it looked like?" Nora cut him off, her voice rising sharply. "So, you and Anna, alone in a hotel room—what, were you two discussing the weather?"
"Nora, please, listen to me," Elias pleaded desperately. "I know it looks bad, but I swear it's not what you think. We're just friends, nothing more!"
"Friends?" Nora laughed coldly. "That's the best excuse you can come up with?"
Her gaze turned icy as she took a step closer, towering over him despite her petite frame.
"Tell me, Elias, how long have you been cheating on me? Was it before or after you told me you loved me?"
"Nora, it's not like that! Anna and I—"
"Save it!" she snapped. "I don't want to hear any more of your lies."
Elias's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Nora, I—"
"Get out," she said quietly, her voice dangerously calm.
"What?"
"I said, *get out*," she repeated slowly, enunciating each word clearly. "I don't want to see your face again."
Elias hesitated, his eyes wide with shock. He had expected her to cry, to yell, maybe even slap him. But this calm, icy rage—it terrified him.
"Nora, please…"
"Get. Out," she whispered.
Seeing the resolve in her eyes, Elias had no choice but to turn and leave.
As his figure disappeared into the distance, Nora felt her knees buckle. She leaned against the wall, taking deep, shaky breaths.
*I won't regret it,* she reminded herself firmly.
No matter what happened, she would make sure they both paid for betraying her. Elias, Anna, and even Dominic—she would make them all regret ever crossing her path.