I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 150

"Mr. Harrison, if you ever invest in my work, I want it to be because you actually value my professional expertise, not as a payoff. Treating it like a thank-you gift just makes me feel like my abilities aren't good enough to stand on their own."

Xander's gaze darkened with sudden intrigue. He hadn't realized she was this principled. She wasn't rejecting the money; she was rejecting being treated like a disposable debt to be paid off. She wanted genuine respect, not a cleared ledger.

He gave a slow nod, almost unconsciously murmuring a single word. "Alright."

He reached into his suit jacket, pulled out two elegant tickets, and held them out to her. "There's an exclusive medical summit the day after tomorrow. Do you want to go?"

Nora's eyes instantly lit up.

A spot at that summit was incredibly crucial for her career. People in the industry would kill for an invitation.

Attending would give her vital knowledge and directly influence the trajectory of her future research.

She couldn't hide the obvious thrill in her eyes, and Xander clearly noticed. He dropped the tickets onto her nightstand, his tone incredibly casual.

"Take them if you want. Teach a man to fish, as they say. Ms. Newman, I've handed you the olive branch. How far you take it is entirely up to you."

An overwhelming wave of gratitude washed over her. Xander usually handled people by suffocating them with cash and power, forcing them to take it or leave it. But this time, he was treating her as an equal.

Because of that one small gesture, her impression of Xander Harrison underwent a subtle but profound shift.

Just then, the rapid patter of footsteps echoed from the hallway, followed by a sweet, frantic voice. "Nora!"

Bonnie finally smiled. Then she turned her head and realized her father was actually still there, wearing the exact same clothes as yesterday.

Tilting her head, she teased, "Daddy, were you worried about her too? You didn't leave all night! You're such a man of contradictions."

Xander's perpetually composed face twitched with rare embarrassment. "Who told you to come here? Don't you have school today?"

The mention of school made Bonnie pout defensively. "I'm not going to school! I'm keeping Nora company today! And you can't say no!"

Xander pinched the bridge of his nose in sheer defeat. "Just this once."

Bonnie cheered, "Yay! I get to stay with Nora today! Daddy, why are you still here? Are you too attached to leave her?"