I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 17

Aaron stood a half-step behind Xander, frowning slightly as he watched the direction Nora had left.

"Boss, do you really trust this Ms. Newman?"

Xander's eyes narrowed slightly behind his lenses.

His gaze landed on the end of the hallway where Nora had disappeared, his voice deep and calm.

"Not many people can get Bonnie to like them."

Aaron froze for a second before realizing something. "Aren't you worried this Ms. Newman purposely got close to Bonnie?"

A flash of coldness crossed Xander's face as he smirked.

...

Nora walked out of the hallway, feeling significantly lighter than when she had arrived.

The next second, she looked up, and the smile completely froze on her face.

At the exit of the hallway stood Finnegan.

He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his tall frame blocking out most of the ambient light in the corridor.

His expression was dark, his brows knitted together, and his gaze on Nora carried an indescribable trace of displeasure. She had no idea how long he had been standing there.

Nora's steps faltered, her heart sinking. She quickly took a deep breath, adjusted her expression, and walked over with a cold, distant tone.

"Frederick, is there something you need standing out here?"

Finnegan's gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds, his voice dropping deeper than usual.

"Nora, who were you just talking to?"

Nora's heart tightened.

Though the spot where she had been talking to Xander was down the hallway, the door hadn't been closed. If Finnegan had been standing right here, it was entirely possible he had spotted her.

However, the lighting was dim and the angle offered some cover, so he shouldn't have been able to see exactly who she was speaking with.

"Maybe you think I'm overstepping by saying this," Finnegan's brow furrowed, "but I don't want Finnegan worrying up in heaven. Think it over, Nora. Of course, if you want to remarry, you have the right to do so. I'm just offering some advice."

He offered a faint smile as he finished. He knew Nora would never actually remarry. She had willingly remained a devoted widow for years, proving she absolutely could not let him go. He was never worried about that.

Without waiting for Nora to respond, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Nora stood rooted to the spot, watching his retreating figure, her heart sinking inch by inch.

She suddenly found it utterly ridiculous.

Finnegan standing right in front of her, using her dead husband's identity to warn her not to remarry—what was his problem?

Whatever. She didn't want to guess his motives. It wouldn't matter in a month anyway.

Nora withdrew her gaze and turned to leave.

She completely failed to notice the person standing in the shadows around the corner.

Seraphina leaned against the wall, staring darkly in the direction Finnegan had gone.