The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 504

Nathan paused, letting the silence stretch when Nora didn't immediately reply. He let out a low chuckle. "What's on your mind? Are you thinking about coming back to the station?"

Nora gave an honest hum of agreement.

With the case breaking wide open, she was practically crawling out of her skin.

She was caught in a brutal tug-of-war.

On one side, her best friend's crucial blind date.

On the other, the biggest break in their investigation.

It was a massive headache.

"If I cancel my time off right now, can I make it back in time?"

"Aren't you worried Valerie will chase you all the way to the airport?"

Nora fell silent.

Once he finished laughing, Nathan's voice softened to reassure her. "Relax. We have a whole precinct full of people. You don't have to carry the weight of every single detail on your shoulders."

"The forensic team is already examining the bones, and we'll handle the statements."

"If you want the updates, I'll brief you later. You're supposed to be on leave, so act like it. Stop obsessing over work."

Nora knew he was right.

She couldn't have it both ways. Since she had promised to support Valerie, she needed to see it through. Bailing now would ruin Valerie's night and severely strain their friendship.

"I know, I know."

Nora mumbled, idly scratching the back of her phone case in frustration. "Just promise you'll tell me as soon as you have results."

Hearing the rare, almost pouty tone in her voice, Nathan felt a surge of warmth in his chest.

"I promise."

"If we wrap up early, I'll come pick you up."

Nora agreed without hesitation.

Sensing her gaze, Julian looked up.

Behind the gold-rimmed glasses, his narrow, predatory eyes were strikingly clear.

Nora instinctively paused.

If anyone else had that look, she would have assumed they were innocent and naive.

But on Julian, it reminded her of liquid mercury—bright and reflective, yet impossible to see what lay beneath the surface.

"Nora, you're finally back!"

Valerie spotted her, instantly beaming. She stood up, linked her arm through Nora's, and pulled her into the seat next to her.

"This is my best friend. She came with me today for moral support. Her name is—"

"Nora Hayes."

"The renowned forensic doctor."