The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 536

"Are you alright?"

Noticing her pale complexion, Nathan reached out and gently brushed his thumb across her cheek.

"I'm fine."

Nora caught his hand. "Sorry you had to see that joke of a scene."

Even though she was essentially done with Leonard, this pack of rabid dogs tearing each other apart represented a past she was inextricably tied to.

Worse, they would continue to infect her future.

They were like rotting flesh; unless completely excised, they would occasionally release a rancid stench just to make her sick.

"They're a joke. You aren't."

Nathan's tone was soft. "Nora, I will always admire Grace."

Nora paused, surprised. She had expected comfort, but not from this angle.

"Why is that?"

Nathan patted her back reassuringly. "Because she was brave enough to take that first step."

"She made the impossible choice to take you and walk out of that toxic household."

"I know you've both suffered so much since then, but whatever hardships you faced out here, they were far better than suffocating inside the Hayes family."

"And I owe her my deepest gratitude. She raised a truly incredible woman."

Tears suddenly spilled over Nora's lashes.

She was never one to cry, but in front of Nathan, her defenses always seemed to crumble.

This man's insight was simply too sharp.

And his words were just too tender.

Nora carefully wrapped her arms around his waist.

"And I will always be grateful for the man who saved me in that alley on that rainy day."

Nathan parted his lips, a mixture of amusement and helplessness in his voice. "Is my name really that hard to say? Hmm?"

Nora's face flushed hot.

She cleared her throat awkwardly.

Using his name in a moment like this just felt far too intimate.

Overhearing the whispers, Nathan didn't show a hint of embarrassment or anger. Instead, he shot the two officers an encouraging, "good job" look.

The officers barely stifled their laughter.

Nora missed the silent exchange entirely. Her blush vanished the moment Leonard marched over, a deeply troubled expression on his face.

"Nora, we need to talk."

Knowing Leonard would just relentlessly harass her if she refused, she finally relented.

They settled into a café right next to the hospital.

Before she even fully sat down, Nora snapped, "Make it quick. We have to get back to the station."

Leonard offered a bitter smile. "Nora, I know you're still blaming me."

"But there's something I've never told you: I am genuinely so proud of you."

"I saw the news about your latest case. They practically dedicated the entire broadcast to praising you. Nora, you truly are exceptional."

Nora stared at him, refusing to take the bait.

Unfazed by her icy silence, he pressed on. "With everything that's happened to the family, Mia's reputation is basically destroyed. So I was wondering if you could..."