Love on the Fast Track (Derek and Norah)

Chapter 88:

Aaron stepped forward, his finger aimed at Kathy. “You filthy girl! How vulgar and unmannered of you! Slander us

again, and I'll be forced to show you the door with a hanger!”

Madeline positioned herself in front of Kathy, her eyebrows lifted as she glanced at Norah. “Norah, isn’t it time

you managed your entourage? They're overly protective, verging on the irrational.”

The directness of Madeline's statement was unmistakable.

Joanna's temper flared at once. She addressed Madeline with a frosty tone, “Do you really think your Powell

family holds any sway in Glophia? Are you aware of who | am? My brother could decimate the Powell family’s

fortune by two-thirds in an instant.”

Madeline's complexion drained of color as she quickly tried to amend her words. “Miss Andrews, that wasn’t my

intention. My issue was with Norah, not you.”

Kathy struggled to swallow, observing Joanna’s commanding presence. To Kathy, Joanna emanated the aura of a

distinguished family, unlike Norah, who seemed just another face in the crowd. It was this contrast that

emboldened Kathy and Madeline to taunt Norah.

With a scoff, Joanna retorted, “My words fall on deaf ears? How dare you belittle Norah? She’s askedto

ignore your antics before, but you've crossed the line this time.”

Norah met Kathy's and Madeline's gaze with a serene expression. “Getting upset over them is pointless. Think of

them as mere fools.”

Aaron, impressed, gave a thumbs up. “Your composure is admirable.” He was surprised by Norah's patience

under mockery, yet

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He suspected that anger simmered beneath her calm surface, especially considering the incident with her hand.

Joanna pressed on. “Norah might overlook your taunts, but | won't. Crossand you'll learn your lesson.”

Joanna's gaze was icy as she smiled. “Ever heard of Jordy? Arrogant as he used to be, he didn’t dare play against

me. He seems quite timid in my presence. Care to test your reach?”

Aaron's applause broke the silence. “Well spoken, Joanna!” Touched by their support, he suggested with a smile,

“Why don’t you two go shopping or whatever? Leave us be. You might regret the outcotherwise.”

Madeline, catching Joanna's chilling stare, felt a wave of fear. Her boldness toward Norah had stemmed from the

belief that Norah lacked backing, unlike herself, with the Powell and Carter families behind her. Yet, she

recognized that provoking the Andrews family was a mistake.

Kathy nudged Madeline, whispering, “Madeline, she’s upset. We should leave now. Any complaint to her family

about us could spell disaster for our families.”

Kathy understood that Joanna's threat wasn’t empty. Bryson indeed had the power to obliterate a significant

portion of both the Powell and Carter families’ assets. His influence and strength far surpassed that of their

families in Glophia.

Madeline, feeling a mix of defiance and resignation, addressed Joanna. “Miss Andrews, | get that you're sticking

up for your friend, but here's a piece of advice. Norah isn’t as saintly as you think. Watch out.”

“She might just turn on you.”

Joanna's response was swift and sharp. “And you think you're in a position to lecture Norah?”

Barely concealing her amusement at their disgruntled expressions, Norah chimed in, “We've spelled it out for

you. Are you really going to stand here making a spectacle of yourselves? Leave now, or | can’t promise you

won't regret staying.”

Kathy, genuinely intimidated by Joanna, tugged at Madeline's sleeve. “Madeline, perhaps it's best we leave for

now.”

Kathy was acutely aware of the havoc Bryson could wreak on the Carter family if Joanna decided to involve him.

She realized that in Derek's eyes, Madeline held a place far more significant than she did. The prospect of Derek

holding her accountable for provoking the Andrews family made her chicken out.

With a reluctant scowl, Madeline conceded, “Fine. Let's go.” She cast a lingering look of animosity toward Norah

before exiting the BelleVogue boutique with Kathy.

Aaron dismissed the salesperson who had been shadowing them. “You can attend to someone else. I've got it

from here.”

“Understood.”

With the salesperson gone, Aaron explained to Norah and Joanna, “This salesperson is new to the main office

and doesn’t recognize you two yet.”

It was common knowledge among BelleVogue's staff that Norah and Joanna were frequent patrons. Their visits

were usually attended to by Aaron.

Leading them further into the store, Aaron offered his assistance. “What brings you here today? Letknow

what you're looking for.”

Joanna's spirits seemed to lift after Kathy's and Madeline's departure.

She teased, “Does Norah really need your help picking out clothes? She’s got a better eye than you do.”

Aaron felt a sting from her words. “Joanna, that’s a bit harsh.”

Now more relaxed, Norah perused a selection of high-fashion dresses. “I need a dress for an auction. Something

that fits well.”

“Alright, a dress for an auction. Let's see what we can find.” Upon seeing the options Aaron presented, Norah

replied, “There’s so much to choose from. Let's not rush. Feel free to try on whichever dress catches your eye.”

Joanna was enthusiastic about her selection. “Norah, this one looks fantastic on you. You should definitely give it

a try.”

As Norah emerged from the changing room, clad in the stunning dress, Joanna and Aaron, who had been in mid-

conversation, stopped and stared in awe. “You look absolutely breathtaking.”

“You're incredibly gorgeous.”

Their compliments echoed together.

Adorned in the striking dress, Norah seemed nothing short of a goddess. Her figure was accentuated beautifully

by the dress’s design. It was a shoulder-less fishtail cut, crafted from shimmering silver-white fabric that

cascaded down from her waist in fluid waves. With her hair elegantly pinned up, her slender neck and the

softness of her skin were on full display, lending her an air of suprgrace.

Joanna couldn't help but compliment, “Norah’s physique is just perfect. She makes any dress look stunning. Truly

breathtaking.”

“Apart from being a gifted designer, Norah could have made a remarkable model. She’s got the looks and the

figure—just imagine,” Aaron mused.

Joanna couldn't resist a playful eye roll. “Aaron, get real. The incNorah earns from her work in design and

medicine far exceeds what she’d make as a model. Plus, why would she dive into modeling? It’s not the easiest

path.”

“Joanna, are you implying that other professions are a challenge?” Aaron teased.

“In Norah's case, breaking into any field would be effortless,” Joanna countered with confidence.

Overhearing their playful squabble, Norah offered a smile. “This dress is the one. Aaron, could you pack it up for

me? I'll pay with my card.”

Joanna, reaching into Norah's purse, presented a sleek black card to Aaron. “What are you waiting for? Use this

card.”