Chapter 134
At the bustling A-City International Airport, people bustled in and out. The PA system was announcing arrivals and departures of flights from around the world.
At the gate.
"Tony!" Nora couldn't contain her excitement as she spotted her brother's tall figure emerging through the gate. She waved frantically and bounded towards him like a little girl, hurling herself into his arms. She hugged him tightly, tears brimming in her eyes. It had only been three months since their last meeting in Germany, but this time things were different. Tony was coming home to take over the reins of The Eilish Group and would be staying in the city-no more separation for the siblings.
Tony's assistant followed, carrying his luggage, and greeted Nora with a polite smile, 'Miss Nora.' Passersby, witnessing their embrace, mistook them for a couple, marveling at their striking looks.
Some girls, drawn to Tony's handsome features, couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment.
During the ride, Nora appeared unusually upbeat, casting aside her usual grace and composure for a more girlish whimsy, chatting more than usual. "Mom wanted to come today, but she's hassled by a migraine. I convinced her to rest at home. Dad's flight arrives tonight," Nora said, beaming at Tony as they settled into the car.
Tony nodded. "Mm-hmm."
"Bro, you just keep getting more handsome," Nora couldn't help but exclaim. At 25, Tony had left any trace of boyishness behind, maturing into an aura of elegance-effortlessly charming.
Nora grew up basking in compliments, but she always thought her brother was the more beautiful one. Even compared to Samuel, each had their merits.
Samuel had a cool and detached aura, while Tony was the epitome of a gracious gentleman-refined, mild-mannered. She had never seen him lose his temper or show signs of anger.
Samuel preferred to dress in black, but Tony had an affinity for lighter hues. At the moment, dressed in a white shirt layered with a beige, thin-knit sweater and sporting tasteful gold-rimmed glasses, he was the personification of a distinguished heir with every gesture.
"Didn't you bring me a sister-in-law from Germany?"
Tony chuckled, his smile bright.
"You've never seemed to have a girlfriend... you're not, you know..." Nora teased with a sly grin.
"You're worrying too much," Tony replied with a warm smile.
"Or maybe you're asexual? Not interested in anyone?"
Tony just laughed in response. He hadn't met the right woman yet and wasn't in any rush. He was like his own temperament-calm and content.
"But with you being so handsome, I can hardly imagine any woman good enough for you. It's better you don't look; you can keep pampering me then," she teased.
"Even if I did, you'd still be my most cherished sister," Tony said, his gaze tender enough to melt hearts.
"Easy for you to say now, but I bet I'll be second fiddle once you're smitten. Anyway, I'll drop you home first; I've got to check on the new office renovations for Mom later."
"Office?"
Nora nodded. "Mom gets pretty bored at home by herself, so I suggested Dad should have a few businesses started for her to pass the time."
"That sounds like a good idea. Haven't you been tied up with surgeries, though?"
"I've been super busy lately, so I decided to take some time off," Nora replied.
"Good, make sure you take care of yourself."
A wave of warmth overcame Nora. "Bro, it's really good to have you back."
She wouldn't turn to him for romantic advice, but facing the biggest setback of her life, having her dearest brother by her side gave her extra strength.
"What's wrong?" Anthony noticed something was off with her mood.
"Nothing." Nora forced a smile. "I've always been clinging to you, aren't I just happy you're home?"
There were some things Anthony preferred not to ask about, but he was concerned.
Sunlight danced through those amber eyes.
His Adam's apple bobbed as he said, "I saw Mr. Holland's interview in Germany."
Nora stiffened a smile. "You know how those reporters are, always looking for a story."
"Mr. Holland said those things himself. He's measured in his words. When he says something, he's considered it carefully. I've done business with him. He's a man of his word with no room for backpedaling," Anthony spoke gently but with a hint of severity.
"I don't interfere with your personal life, but, I hope you know when to cut your losses."
Nora didn't like hearing this, even though it was Anthony looking out for her. Her gaze chilled.
"Love that's never been tested can't be strong. If you give up at the first sign of trouble, is there such a thing as true love? I've finally found a man I like, and I won't give up on him, no matter what anyone says. I've been determined from the start."
Anthony opened his mouth but then chose to hold back his advice.
He hadn't been in love, but he understood that love was both crazy and steadfast.
"As long as you've thought it through."
I'm not impulsive. I might even need your help someday," Nora responded.
"Of course, whenever you need me, just say the word. As your brother, I'll always be there for you," Anthony said with a genteel demeanor but with resolute words that offered Nora immense security.
"Thanks, bro."
...
At Holland Inc.
Design department.
Layla was staring blankly at an email from Nora.
"What's got you so down?" Alice rested her hand on her shoulder.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Yeah, her face was all scrunched up like she'd bitten into a lemon. Whoa, and she's already on a new project? Tsk, Mr. Marley sure plays favorites," Alice grumbled.
"I'd gladly hand this project off to you if I could," Layla sighed with resignation.
"Hand it off to me? Isn't that unlike you to not jump in headfirst?"
Layla was about to reply when her phone rang-it was Nora.
Holding her phone as if it were a hot potato, she nearly tossed it away.
Alice caught her meaningful glance and stepped away.
Biting her lip, Layla answered just as the screen began to dim. "Miss Eilish."
"Miss Adkins, good afternoon. I'm currently at the office. Come on over, I'll send you the address."
"Now? But I have a meeting soon."
"It's fine, just say Nathan ordered it; no one will give you grief. I'll wait for you."
Nora hung up without leaving room for refusal.
Layla let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Even though Nora was gentle-natured, as a daughter of wealth, she had an inherent assertiveness, accustomed to issuing commands and brooking no refusal.
A message with the address pinged on her phone.
I've got to head to the construction site. Can you cover for me at the meeting?" Layla asked Alice.
"Sure. Which site are you heading to?"
"The south side of the city."
"That's quite a trek. I drove my dad's car today; take it so you don't have to catch the bus again," Alice said, tossing her the car keys.
"Oh yeah, I had my fortune read for you again-said your third romance should show up today. Keep an eye out and let me know if it happens!" Alice yelled after her.
Layla shook her head in dismissal. Romance? She didn't need that sort of disturbance, she thought as she quickened her pace towards the elevator. What mattered was coming clean to Nora today.