Sam Noah and Uncle Austin began discussing business matters. Uncle Austin seemed to value Sam Noah, speaking to him more like a peer than an elder. Thelma then learned that this hotel was invested by Uncle Austin, which explained his presence here.
Uncle Austin and Sam Noah had a cooperative relationship; the family had a special wine that was served in several hotels under Uncle Austin’s name. This wine was quite famous internationally, and many people chose hotels based on it, making their collaboration a win-win strategy.
Thelma had nothing to say and focused on eating, just wanting to finish quickly and leave.
“I find it strange, Thelma, don’t you know Eric? Why are you pretending not to know him, not even greeting him?”
Norah’s sudden remark forced Thelma to stop being invisible. Norah was sitting directly across from her, and when she looked over, she saw her raising an eyebrow, smiling mockingly.
Indeed, her worries were not unfounded.
Upon hearing Norah’s words, Uncle Austin and Sam Noah also paused their conversation. Uncle Austin looked surprised and asked, “Thelma knows Dr. Eric?”
Before Thelma could respond, Norah interjected, “Of course they know each other; they were once a couple! I even heard that Thelma dumped Dr. Eric to be with Noah. What a pity for Dr. Eric, who was so devoted but ultimately let down.”
Uncle Austin felt awkward upon hearing this. He instinctively glanced at Sam Noah, but seeing that his expression hadn’t changed, Uncle Austin pretended he hadn’t heard anything and said, “Go help me get that bottle of red wine.”
Uncle Austin’s deliberate attempt to dismiss Norah was clearly to avoid continuing this topic. However, Norah pretended not to understand, calling for a hotel attendant to fetch it. She crossed her arms and casually said to Thelma, “Now that you’ve seen Dr. Eric, shouldn’t you apologize for abandoning him for your own interests back then?”
“Norah!” Uncle Austin scolded, “If you can’t hold your liquor, drink less. What nonsense are you talking about!?” Afterward, he smiled at Sam Noah and Thelma, saying, “This child is like this; spoiled since childhood.”
Sam Noah lowered his head to cut his steak, seemingly helpless, and chuckled, “Norah can’t even be controlled by my mom now. With her dad gone, among the elders, only Uncle Austin’s words carry some weight. Uncle Austin, you should talk to her more; otherwise, if her temper doesn’t get under control, she might end up in serious trouble.”
His words sounded casual and half-joking, but Uncle Austin’s expression changed upon hearing this. Norah, however, remained unfazed, even sneering, “What did I say wrong? Isn’t it true that Thelma abandoned her devoted Dr. Eric to cling to your leg? She’s so vain; upon seeing her former lover whom she betrayed, instead of apologizing, she pretends not to know him. If she can be so cold-hearted to her past lover, she might be cold-hearted to you too. I’m just helping you see your partner clearly; you should thank me instead of saying these things. Is that interesting?”
Thelma, who had been silent, looked over at Eric. He sat there, holding his knife and fork, but hadn’t moved for a long time. His expression was serious, as if deep in thought.
Suppressing her anger, Thelma tried to ask him calmly, “Did you tell Norah these things?”
Eric looked at her as if he had been pricked, his gaze sharp and hurt, but he quickly turned away, his face as cold as water. “I broke up with Thelma because I cheated; it had nothing to do with her.”
Norah was displeased upon hearing this, angrily saying, “Why are you defending her at this time?”
Eric was also angry, slamming his knife and fork down, producing a crisp sound. “What I said is the truth; I was the one who betrayed her.”
Norah was about to say more when Mr. Austin coldly interrupted, “Enough! Apologize quickly!”
Norah shot Thelma a cold glance, expecting her to apologize. Impossible! This wasn’t the Sam family! She snorted coldly, threw her knife and fork onto the table, and without a word, turned to leave.
“You!” Uncle Austin was also angered by her, his brows furrowing tightly. He then apologized to the others at the table and urged them to eat.
Perhaps to save face for Uncle Austin, everyone managed to finish the meal without further incident.
Back in her room, Thelma plopped heavily onto the sofa and gulped down a glass of water. The mention of her past with Eric made her feel extremely irritated, especially in front of Sam Noah.
Sam Noah sat down next to her, maintaining some distance. He picked up a cup and slowly poured water into it, casually asking her, “Do you still love him?”
Thelma didn’t expect him to suddenly ask this question. Without needing to think, she knew who he meant by “him.” She almost instinctively replied, “Of course not; that was a long time ago.”
