Chapter 6

Lily’s expression darkened slightly at Nora’s taunting tone.

What was she showing off for?

“Nora, you did well in the competition this time, I won’t deny that. But let’s be honest—landing first place wasn’t just about your talent. The Luther family helped, and Travis was thinking of your future. Even if you don’t appreciate the gesture, there’s no need to say things that hurt your relationship.”

Nora turned her gaze on her, cool and mocking.

“You’re not even worth the effort it takes to argue. You lost. You don’t get to question my abilities. And as for your so-called kindness? No thanks.”

Lily choked on her words, momentarily speechless.

Travis’s face clouded with frustration. He hated this version of Nora—sharp, defiant.

“Nora, this conversation is between you and me. Don’t take it out on others.”

“Then why did you bring her?” Nora shot back.

“Or you can’t spend a minute without her? If that’s the case, why haven’t you signed the divorce papers yet?”

Lily cast a wounded look at Travis.

He ignored it.

Instead, he studied Nora carefully.

So that’s what this was—she was upset about him spending time with someone else.

“I’ve explained this before. She’s your sister. There’s nothing inappropriate between us.

You’re still Mrs. Luther—if you know your place.”

The last thing Nora ever wanted to hear was someone telling her to “know her place.”

She immediately stood up and looked down at him with icy disdain.

“How generous of you, Mr. Luther. But I don’t want to be Mrs. Luther. You can sign the divorce papers and go enjoy your happily ever after.”

For once, Travis looked stunned.

“You’re really divorcing me... just because I won’t let you go overseas?”

“Think whatever you want.”

She turned to leave, but he stood and blocked her path again.

“Nora, are you done throwing a tantrum?

“If you really want to work in fashion, I can arrange a position at the company—or set up a studio for you. Why run off abroad just to struggle?”

Nora looked at him with unreadable calm. There wasn’t the slightest flicker of excitement in her expression.

“Save your generous offers for Lily. I don’t need anything from you.”

And with that, she brushed past him and walked out.

Travis hadn’t expected her to be this firm. He’d backed off, offered alternatives—yet she still walked away.

His frustration darkened into something colder.

If she didn’t respond to kindness, he’d resort to force.

He’d get that study spot back—even if it meant tearing it from her hands.

—

“Nora…”

Lily was thrilled that things had escalated this far, but of course, she had to act concerned in front of Travis.

She said softly, “She’s just saying things in anger. Don’t take it to heart. I’ll go talk to her again. Maybe she’ll calm down.”

Travis didn’t say yes, but his silence was permission enough.

Lily quickly followed Nora out and caught up to her at the entrance of Horizon Corporation.

“Wait—I need to talk to you.”

Nora had just about had it. This again?

She saw Lily reaching for her arm and stepped back immediately.

“Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough for one day? Want me to help you go viral again?”

Lily’s face tensed. She looked around quickly.

Luckily, none of the bystanders from earlier were around. Her fake smile dropped.

She glared at Nora and hissed, “What are you so smug about? I stopped you to tell you—you didn’t win me before, and you won’t win me now. Don’t believe me? Just wait and see.”

Nora laughed.

Love really did make people stupid.

“Fine. Let’s see.”

She pushed past Lily and strode into the building.

Lily stumbled slightly from the bump but didn’t dare make a scene. If anyone noticed, it’d backfire again.

—

Upstairs, Nora inquired about the contract. Just as Lily had hinted, the company said that due to the competitiveness of this year’s program, internal reviews were more stringent. She’d have to wait another two days.

Nora had no doubt Travis was behind this.

But she wasn’t backing down.

As long as she didn’t give in, they couldn’t take the spot from her.

—

Back at her apartment, Nora buried herself in sketching. The overseas program was still under review, but her freelance orders hadn’t stopped.

She had a gut feeling they might try to block her again—so she was preparing for every possibility.

When she finally finished her latest order, she stretched her aching back.

Just then, her phone rang.

Travis.

She hung up immediately.

A few minutes later, it rang again—Quinton this time.

She declined that call too.

At last, silence.

After finishing her drink, she picked up the phone again. One unread message.

From Travis.

“Tomorrow’s Mom’s birthday. She wants us back for dinner. Don’t forget. And remember to bring a gift.”

Nora scoffed and tossed the phone aside.

They were practically divorced. Why would she show up to his family dinner?

—

The next day, she went out to hand-deliver a design draft to a long-time client—one who had supported her since she first opened her store.

This client ran a mid-to-high-end fashion brand and was very detail-oriented. All drafts had to be submitted in person.

After the handoff, the client stepped away to call finance and asked Nora to wait.

She began browsing casually around the boutique—

when a familiar voice chirped behind her.

“Nora! What a surprise to see you here. Are you picking out a gift for Mrs. Luther?

I’m shopping for one too. We can pick something together!”

Nora turned to see Lily beaming at her, overly enthusiastic.

“No thanks,” she said flatly. “You worry about yours—I’ll handle mine.”

If this wasn’t her client’s store, she would’ve kicked Lily out on the spot.

But Lily wasn’t fazed.

“We’re sisters, Nora. No need to be so distant. Tonight’s a formal dinner. If you show up without a proper gift, she’ll definitely be offended.”

Nora looked at her, eyes filled with icy amusement.

“And what does that have to do with you? Why are you so eager to help? You think if you help me pick the right gift, she’ll accept you?”

Something flickered behind Lily’s eyes—resentment—but her smile only grew sweeter.

“You’re misunderstanding. I don’t care about being accepted. I just wanted to help.”

She lowered her voice like she was offering a favor.

“After all, you’ve been home with Quinton all these years. I doubt you’ve kept up with recent trends. This store specializes in newer styles—no way you’ve seen them before.”

Nora’s voice cut clean through the air.

“And how would you know what I have or haven’t seen?”