I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 109

Zelda set the cake down on the table, striking a match to light the candles. The flickering glow danced across her affectionate features as she straightened up, her gaze fixed fondly on Nora.

"Nora, when you first arrived at this institute ten years ago, you barely knew your way around the practical equipment. But over this past decade, your growth has been explosive. You've surpassed everyone."

She paused, her voice softening even further. "You are my most brilliant protégé, but you are also the most accommodating. And honestly, that's what pains me the most. You're constantly sacrificing your own needs for the sake of others. From now on, I want you to start prioritizing yourself. Put yourself first, because that is what truly matters."

Hearing those words while standing in front of the illuminated cake, a lump formed in Nora's throat, and her eyes burned with unshed tears.

Back at the Fletcher estate, she had endured Finnegan's brutal interrogation without shedding a single tear. But in this room, her mentor's heartfelt sincerity shattered her carefully constructed defenses.

The rest of the team gathered around, showering her with warm wishes. Nora hastily wiped at her eyes, unable to fight the massive smile taking over her face.

Felix leaned against the wall, watching the scene with his arms crossed. Suddenly, he chimed in with a teasing drawl, "Mrs. Vance, you're playing favorites here. You definitely didn't throw a bash this grand for my ten-year milestone."

Zelda shot him a playfully sharp look. "You aren't nearly as important as Nora, and you know it."

Felix instantly exaggerated a dramatic pout, looking like he had suffered the greatest injustice in the world, though his eyes were dancing with amusement. "You really are biased, Mrs. Vance."

Nora burst into laughter at their effortless banter. She clapped her hands, waving everyone over. "Stop standing around! Come on, let's cut the cake."

Felix grabbed the plastic knife and effortlessly sliced the cake, naturally handing the largest piece straight to Nora.

With nearly a dozen people packed into the small breakroom, the atmosphere was as rowdy and joyous as a holiday party.

Zelda and the rest of the team stood by, watching the chaotic chase with warm, knowing smiles.

Once the festivities wound down, Nora rolled up her sleeves, ready to help the team tidy up. She had just picked up a rag when Zelda firmly grabbed her wrist.

"You and Felix go out and get some fresh air. We'll handle the cleanup. We made the mess in the first place, so there's absolutely no reason for you to stay behind and scrub counters."

Nora tried to insist, opening her mouth to say that more hands made lighter work, but Zelda deliberately darkened her expression. "You're just going to be in our way here."

Nora blinked in surprise before letting out a soft laugh. She dropped the rag back onto the table. "Alright, Mrs. Vance. We'll head out, then."

She and Felix walked out of the breakroom one after the other. Strolling behind her, Felix watched her back, the casual amusement in his eyes melting into a deep, quiet tenderness.