I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 57

Nora turned her head. The glass doors to the balcony were slightly ajar, the dark gray sheer curtains fluttering in the night breeze.

A man was sitting on the chaise lounge, his broad back blending into the dim lighting. She immediately recognized that silhouette.

Frowning slightly, she hesitated for a second before walking over.

Xander sat alone on the balcony, swirling a glass of champagne as he stared out at the glittering cityscape.

He was slouched deep into the cushions, looking utterly relaxed yet radiating an indescribable sense of isolation. The evening breeze ruffled the dark hair across his forehead.

The man slowly turned his head. The moment his eyes landed on her, they narrowed into a cold, condescending glare. "Since you're already here, you might as well take a seat."

Nora had intended to just change her clothes—she practically had the wardrobe open—but Xander's voice stopped her in her tracks. The man exuded a bone-deep weariness, a stark contrast to the sharp, commanding titan he played for the cameras.

Nora sat down on the chair beside him.

Taking a sip of his drink, Xander kept his eyes fixed ahead. "You must have gone to a lot of trouble to track me down."

Nora's chest tightened. He had definitely misunderstood the situation.

"I wasn't tracking you down," she replied smoothly. "I just needed a place to change. A waiter brought me here, saying it was a backup lounge that no one used."

She paused, glancing around the dimly lit room. "But I have to admit, I am a bit curious. The banquet tonight is so grand, yet you're hiding out here all by yourself. Where's Bonnie?"

It was public knowledge that Xander dotted on his daughter to an obsessive degree, bringing her absolutely everywhere. She shouldn't have been missing from an event like this.

Xander raised an eyebrow and finally turned to face her.

"You are far more formidable than I imagined, Ms. Newman. In just a few days, you've managed to make Bonnie completely obsessed with you. What exactly did you do?"

Nora was taken aback. She hadn't done anything manipulative—just what any mother would do in her shoes.

"To be honest, Mr. Harrison, I didn't do anything," she said, looking him dead in the eye. "I have a child of my own, so I just understand what Bonnie needs."

Xander didn't respond.

Nora looked away. "The rumor out there is that you're hosting this banquet tonight in memory of your late wife."

It was an open secret in their social circles. Supposedly, Xander's wife had passed away from an illness three years ago, and he hosted this extravagant gala on the anniversary every single year. Most people praised him for his undying devotion.

Nora nodded. She knew she had probably cemented herself in his mind as a scheming, calculating woman, but she didn't care.

"I know you've got the wrong impression of me," she said. "If I said I didn't want the funding, I'd be lying. Everyone in this building wants it."

She made no attempt to defend herself. "But I have zero interest in using underhanded tactics to get it. I want you to see my genuine capability. I know that sounds like empty rhetoric and you probably won't believe me, but it's the truth."

She looked down, letting out a self-deprecating laugh. "I really only came in here to change my dress. I had no idea you were here. Do you mind if I change before heading out? Walking out there looking like this would be completely humiliating."

Xander didn't reply. He lifted his glass for another sip, turning his gaze back to the glittering city lights. "Suit yourself."

Nora stood up and walked over to the wardrobe. Inside, several backup evening gowns hung in various sizes. She grabbed a dark green slip dress and stepped into the small changing nook in the corner.

When she came back out, Xander was still sitting in the exact same position, looking as if he hadn't moved an inch.

"I'll get out of your hair, Mr. Harrison," Nora said from the doorway. "And I promise I won't tell anyone you're hiding in here."

Xander didn't turn around.