Chapter 195 You Only Get
One Shot
“I don’t have time.” Yvonne’s voice was firm, a rare show of defiance.
“Don’t you want to go out and find a job?” Norton’s tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if her answer didn’t faze him in the slightest.
Yvonne’s fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her palms. If Norton were standing in front of her right now, she wouldn’t think twice about slapping that smug look off his face. Did he enjoy threatening her? Was it some kind of twisted habit?
“Why so quiet?” Norton pressed.
Yvonne drew in a sharp breath. “Norton, I really have something important to do. Whether you see it as a favor or a simple act of mercy, sometimes, a small kindness matters a lot to me.”
Norton let out a slow smirk, his voice as sharp as ice. “Is that so? You should know by now, Yvonne I’ve never been the charitable type.”
“Then maybe it’s time you tried,” she shot back. “Who knows? One good deed might actually change your life for the better.”
Norton chuckled, completely unfazed, “No need. My life is already perfect.”
Yvonne bit her tongue. She really wanted to curse him out on the spot. What a jerk! He always knew exactly how to get under her skin.
“Norton, I’m serious. I really have something important to take care of.”
“And what could possibly be more important than me?” Norton asked.
“Well, it’s just that-”
But before Yvonne could get another word in, Norton cut her off. “If you can keep me satisfied for the next few days, I’ll make sure you get your freedom to work. But if you pass this up, there won’t be a second chance. The choice is yours.”
Yvonne had been prepared to argue, to push back and negotiate, but before she could, the line went dead.
She dialed him again, but he ignored her calls on purpose.
Instead, a message lit up her screen.
It was a message from Norton–his flight details, down to the exact airport, flight number, and most importantly, his arrival time.
Her jaw tightened in frustration as another message popped up. “You only get one shot; don’t miss your
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Chapter 195 You Only Get One Shot
chance.”
The meaning was painfully clear.
She had never dealt with anyone so infuriating, so impossible.
Her stomach churned with frustration, and she typed out a quick, half–hearted response. “Got it!”
On the other end of the conversation, Norton stared at her message, his expression darkening.
That was it?
That was all she had to say?
Dissatisfied, he turned his phone toward Leif, arching an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean? Is she coming to pick me up or not?”
Leif blinked at the message, caught completely off guard. He hesitated, rubbing the back of his head. “She’s a sharp one. Even I can’t tell what she’s thinking.”
Norton’s gaze hardened at Leif’s response, clearly unimpressed.
“Since when did you start singing her praises? What did she give you?” Norton’s voice was laced with suspicion.
“I swear, nothing at all!” Leif immediately defended himself, his expression earnest.
“Or was it my grandfather? Did he offer you something to speak highly of her in front of me?” Norton’s tone sharpened, his gaze scrutinizing.
Leif shook his head firmly. “No, not at all.”
“Hmph. Then remember where your loyalties lie and whose side you’re on,” Norton said, his voice dripping with warning.
Without another word, he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Brian. “I’ve done my part.”
Brian’s response came instantly.
“Thanks!”
Norton smirked. With the years they’d spent as friends, he knew Brian well enough to understand that a simple “thanks” carried weight. And coming from Brian, it was enough.
Meanwhile, as Yvonne paid the bill and made her way back, unease settled in her chest. The more she thought about it, the more something felt wrong.
Norton was never one to be serious about his work. If he said a week, he meant a week.
Even if things were ahead of schedule, he wouldn’t return so abruptly.
There had to be a reason.
Then it clicked.
Rachel had learned about Norton’s return from Brian. It had to be Brian’s plan all along–getting Norton to come back early so he could get close to Rachel.
If that was the case, she couldn’t let Brian have his way.
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Chapter 195 You Only Get One Shot
If she let this happen, he’d only end up breaking Rachel’s heart.
The next day, Yvonne woke up early.
Once everything was set, she carried an armful of supplies and made her way to Rachel’s place.
She took full control of breakfast and lunch, handling every step from cooking to cleaning, making sure Rachel didn’t have to lift a finger.
She even set up the TV and queued up Rachel’s favorite shows.
Rachel spent the entire day resting, alternating between eating and sleeping, and her condition improved significantly.
Especially with Yvonne’s home–cooked meals, her strength seemed to return even faster.
“Yvonne, I swear your cooking just keeps getting better.” Rachel’s voice was full of admiration as she savored another bite.
Jeffrey piped up cheerfully, “Yeah, Yvonne! Your food is amazing! I ate so much at lunch!”
Yvonne’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she teased, “So, Jeffrey, whose cooking do you like more–mine or your sister’s?”
“They’re different.” He tilted his head thoughtfully.
“Oh? How so?” Yvonne pressed with curiosity.
“When you cook for me, I feel really happy… but mostly grateful. But when my sister cooks, it makes me sad because I see how hard she works, and I don’t want her to be tired.”
Jeffrey’s words melted both Yvonne’s and Rachel’s hearts.
Rachel immediately took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Jeffrey, I love cooking for you. It doesn’t make me tired at all.”
Her voice was warm, filled with sincerity. “I don’t need anything in return–just having you here with me is enough.”
Jeffrey nodded, then suddenly remembered something. His expression turned curious. “Rachel, you were really sick this time… Why didn’t your boyfriend come to see you?”
