Chapter 3 Sweetie, Save Me!

• "She's not happy with you," Luca remarked with a grin, obviously enjoying the drama.
• Jordan put down the papers he held and probed casually, "So, where exactly does she have a problem with me?"
• His office had a great city view through floor-to-ceiling windows behind him. He dressed sharply in a black suit that showed off his perfect figure; every move he made had a royal vibe.
• "I don't know. When I talked to her earlier, she mentioned personal stuff keeping her busy. As I brought up the Dawson Family, she refused without more talk," Luca guessed seriously.
• He teased, "I've heard Dr. Luna is quite a looker. Maybe she's someone from your past who's still sore about something."
• "Oh? Well, I guess I'll have to meet her to find out," Jordan replied casually, tapping his desk with his fingers. He then hinted to Luca, "It shouldn't be hard to track her down."
• "If you need help finding her, it'll cost extra," Luca replied before leaving. Then he stopped and asked, "Did you see Zayn when he got back from the competition?"
• "No," Jordan replied flatly, fixated on the papers.
• Luca hesitated, sensing there was more to it. He reflected, If Dr. Luna agrees to join the drug research, it could save Zayn. That's why Jordan is so determined to find her.
• Later that day, Jordan got a text from Luca. 'Dr. Luna will be at the charity bash tonight.'
• As night fell, the charity bash at Dawsons Hotel in Caldoria got underway.
• Rocking a gorgeous backless gown in ocean blue, Nora mingled with a glass of red wine in hand at the event hall.
• Last night's talks had bombed, leaving the Clarke Family's mess still hanging. When Nora heard Mr. Thorne, the boss of the pharmaceutical company looking to buy Radiant Pharmaceuticals, would be there, she figured she'd give it another shot. She'd never met the guy before, so she scanned the crowd, going off pics she'd seen in the news.
• Not paying attention, Nora bumped into someone in the crowded hall. "Seriously? You've stained my gown. Can you even pay for this?" A sharp voice turned heads nearby, though she was the one who ran into Nora.
• Frowning, Nora was about to fire back when she looked up and saw her stepsister, Dolla Clarke, right there. I can't risk Dolla recognizing me—it'll screw up my plan to save Radiant Pharmaceuticals. Thinking fast, Nora slipped away before Dolla could put two and two together.
• Dolla was too busy fussing over her dress to notice who Nora was. "You think you can just walk away without saying sorry? Hold up!" Her feisty attitude made her chase after Nora to sort things out.
• The more she hollered, the quicker Nora walked, not bothering where she was headed. Eventually, a bodyguard stepped in and blocked Dolla in the nearby lounge area.
• Surprised to see the Dawson Family's bodyguards, Dolla wondered, Is Mr. Jordan here at the event?
• As Nora walked on, she unintentionally bumped into a stranger's chest as she turned around. "Oops, sorry."
• "Are you trying to charm me by falling into my arms?" came a mocking remark and a smile. Jordan instinctively held her waist, his hand resting lightly on her bare back and his fingers tracing a gentle path.
• Caught off guard, Nora froze in his embrace. A flicker of fear crossed her face as she thought, How do I end up in the wolf's den after dodging Dolla?
• "You've got the wrong person," Nora fibbed, trying to break free from Jordan's hold.
• Jordan chuckled at her reaction. He'd been frustrated earlier about not confirming Luna's identity at the banquet, but now he seemed pleasantly surprised to find his ex-wife in his arms.
• "Wrong person? Maybe this gown hides too much." Jordan's fingers snagged the strap of Nora's gown and tore it open swiftly. The gown slipped, shocking Nora into covering her chest and turning away.
• However, Jordan pressed her against the wall before she could react. He sandwiched her between his warm chest and the cool surface. "Now I can see clearly; it's my ex-wife," he stated, lifting her chin gently as she flushed faintly.
• Nora's heart raced, unsure of Jordan's intentions. Last night, he bitterly called me his ex-wife, so why the playful act now?
• Standing pressed against him, she couldn't ignore the height difference that almost made her cling to his chest and caught a whiff of his cologne.
• "Jordan, what are you doing?" Nora asked.
• Jordan replied with a smirk, "You used to call me 'Honey.'"
• Nora hesitated, unsure how to respond. She wondered, You never even touched me before! We were married a whole year without even holding hands, so why this sudden closeness after the divorce?
• Nora stayed quiet, her cheeks blushed and breathless. She couldn't tell if it was resentment and awkwardness from the accidental exposure or his mixed signals that left her feeling all twisted up.
• Recognizing she couldn't just walk away, Nora took a deep breath, then lowered her posture and earnestly stated, "With your high status, you shouldn't waste time on me. I'm sorry for upsetting you and promise not to cross paths with you again."
• Her knack for putting on a sweet, agreeable front had always been her strong suit, something she'd used to fool him before.
• "Don't worry, my dear ex-wife. It's been ages since I saw you last, and I'd love to catch up. Tonight's the perfect chance." Jordan looked down at her, noticing her flushed face.
• Nora replied, "What if I refuse?"
• "Are you sure you can leave?" Jordan retorted.
• Silence. It was a clear threat.
• "Jordan, this is a public area. If I make a scene, it'll mess with the Dawson Family's reputation." Nora decided to push back, daring to threaten him.
• Seeing the sharpness and determination in her eyes, Jordan found her even more interesting, a quality he'd unnoticed before.
• "You can go now if you don't mind making a scene. I won't stop you." He loosened his grip, signaling she could go.
• Nora stood there, staring at him in disbelief. It wasn't that she wanted to stick around, but her dress was snagged in his hand. She could leave, but it meant leaving half-naked.
• "I'll give you a choice. Leave or stay." Jordan glanced at her faintly, emanating authority as he made his request.
• Nora bit back her fury, never expecting Jordan to be so twisted. "Fine, I'll go along with you," she conceded, afraid he might publicly embarrass her in revenge. Reluctantly following him, she was flanked by Jordan's bodyguards on both sides.
• Dolla unexpectedly still lingered as they left the lounge. She greeted, "Mr. Jordan, I didn't expect to see you here tonight."
• When Nora heard Dolla's voice, she swiftly ducked behind Jordan and grabbed his suit to shield herself.
• Jordan oddly seemed pleased by her quick move.
• He brushed off Dolla while the bodyguards stopped her.
• The furious Dolla caught sight of a woman trailing behind Jordan, though she couldn't make out her face. She cursed, "If it weren't for Nora's tricks, I could've married into the Dawson Family!" Inwardly, she thought, Someone as perfect as Mr. Jordan is what I want!
• Later, the elevator shot straight up to the top-floor suite at the Dawsons Hotel.
• Nora gripped her skirt tightly, feeling anxious as they entered the suite.
• Jordan looked around the suite, satisfied. He smirked and stated, "I've got some things to take care of first. Be a good sport and wait for me. No sneaking out through the window this time."
• Nora remained silent, thinking, Jumping out is a death wish; he's teasing me with a warning.
• Jordan locked Nora in, securing the door with a password.
• Panicked, she instantly called Hudson and urgently whispered, "Sweetie, come save me!"