Chapter 7 How Dare You Touch My Woman?

• "You saw Luna last night?" Luca was curious about his reaction.
• Jordan lazily squinted his eyes and said with a wicked smile, "You guessed it. She's my old flame. For her to develop medicine for us, I should first resolve our past grievances."
• Both of the places he bumped into Nora seemed to be related somehow.
• "Find out what's going on with Clarke Pharmaceuticals."
• Since Nora was good at running away, he would make her come to him this time.
• …
• The next morning, Nora brought Hudson and Julia to report to their new school after having breakfast together.
• It was a Friday, with classes officially commencing the following Monday.
• On the way back home, she bought school supplies for them and stocked the new home's refrigerator at the supermarket.
• Hudson and Julia were sitting cheerily on the sofa while snacking and watching cartoons.
• However, Nora furrowed her brow. The two issues she came back to handle were stuck. She had missed two opportunities to meet Kevin Thorne. Clarke Pharmaceuticals had little time left. Suddenly, she received a call from Kevin's secretary, Alex Mckay.
• "My loves, I have a business meeting with Mr. Thorne. Order takeout for lunch. I'll be back soon."
• "Okay, Mommy. Take care. Bye-bye," Hudson and Julia bid her farewell with smiles.
• After she left, the siblings exchanged glances before switching off the TV and whipping out their iPads.
• "Julia, the hotel last night is owned by the Dawson Family. And only VVIPs stay in the penthouse suite. So, one of them must be behind Mommy's kidnap. But I forgot to save the parking lot footage when I deleted the surveillance footage. That's the key to finding the big meanie."
• "The Dawson Family? We passed by the parking lot entrance when we dropped Mommy off at the banquet last night. I think we saw their car license plate."
• If Hudson's brains were likened to a strategic mastermind, then Julia was his best assistant.
• She closed her eyes and delved into her memory. Despite only glancing at it once, she remembered it well. "The license plate is D-AY0725."
• "What a coincidence. July 25th is our birthday." Hudson then hacked into the city's traffic management center on the iPad. "With the license plate number, it's not difficult to find the big meanie who bullied Mommy."
• "You're the greatest, Hudson. Keep it up," she cheered while munching on potato chips.
• …
• At a foreign cuisine restaurant, Nora was led into the 7th-floor VIP area by a server after getting out of the car.
• And the stout Kevin was seated at a table by the window.
• Wait. So he reserved the entire place? Is Mr. Thorne that rich? Nora was confused but still went up to him with a small smile. "Hi, Mr. Thorne. I'm Nora."
• "I didn't know you were this gorgeous, Ms. Clarke. I would've met you sooner." His lecherous gaze immediately scanned her body.
• Nora stiffened slightly but maintained a polite smile as she sat on a chair furthest from him. "Mr. Thorne, thank you for agreeing to meet. I am here for Clarke Pharma—"
• "Ms. Clarke, there's no hurry. Let's order something first. We have one more important guest."
• After a while, said guest finally walked in with graceful strides. "Sorry for the wait." His lazy and deep voice sent chills down their spines.
• Nora suddenly froze. She regretted not leaving when she had the chance and contemplated what to order instead.
• "Mr. Jordan, you're too kind. It's my honor to wait for you. Please, have a seat." Kevin stood up with a servile smile and pulled out the chair beside him.
• Unexpectedly, Jordan walked directly toward Nora and chose to sit right next to her.
• At the same time, Nora shot up from her seat as if she was zapped, and her panicked gaze met Jordan's dark and profound eyes.
• Want to run again? Jordan raised a brow and said with a smirk. "Ms. Clarke, please help yourself. Do sit. I'm here because I've taken an interest in Mr. Thorne's acquisition of Clarke Pharmaceuticals. Or rather, I'm your family's only hope to get through this crisis."
• Nora looked at Jordan in disbelief upon hearing that. Has he found out I'm Luna?
• With his height advantage, Jordan leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, "If you run, I'll bankrupt your family."
• Nora was speechless. The omnipotent Dawson Family could either be the Clarke Family's savior or their doom. So she sat down quietly, and Jordan's smile grew wider.
• He suddenly realized that threatening her into obedience was more enjoyable than forcibly capturing her.
• "It would be my honor to work with you, Mr. Jordan. It seems that I'm also benefiting from Ms. Clarke being here today." Kevin's flattering words contrasted Nora's stiff, silent smile.
• This was the most agonizing lunch for Nora. The cheesy Kevin across from her and the domineering Jordan beside her both affected her appetite.
• Clarke Pharmaceuticals was brought up at random times of the conversation and served as a constant reminder that she had to compromise and endure this meal.
• Throughout the meal, Nora kept glancing cautiously at her perilous proximity to Jordan.
• At that moment, a waiter served the food, and Jordan faintly frowned. But Nora noticed it and knew he was annoyed at the cherry tomatoes in the dish. This was because Jordan detested cherry tomatoes as with many other foods which she had secretly observed when they were married.
• Seeing that Jordan wasn't going to eat it, Nora impulsively switched her plate with his. And she deeply regretted her actions immediately. Am I crazy? Why am I still trying to please Jordan? What will Jordan think about this? I should switch it back before he reacts.
• However, Nora had kept her head down and noticed slender fingers already picking at her plate. She was out of words. This is embarrassing!
• She suddenly hated cherry tomatoes too.
• Kevin and Jordan continued their conversation, but Nora couldn't focus. Then Jordan's bodyguard entered and whispered something to him.
• "I have a conference call. Please excuse me." He stood up and left momentarily.
• Seizing the opportunity, Nora suggested to Kevin, "The Dawson Family won't be involved in Clarke Pharmaceuticals. It's pointless to continue this discussion. Mr. Thorne, why don't we discuss the acquisition at your office tomorrow? What time are you free?"
• She needed to avoid Jordan at all costs.
• "I'm free tonight. Why don't you meet me at the hotel? If you're good, and I'll agree to anything." He attempted to touch Nora's hand inappropriately, but she deftly evaded it.
• Her smile vanished as she warned coldly, "Mr. Thorne, please show some respect."
• "Respect? Did you think I didn't see you flirting with Mr. Jordan earlier? Mr. Jordan isn't interested in women like you, I'm only giving you a chance because you approached me. If you want to talk about Clarke Pharmaceuticals' matter, then we'll talk about it in bed."
• Nora widened her eyes in disbelief. Jordan was the one pestering her, but she was accused of seducing him.
• Before she could respond, Kevin suddenly extended his filthy hand. However, his arm was immediately restrained, and he screamed in pain.
• Nora looked up in panic to see Jordan's dangerous, grim expression as he walked over. "How dare you touch my woman?"