I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 299

When Nora received the call from the Fletcher Manor, she was right in the middle of packing her bags. She stared at the caller ID, her stomach tightening. Had they already found out about her going back?

Alastair Fletcher's voice came through the receiver, dripping with fake, grandfatherly warmth. "Nora, come back to the Manor tonight. We have something to discuss."

When Nora asked what it was about, he simply insisted she come over before hanging up.

Her brow furrowed. She knew that if she refused, the Fletchers would never let it go.

Grabbing a coat, she headed straight out the door.

...

When she arrived at the Manor, Alastair wasn't alone in the living room.

Finnegan stood by the window, turning around the second he heard her footsteps.

On the coffee table sat several meticulously wrapped gifts, clearly prepared well in advance.

Nora's frown deepened. She wasn't an idiot—their intentions were painfully obvious.

Alastair gestured for her to sit, skipping the pleasantries entirely. "Tomorrow, you are returning to the Newman family for the memorial. This is a significant event. Our two families are connected by marriage. It is only right that someone accompanies you to represent us. Given the circumstances, Frederick is the only one who can go with you."

Nora rejected the idea instantly, her voice leaving zero room for negotiation. "That won't be necessary, Alastair. I'm going alone."

Alastair's hand stalled in mid-air. He clearly hadn't expected such a flat-out refusal.

Alastair's tone dropped its faux warmth, shifting into an absolute command. "The matter is settled. The gifts are ready. Tomorrow, Frederick goes with you."

Nora stood up. Her stance was rigid, unbreakable.

"I am going alone tomorrow. If the Fletchers insist on sending a token of respect, I will deliver the gifts on your behalf. But no one is following me."

Finnegan shot to his feet. "Nora, do you just not want the Fletchers to go, or do you specifically not want me to go?"

Nora finally looked him dead in the eye. "Both."

Finnegan sneered. "Is it because you think you have the Newman family backing you now? You think you can finally draw a line in the sand with us? The second your father opens the door, you're desperate to shake the Fletchers off. What exactly do you take me for?"