The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 222

It felt like everyone in the room was wearing a dozen different masks, slipping on whichever one suited the moment. Navigating these interactions was simply exhausting.

"My son has been talking my ear off lately about a brilliant medical examiner he befriended," Mr. Devereaux said, his tone perfectly polished. "I intended to send you an invitation personally, but it seems my staff made an oversight. Please forgive the mix-up, Ms. Hayes."

It was a masterful save. Mr. Devereaux knew full well Nora didn't have an invitation, yet he effortlessly took the blame onto his own shoulders while deliberately highlighting her professional skills to elevate her status in front of the crowd. A warm feeling bloomed in Nora's chest. She knew Mr. Devereaux might still harbor private reservations about a medical examiner mingling in their circles. He was likely only saying this for Nolan's sake. But regardless of his hidden motives, he was standing up for her when it mattered.

Nora offered a polite, graceful nod and smiled. "Think nothing of it, Mr. Devereaux. It is an absolute honor to be here and experience such a wonderful event."

Seeing her impeccable manners and stunning appearance, Mr. Devereaux offered an approving nod. He was especially pleased with how his usually wild and rebellious son was acting like a perfect, obedient angel while standing by her side. "As long as you enjoy yourself, Ms. Hayes. We have a wonderful catered buffet set up just over there. Please, help yourself. The chefs are preparing everything fresh, and the food is extraordinary."

At the mention of food, Nora's eyes practically sparkled. "That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Devereaux."

Knowing he had a room full of VIPs to entertain, Mr. Devereaux offered Nora one last courteous nod before stepping away. The moment he was gone, Leonard practically sprinted forward to corner Nora. Having zero interest in dealing with him, Nora immediately hooked her arm through Nolan's and turned away. "Do you mind showing me to that buffet? I'm starving."

Nolan, who hated networking and fake pleasantries just as much as she did, eagerly agreed. "Follow me. I promise you won't leave hungry."

Mia quickly spilled everything about Nathan Peyton. "We need to expose her right now! If Nolan finds out she's just playing him, he'll be furious! We can't let her drag the Hayes family down when he inevitably explodes!"

Instead of agreeing, Leonard grabbed Mia's arm in a vice grip and dragged her into a secluded corner. "You will take that information to your grave!"

Mia stared at him in shock. "Dad!"

Ignoring her disbelief, Leonard lowered his voice into a vicious, warning hiss. "I will handle that little detective Peyton myself. If you breathe a single word of this and ruin Nora's chances tonight, I will never forgive you! Nora is going to marry Nolan Devereaux!"