The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 224

Nolan picked at a few appetizers to keep her company, randomly pointing out various high-profile guests whenever the mood struck him. Nora couldn't have cared less about the elite socialites, but remembering that Nolan wasn't an only child, she casually asked, "Where is the rest of your family?"

Surely they wouldn't skip an event like this?

"Them?" Nolan scoffed, his lips curling in distaste. "Over there."

Nora followed his gaze to a small cluster of immaculately dressed men and women chatting near the center of the room. Their evening wear was aggressively expensive, and the sheer volume of heavy, sparkling jewelry they wore practically screamed new money and old arrogance.

"The one in the purple gown is my eldest sister, Yvonne."

"And that's her husband right next to her."

There was no brotherly affection in Nolan's voice, only deep exhaustion. "Those two are pretentious snobs. They showed up at the house two days ago begging my dad for a loan, swearing their company was going under. Dad actually believed them. He was up all night calling in favors to save their business. Turns out, they just wanted the cash to buy the crap they're wearing tonight."

"See that purple diamond necklace? Four million dollars."

"My brother-in-law's watch? Two million."

Nolan spat out a bitter laugh. "I have no idea what they think those flashy toys are going to do for them. Borrowing money just to show off. They're both psychos."

A voice called out. Nora looked up to see a man briskly walking toward their table. He shared a faint resemblance to Nolan.

Nolan's face lit up with genuine joy, and he quickly stood. "Felix? I thought you were out of town on business!"

Nolan's cousin, Felix Kwan, had classically handsome features and an easy, charismatic smile that instantly put people at ease. "Uncle is hosting a major charity gala. I had to show up and support him."

Felix's gaze slid past Nolan, landing directly on Nora. A spark of distinct interest flashed in his eyes. "Is this the brilliant medical examiner you've been raving about?"