The Windfalls of Love (Roxanne and Harrison) novel Chapter 265

"Nora, quit fussing, will you?"

Harrison squatted down in front of Nora's wheelchair, soothing her with a gentle ruffle of her hair.

"Whatever you say, I'm not going to abandon you."

This engagement party at the Seraphim Haven was attended by the well-known guests of the town. If he were to abandon Nora now, she would become the talk of Seraphim Haven.

People would gossip behind her back about her being shamed, insulted, and abandoned over their evening meals and casual conversations.

He couldn't leave her like that.

Harrison's patience did little to quell Nora's tears. She knew that Harrison felt a great deal of guilt and responsibility for her, but what was missing was love.

Nora motioned for her mother, who was standing to her side, to take the microphone. With a great effort, she stood up from her wheelchair, gripping her crutches that her father, Hamlin, immediately handed to her.

Her beautiful long dress seemed out of place with the crutches, yet she stood tall and proud. Despite her unsteady stance, she became the most dignified heiress in the Seraphim Haven elite circle.

"I have an announcement to make," she said, her voice echoing in the silence.

"From today, I'm officially taking over the Dawson Group."

After her older sister, Hazel, was cast out, her parents had always hoped that she would take over the family business. The Dawson family had no sons, only two daughters.

With Hazel's disgrace and disappearance, and a slew of distant relatives eyeing their wealth and power, the Dawson Group was under threat. Nora couldn't let anyone take away what her father had built.

Looking at the grey hair of her parents, Nora's heart ached. She bowed deeply to them, "Mother, Father, I'm sorry!"

She was remorseful for her past actions, for adding to their burden. She was ready to take responsibility, to not let her parents down again.

"I promise, from today, I will help you with the Dawson Group. Trust me, I can do it."

Her words were met with a round of applause led by Evelyn Miller, a woman who understood Nora's struggle. Once in a similar position, Evelyn had risen to become the richest woman in Seraphim Haven.

As the applause echoed through the room, Nora turned to Harrison. "Harrison, I'm sorry. I cannot go on with our engagement."

She handed her crutches back to her father and returned to her wheelchair. Her mother, Emily, understanding Nora's wishes, began to push her away.