Trash Husband, I'm the Top novel Chapter 255

Nora’s words trailed off as her gaze drifted downstairs, landing on the striking couple who had just entered the hall.

It was Daniel and Eleanor.

Her knuckles whitened as she gripped the railing, a chill in her eyes.

He’d come with Eleanor…

All his talk about keeping her away—was it really for the baby’s sake, or was he just afraid Eleanor might lose?

“Nora, do you want to go somewhere quiet and rest?” Louis asked gently, concern in his voice.

She shook her head. Sure, it stung a little, but she’d long since stopped letting it get to her.

Her feelings for Daniel were dead and buried.

Down below, Daniel and Eleanor quickly became the center of attention. People crowded around them with compliments, and someone even brought up The Almanac of Air, calling it Eleanor’s crowning achievement—a new pinnacle in her career.

Nora caught every word of praise, letting them settle over her like a cold mist.

She glanced at Daniel, who knew the truth behind it all, yet said nothing to correct them.

Closing her eyes, Nora buried her vulnerability. She straightened her back, calm and composed.

There were plenty of guests at the conference, but only a handful—maybe a dozen—were qualified to compete.

Warner was standing in for Mr. Frost as host.

Each contestant would present their finest perfume for Mr. Frost to judge, and he would select the top five to proceed to the next round.

After sampling each entry, Mr. Frost named four finalists.

“Wait—I thought there were five spots?” someone asked.

Warner looked up at the second-floor balcony. “One of the perfumers here has already impressed my grandfather with her skills.”

Daniel frowned, following Warner’s gaze upward, and locked eyes with Nora’s cool, distant stare.

Eleanor’s jaw clenched as she muttered under her breath, “What is she doing here?”

Daniel gently pried Eleanor’s hand off his arm, ready to head upstairs.

But a member of the Frost family blocked his way.

But she’d never cared about the child—not even a little.

He felt a cold numbness settle inside. He couldn’t help but notice Louis by her side, hovering protectively like a loyal knight.

Ha!

Daniel’s expression darkened, his face all icy detachment.

“Nora. Come down,” he called, voice hard as stone.

But if Nora was here, she was here to compete. She had no intention of leaving with Daniel.

“Mr. Chambers, you’re in such a hurry to call me down—what’s the matter? Are you afraid Ms. Quinn can’t win as long as I’m here?”

She said it plainly, leaving no room for pretense.

Eleanor bit her lip, jealousy flashing in her eyes, though her face stayed carefully concerned.

“Nora, you’re pregnant. He’s just worried about you.”

“You’re a perfumer—you know how dangerous some of these ingredients can be for someone in your condition.”