CHapter 265


    Jacob was all over the ce, a bundle of nerves Please, dont cry. It’s all my


    On his way to see her, Jacob had thought a lot. His life had been a series of failures, except for his


    work in theb. Facing his only daughter, he was at a loss for how to approach her without pushing


    her away.


    “ra, I didn’te to see you because I was afraid you’d find me annoying. I’ve called Tristan


    several times”


    At first. Tristan wouldn’t give Jacob the time of day. It was only after Sienna mediated that Tristan


    agreed to talk!


    Worried that ra might not believe him, Jacob quickly showed her the texts on his phone. They


    were all conversations between Tristan and Jacob, mostly about how to take care of ra. Tristan’s


    attitude was rough, but it was clear Jacob was trying, all for ra’s sake.


    Cut the excuses. Look at Noe, she’s hardly been home. Would she say her parents don’t love


    her? It’s all on you!]


    If it wasn’t for ra, I wouldn’t bother arguing with you!]


    If all else fails, work more, eam more, and give it all to ra if you can’t be there, at least show your


    support with a hefty check. If you can’t do that, then what’s the point?)


    Pointing at the message, Jacob said seriously, “I think there’s some truth to it, so I’ve been working


    hardtely, and I’ve been depositing money into your ount!”


    ra was baffled. She had received a sum of money a few days ago and had no idea where it


    came from. She thought it might have been Tristan or Beckett, too busy with her experiments to


    check her bank app.


    Turns out, it was all from Jacob!


    Tristan’s parenting philosophy was “where the money is, the love is.”


    ra looked down at the middle–aged man kneeling in front of her, his eyes red. The Pock men


    all shared a striking resemnce, and Jacob, with his looks and status at the institute, was


    considered quite a catch,


    “ra, III do anything you ask!”


    ra raised an eyebrow. “All your papers list me as the primary author??


    Jacob said seriously, “I can’t promise that for coborative work, but I make you the primary author


    on all my personal papers!”


    To any researcher, this was an attractive offer.


    Then I want to meet Loadstar! Arrange that, and III give you a chance!”


    Loadstar, a rising star in the research world, was ra’s idol. ess to Pris Star was tightly


    controlled, and she had only met her


    price.


    Jacob pondered for a moment.


    “It’s a bit challenging, but there’s a science summiting up. Loadstar should be there. If she isn’t,


    I figure something out!”


    Next door, in the office, the restaurant’s financial statements and quarterly business reports were


    spread out on Noe’s desk.


    “I hope nothing’s wrong with ra and Uncle Jacob.”


    “Uncle Jacob knows what he’s doing. He wants to make things right with ra.”


    Noe looked up at Palmer standing in front of her “You didn’t have toe. Sorry for the trouble.”


    If not for ra’s request, there was no need to involve Palmer. Even though Palmer, as the major


    shareholder of the Pock Group, was busy with thepany’s affairs, he still found time for this.


    Palmer chuckled, his hand affectionately patting Noe’s head.


    “Being with you is never a bother. Besides, the situation between ra and Uncle Jacob is a family


    matter. I should be thanking my fiancée for joining me.”


    Palmer admired the girl sitting beside him./


    Bathed in sunlight, her delicate features were as exquisite as porcin art, her hair cascading


    down like mist.


    Feeling warm, Noe had shed her jacket, revealing a square–necked dress that showcased her


    slender corbones


    Palmer’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. Somehow, he felt restless.


    “Last time, you ran off too quickly. Can I hold you a bit longer this time?”


    Last time, before he could react, the girl in his arms had darted away, as cute as a bunny. Despite


    knowing his “bunny” had sharp ws and hidden secrets, Palmer couldn’t help but neo Noe as a


    precious girl..


    His fiancée, with eyes so pure and clear, made him, a man ustomed to darkness, feel a tingling


    sensation just from looking at her.


    Stapler 265


    Seeking light was his instinct!


    Palmer wrapped his arms around Noe, his head resting on her shoulder, a soft chuckle escaping


    his lips..


    “You “Noe’s heartbeat sped up. He always maintained a respectful distance, and thinking he


    might be tired, Noe hesitated to push him away.


    The office door swung open, and ra’s voice got stuck in her throat.


    “Noe…”


    Upon entering, ra found Palmer’s hands around Noe’s waist, his head nestled on her


    shoulder, and Noe’s hand on his shoulder a Scene of intimacy and tendemess.


    “Sorry to interrupt. Carry on!”


    ra wanted to p herself. What luck she had, always walking in on Palmer and Noe’s intimate


    moments!


    ra could feel Palmer’s icy gaze without even looking up. She forced herself to ask, “Are you guys


    hungry?”


    Noe pushed Palmer away and approached ra. “Did you talk it out?”


    “Sort of. He agreed to let me meet my idol, Loadstar! If I really get to meet Loadstar, I guess I’ll give


    him a chance.”


    Noe raised an eyebrow. “Just for meeting Loadstar, you’d forgive him?”


    Was Loadstar that important?


    Indeed, there was a scientific summiting up, but Noe hadn’t nned on attending.


    ra wrapped her arms around Noe’s waist, a yful smirk on her lips. “If he could score me a


    ticket to see Loadstar, make me the primary author for his research paper, and throw a heap of


    cash my way for sports cars and mansions, I’d say let’s roll with it! Even if it means a bit of a


    compromise


    Noe bit back a smile, her voiceced with amusement. “Ah, such a sacrifice”


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    But what mattered most was that ra felt Jacob’s concem for her. It might not have been


    overwhelming, but catching snippets of his conversation with Tristan, ra knew she had a father


    figure worth admiring.


    She couldn’t let her whimsy cause Tristan unnecessary worry or sadness. If it meant bringing a bit


    more joy to her family, ra was ready to bend a little.


    Noe squeezed ra’s hand gently, her voice soft. “Whatever you decide, ra, I’m right here


    with you. I hope you’re doing it for yourself, not just for anyone else. Your happiness is crucial, and


    I’m sure our parents and brothers would back you up too.”


    Noe understood that ra was the type to put her family’s happiness before her own, even to


    her own detriment. When she first came home, ra’s absence was also her way of ensuring


    Noe felt bnced and valued.


    Tears brimming in her eyes, ra hugged Noe tight.


    Oh, her little sister was nothing short of an angel!


    Between bites at dinner, Noe shot a message to Mizar.


    [About that research summit we talked about, count me in.]