Norah Fisher poured the wine over Hattie Ross's head, her expression hard with cold, steely determination.

"Maybe this will help wash that filthy mouth of yours out," she said, her voice steady as stone.

Before, whenever Hattie belittled her, Norah had always bitten her tongue for Lionel's sake. Lionel knew exactly what kind of woman his mother was, yet he always told Norah to just let it go. But now that she was cutting Lionel loose, she saw no reason to swallow Hattie's insults anymore.

Hattie let out a shocked shriek—more stunned than furious. Norah Fisher had actually dared to pour wine on her.

Standing at the gates of her childhood home, Norah hesitated. She and Lionel had been childhood sweethearts, but her parents had never approved of their relationship. Marrying Lionel would've been a strategic alliance for the Fisher family, but her father had always been dead set against it for reasons he never explained.

She had moved out to live with Lionel, defying her parents' wishes. Now, after everything that had happened, returning home only filled her with shame. Surely, they would be upset with her.

"Norah?" Her mother's voice broke through her thoughts as Karina Fisher stepped out and called to her softly.

"Mom," Norah whispered, unable to meet her mother's eyes.

Karina took Norah's hand in both of hers, her touch warm with empathy. "It's alright. You're home now."

The engagement party disaster had been public enough that her parents were surely aware of it.

"Come inside. Let's talk," Karina said, guiding Norah into the house.

The second they stepped into the living room, the tension hit Norah like a wall. Her father, Meir Fisher, stood with his arms crossed, his face flushed with anger. "So you're finally back? I told you Lionel Ross was trouble, but you just had to marry him anyway. Now the whole family's a laughingstock."

"I'm sorry, Dad," Norah murmured, guilt pressing down on her chest.

Seeing how dejected Norah looked, Karina gently stepped in. "That's enough, Meir. Norah is already upset. There's no need to pile on."

Meir's expression softened slightly. How could he not be angry when his cherished daughter had been treated so poorly?

"What do you plan to do now, Norah?" He needed to know where her head was at before deciding their next move.

Norah lifted her chin, her eyes blazing with resolve. "From this day forward, I have nothing to do with Lionel Ross. We're done."

She had realized—perhaps too late—that from the moment Vivienne Powell had returned, the writing was on the wall. Despite all her efforts, it was clear their love was never going to be enough.

Karina pulled her daughter into a hug, understanding all too well how deeply Norah had loved Lionel and how painful it must be to say those words out loud.

Meir nodded approvingly. "That's my girl. You're a Fisher, after all. Stay home and don't worry about a thing. Your mother and I will take care of you."

A wave of relief washed over Norah, steadied by her family's unconditional support.

Just then, the butler entered the room. "Sir, Mr. Jamie Olson is here to see you."

Meir's face lit up with a genuine smile. "Show him in!"

"Jamie Olson?" Norah echoed, confused.

Karina chuckled at her daughter's confusion. "Don't you remember? He stayed with us for a while when he was younger."

Norah's memory stirred. "You mean the little crybaby?"

Karina nodded, amused. "Yes, but you definitely can't call him that now. He's all grown up and running his family's business. I hear he's planning to build his career right here in Boston."

As they spoke, the butler led Jamie Olson into the room. Norah's curiosity piqued as her gaze landed on a tall, striking man bathed in sunlight streaming through the windows. It was hard to believe this was the same boy she remembered.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fisher," Jamie greeted them warmly, his manners polished and his handsome face flawless.

Meir nodded with satisfaction. "It's been years, Jamie. You've grown so much."

Jamie's gaze drifted to Norah. "You must be Norah."

Norah's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her name on his lips, stirring echoes of a time when Lionel had used that same affectionate tone.

Meir noticed Norah had gone quiet and jumped in. "Yes, this is Norah. She's had an exhausting day, so excuse her distraction. Jamie, please, have a seat."

Jamie nodded, taking a seat beside Meir, though his eyes never left Norah.

"Are you planning to set up your business here?" Meir asked with interest.

Jamie nodded. "That's the plan."

While the two men talked, Norah's mind wandered, sifting through her years with Lionel and the heartbreak that had followed. The pain was still raw, like a blade slicing through memories she had once cherished.

"Sir, Mr. Ross is here. He's asking for Miss Norah."

The mention of Lionel's name snapped Norah back to reality. Meir's face darkened immediately. "Tell him Norah doesn't want to see him."

"Wait." Norah stopped the butler.

Meir and Karina exchanged surprised looks. After everything that had happened, for Norah to insist on seeing him was baffling.

Before Meir could protest, Norah reassured him. "Dad, some things have to be settled in person. I'll be back soon."

With that, she left the room, Jamie's eyes following her as she exited.

Outside, Lionel stood beside his car, a huge bouquet of roses in hand. As Norah approached, he straightened his suit and walked toward her.

"These are for you," Lionel said, holding out the flowers.

After going home and replaying the day's events, he'd realized just how much pain he'd caused Norah.

She eyed the vibrant roses, her gaze ice-cold.

"What happened today was my fault, but there were reasons. You shouldn't have stormed off like that. Come back with me, and I'll throw us an even bigger engagement party," Lionel said, his tone commanding, carrying no real trace of an apology.

Norah Fisher let out a soft laugh, one that held more disbelief than humor. "A reason, you say?"

"Yes. Vivienne's pregnant." Lionel said it like the words should explain everything. But they only left Norah momentarily stunned. "She's pregnant? Your brother's been dead for three years. What'd she do—dig him up?"

Her eyes locked on Lionel, her disbelief plain.

"Norah, that's a horrible thing to suggest." Her voice came sharp. But Lionel pushed on, the strain thick in his words. "The child is my brother's. Before he passed away, he left behind stored embryos. Vivienne missed him so much she decided to have his child. That's how she got pregnant."

Lionel's strained explanation only deepened Norah's skepticism. It felt like a flimsy cover-up—one only someone desperate to hope might cling to.

"Alright, let's go back and talk about this." Lionel's patience was visibly thinning. Ever since Vivienne came back, he'd had none left for Norah.

He carried that arrogant confidence, the kind that made him believe no matter what he did, Norah would always forgive him because she loved him.

"Lionel, do you seriously think bringing me flowers and sweet-talking me is going to make me forget everything and run back to you?" Norah's voice was calm, but there was steel underneath.

Lionel frowned, clearly irritated. "Norah, I came here to apologize in person. How long are you going to keep this up? You get more stubborn by the day. Maybe I've spoiled you too much."

"Stubborn?" Norah scoffed. "What does being reasonable look like to you? Silently taking your mother's insults? Smiling politely while Vivienne crashes my engagement party?"

"Norah," Lionel growled, his voice rising.

"Are you coming back with me or not? If you don't leave with me today, we're done. For good." The threat in his tone was obvious—he was still convinced Norah would never actually walk away.

Norah faced his ultimatum with quiet resolve. "Lionel, I already made it clear at the engagement party: we're done."

A flicker of unease crossed Lionel's face, but it vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by his certainty that Norah had always stuck by him. He dismissed her words as another tantrum.

"Norah, I'm offering you a chance to come back. This is your last one."

He was sure she would relent and follow him home.

"Norah."

The voice cut in before she could answer. Jamie Olson walked up and stopped beside her. "Your parents were worried. They asked me to come check on you."

"Thank you," Norah said with a nod.

Lionel's gaze shifted to Jamie, his eyes narrowing with hostility. Jamie's presence unsettled Lionel more than he wanted to admit.

"Norah, who is he?" Lionel demanded.

"Mr. Ross, we've already broken up. Who he is is none of your business." Norah's tone was cold, detached.

She was determined to move forward. She had no intention of looking back.

"Are you sure you want to break up with me?" Lionel's eyes blazed with fury as he reached out to grab Norah, but Jamie stepped in front of her, blocking his path.

"Mr. Ross, it's ungentlemanly to put your hands on a woman."

"This is between Norah and me. Step aside," Lionel snapped. Their eyes locked in a heated standoff, neither one giving an inch.

Norah cut in, her gaze fixed on Lionel. "I've been very clear. We're over. Please don't bother me again."

"Over?" Lionel sneered, gesturing toward Jamie. "Because of him?"

Norah wanted to laugh, but the absurdity of his accusation killed any trace of humor.

Her years with Lionel. Her real, honest feelings—reduced to something laughable under his suspicion.

Without trust, what love could survive?

"Fine, Norah. Don't come crying back to me." Lionel scoffed and hurled the bouquet to the ground before walking away.

Norah's tightly clenched fists finally relaxed.

"Are you okay?" Jamie asked, studying her face.

"I'm fine." Norah forced a small smile. "Sorry you had to see that."

"There's nothing to be sorry about. That was a classic case of moving on."

"Moving on?" Norah echoed, caught off guard. She met his eyes for a beat before looking away.

Jamie nodded encouragingly. "Letting go of something that wasn't right for you is a smart move."

He was right. Lionel didn't love her anymore.

And letting go of someone who no longer loved her was the best decision she could make.

"Thank you." Norah smiled, the weight on her chest finally easing.

At the Ross household, Lionel stormed through the door.

Seeing him alone, Vivienne felt a rush of satisfaction but made herself look concerned. "Lionel, where's Norah? She didn't come back with you? Is she still angry and refusing to come home?"

Lionel's silence said everything as he dropped onto the sofa and yanked his tie loose in frustration.

"Lionel, Norah's temper seems to be getting worse," Marshall Ross remarked from where he lounged, scrolling on his phone.

"You've let her call the shots for too long. Give someone an inch, and they think they run the whole show."

Lionel was starting to think Marshall had a point. Maybe he had spoiled Norah, given her too much slack. She'd never acted like this before—she'd always been agreeable.

But the thought of her with another man only burned hotter in his chest.

"Marshall, don't speak about Norah that way." Vivienne chided him gently, then turned to Lionel with a look of practiced concern. "Norah must still be upset with me. I'll apologize and ask her to come back."

She started to get up, but Lionel stopped her. "Vivienne, this isn't your fault."

"If Norah wants to throw a tantrum, let her."

Marshall chimed in, "Exactly. If she wants to act out, let her. She's not really going to leave you. It's just a game of playing hard to get."

Hearing that, Lionel's mood lifted. Norah loved him. How could she fall for someone else so quickly? That guy was probably just a prop she'd brought along to get under his skin.

Vivienne exchanged a glance with Marshall, who set down his phone and walked over to Lionel.

"Look, I know how to get Norah back to you within three days," Marshall said, his voice conspiratorial.

Lionel turned to him, interest sparking in his eyes.

"But you'll need to give me a little room to maneuver." Marshall added with a sly grin, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Norah, we just got word from Ross Corporation—they're backing out of the Lakeside project and ending our partnership," Cassidy Griffin reported, worry heavy in her voice.

Norah Fisher froze for a beat, a wave of disbelief crashing over her. Lakeside was a huge investment for Fisher Corp—a commitment spanning more than five years. Lionel Ross had come on board during their lowest point, and that had cemented her faith in the partnership.

"If Ross Corporation pulls out now, the project will face indefinite delay," Cassidy continued grimly.

Norah understood the gravity of it. "I'll be out for a while."

She left the office and drove straight to Ross Corporation. If they really meant to cut ties, she at least deserved an explanation.

"Ms. Fisher." Jake, Lionel's assistant, straightened in obvious surprise.

Norah's gaze was sharp. "I need to see Mr. Ross."

"Mr. Ross is... tied up right now. Maybe you could wait?" Jake suggested, clearly uneasy.

"I won't take up much of his time."

Norah brushed past him, determined to confront Lionel. She suspected he was dodging her and using Jake as a shield. She was here now—she intended to face him directly.

Jake made a half-hearted grab to stop her, but she slipped past him. The office door swung open, and for a second, Norah froze at the scene inside.

Lionel and Vivienne Powell pulled apart fast. Vivienne wiped her mouth and quickly straightened her clothes, looking like a guilty cat caught in the act. Tissues littered the floor, hinting at what had just gone on.

"Norah, don't get the wrong idea. I just had a sudden bout of morning sickness, and Lionel was helping me," Vivienne offered quickly, though her excuse was see-through.

Norah glanced at the tissues on the floor. What kind of "help" needed that many tissues?

Lionel stayed composed. "Jake, help Ms. Powell to the lounge. Reassign her work for now."

"Yes, sir."

Vivienne's lips curved into a subtle, triumphant smile as she accepted the special treatment.

With that handled, Lionel focused on Norah. "What brings you here?"

Her surprise visit had caught him off guard. He hadn't expected Marshall's manipulations to work so well.

"Is it your call to pull out of the Lakeside project?" Norah asked bluntly.

Lionel's tone was detached. "I've assigned Marshall to manage the Lakeside project. Any concerns should go through him."

He'd once promised that the Fisher Corp collaboration would stay under his personal supervision—proof of their bond. Less than a year later, everything had changed.

Norah nodded before turning to leave. Asking anything else felt pointless.

"Norah." Lionel's voice followed her, edged with displeasure. "Aren't you here to say something else?"

A wry smile tugged at Norah's lips. "You expect me to beg?"

Was that the real point of canceling the partnership—to humiliate her after the breakup?

"I can overlook your dramatic exit at the engagement party, but you owe my mother an apology for ruining her outfit," Lionel demanded, self-righteous and sharp.

Lionel believed Norah had been pampered for too long. A lesson would rein in her spoiled streak—or she'd create chaos once they were married.

Norah's fist clenched at her side, then slowly relaxed. She faced Lionel head-on. "She insulted me. Doesn't she owe me an apology?"

Lionel's face darkened with frustration.

"Norah, she's his mother. She was just upset—how could you expect a mother to apologize to her son's fiancée like that?" Vivienne cut in, her tone sickly patronizing.

Norah fired back. "Why is this any of your concern? She's your mother, not mine."

"Norah Fisher, you—" Lionel's face flared red, the words stuck in his throat.

Before he could force the words out, Vivienne pulled him back. "Lionel, don't blame Norah. She must be upset with me. It's all my fault; I'm the one who disrupted your engagement party. Please, don't hold it against her."

Vivienne played the victim beautifully, her voice dripping with fake remorse.

"Maybe I should return to New York. As long as you and Norah are happy, a little hardship on my part is nothing," she went on, sounding noble and self-sacrificing.

Norah sneered. "Ms. Powell, how exactly have you been wronged? You're just his sister-in-law—not his lover."

A sharp slap cracked through the air, plunging the room into stunned silence. Norah's cheek burned, disbelief clouding her face. She hadn't thought Lionel would actually hit her. But the mark of his hand was clear.

Vivienne's surprise quickly became a brief, satisfied smile.

Lionel looked just as shocked, staring at his hand as if it belonged to someone else. He opened his mouth, but the words faltered.

Norah met his eyes, her gaze glassy with unshed tears. But she refused to let them fall. It wasn't worth it.

She shot Lionel one last steely look, then turned and walked away.

"Norah." Instinctively, Lionel reached out for her.

"Let go of me." Norah yanked free of his grasp and left.

Lionel watched her go, regret creeping in.

Vivienne stepped closer, her voice soft and probing. "Lionel, you shouldn't have hit her. It was only a few words—it didn't even matter."

The guilt that had flickered inside Lionel vanished, replaced with indifference. "It was her fault."

Vivienne probed further. "Maybe you should apologize to her?"

"No need. She needs to reflect on her behavior and cool off," Lionel dismissed, arrogant and sure he'd done nothing wrong.

He planned to let her calm down before going to her. It was her mistake, after all. A small lesson would teach her to remember and trust more in the future.

Leaving Ross Corporation, Norah got into her car. In the rearview mirror, the red mark on her face stared back at her, and her eyes burned with unshed tears. She knew going home like this would only worry her parents, so she called them with a quick excuse—she'd be late, they shouldn't wait up.

She drove to her own apartment, the private place she'd secured for herself. Every time she and Lionel argued, she came here. Lionel knew this was her sanctuary.

She had barely settled in when a knock echoed at the door.