Chapter 495: Nora Stared at the Darkened Phone Screen

Nora stared at the darkened phone screen before violently sweeping the crystal glass off the coffee table.

Shards of glass scattered across the floor, refracting harsh sunlight.

"Madam..." The maids stood trembling nearby.

"Out! All of you—get out!" Nora pointed at the door, her manicured nails nearly piercing the air.

The staff scurried away.

She collapsed onto the sofa, chest heaving.

For years she'd bent over backward to please his parents.

The old man had gradually softened—from icy disdain to civil tolerance.

But his mother...

Polite words couldn't mask the disgust in those eyes.

"Sir is home."

Before the butler finished speaking, Arthur Hayes strode in.

His gaze swept the wreckage, lingered on Nora for half a second, then turned toward the stairs.

"Nothing to say?" She shot to her feet.

Undoing his cufflinks, Arthur Hayes didn't look back. "Do as you please."

Everything here was replaceable.

"Arthur Hayes! I'm your wife!" Her voice shook. "Can't you show me basic concern?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Who upset you today?"

"..."

"After all these years, why the sudden drama?"

Nora clenched her fists. "I just learned your parents returned a week ago. Your son knew and kept it from me!"

She glared at his back. "...Did you know too?"

Arthur Hayes turned calmly. "Yes. Had dinner with them two days ago."

Her vision darkened. "You knew?!"

"Problem?"

"You knew and didn't tell me?! Everyone knew except me! What am I in this house?!"

He frowned.

"First, no one realized you were uninformed. Second, even the staff knew. Why didn't you?"

Always her fault.

Everything was always her fault.

Nora snapped—

"Do you think I deserve your parents' hatred?"

"Neither my husband nor my son considers my feelings."

"My own parents visit, and you dine with them alone. Is that appropriate?!"

Arthur Hayes watched her coldly. "They're your parents and my in-laws. What's wrong with sharing a meal?"

"In-laws?" She laughed bitterly. "Right—whether you married me or my sister, they'd still be your in-laws, wouldn't they?"

His expression darkened. "Don't be absurd."

"Am I wrong? You visit them religiously every year—never taking me."

She locked onto his eyes. "Exactly whose filial duty are you performing?"

Arthur Hayes's gaze turned glacial. "You know exactly why you're not invited."