BEING A TRUE NORTON

Chapter 6

Riley's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the diamonds on her workbench, her mind drifting back to the tense encounter with Atlas earlier that day. The memory of his piercing gaze and chiseled features lingered, making her feel uneasy. She packed up her belongings, her gaze falling upon several unmarked bags on her desk. The mysterious delivery sparked her curiosity.

As she reached for the bags, her phone interrupted her thoughts. The caller's identity was unknown, but Riley answered nonetheless.

"A little token to brighten up your day," a smooth, velvety voice said. Riley's instincts told her exactly who was on the other end of the line: Caden Reed. His eyes had lingered on her during their introduction, and she sensed an ulterior motive behind his charming smile.

Riley's polite tone belied her wariness. "Thank you for the thoughtful gesture, Mister Reed." She paused, her curiosity getting the better of her. "How did you know where to find me, Mister Reed?"

Caden's smooth response sent a shiver down her spine. "I saw you at Norton Industries. Do you work there?" His question hinted at a deeper interest, and Riley's instincts screamed at her to keep her distance.

Caden Reed had always been a man who got what he wanted, especially when it came to women. With his chiseled features and smooth charm, he had a reputation for being a ladies' man. Women fawned over him, eager to catch his attention. But Caden's interest was fleeting, and he quickly grew bored with the same old routine. That was until he met Riley. Her indifference to his charms was a refreshing change, and Caden found himself intrigued. He was determined to test her resolve, to see how long she could resist his charms.

"I do," she replied, her focus drifting back to her computer screen. She swiftly wrapped up the conversation and bid him goodbye.

Later that night, Atlas's curiosity got the better of him as he approached Riley's office. The door was slightly ajar, and the bright light spilling out drew him in. He knocked softly, and Riley's melodious voice invited him in.

As Atlas stood in the doorway, his gaze wandered to the bags of food on Riley's table, noting the expensive labels. Riley didn't seem like the extravagant type. "Food?" he asked, his index finger pointing toward the bags.

Riley's brief response, "Yes," only added to Atlas's intrigue. That was when he spotted the red rose nestled among the food containers. His eyes narrowed, and a spark of possessiveness ignited within him. Why did the sight of that rose bother him so much? He didn't have a claim on Riley, yet the thought of someone else sending her gifts made his blood boil.

A sudden, intense urge to confront whoever had sent the rose coursed through his veins. Atlas's emotions churned and his face darkened. He pivoted on his heel, storming out of the office. The door slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing through the hallway.

Riley's eyes widened in surprise, her heart racing from the sudden noise. What had just triggered Atlas's outburst? She replayed their conversation in her mind, wondering if she had inadvertently provoked him. The memory of his piercing gaze and chiseled features lingered, making her feel uneasy.

At the club, Jaxon and Hunter exchanged a concerned glance as Atlas's turbulent eyes scanned the room. Jaxon discreetly tapped Hunter's thigh, drawing his attention to their boss's unusual behavior.

Hunter's gaze locked onto Atlas, his expression inquiring. "Trouble with Miss Sue?" he asked, his voice low.

Atlas's eyes narrowed, his tone laced with intensity. "Is it common for someone to become... fixated after a singular encounter?" His question hung in the air, prompting Jaxon's eyes to widen in surprise.

Hunter, with his experience in the world of art and relationships, offered a candid perspective. "For some people, a single, passionate encounter can spark a strong desire for repetition. It's not about emotions; it's about the thrill of the experience."

Atlas nodded thoughtfully, considering Hunter's insight. It was possible that his reaction was driven by a desire to relieve the excitement, rather than any deeper feelings.

Riley's phone rang, displaying an unknown number. Suspecting it might be Caden, she initially ignored it, sensing his ulterior motives. However, the persistent ringing tested her patience.

Frustrated, she answered harshly, "What's going on?" But instead of Caden's smooth tone, she was met with a stern, familiar voice.

"I could ask you the same thing, Riley," Oliver Norton said, his tone firm but laced with concern. "You sound troubled. Is everything all right?"

Riley hastily reassured him, "I'm fine, Grandpa. Just a little stressed, that's all." She knew Senior Norton's fondness for her stemmed from his long-standing friendship with her grandfather, Dane Walton.

Senior Norton's response was brief. "I'd like to discuss something with you. Can you come by the old mansion at noon?" His tone was firm, yet gentle.

Riley agreed, "I'll be there, Grandpa." She wondered what prompted the personal invitation, sensing that it must be something important.

Meanwhile, Atlas's phone buzzed with an incoming message from his grandfather. The text was brief: "Meet me at the old mansion at noon." Atlas's gut twisted with annoyance, assuming the summons was related to his estranged wife. He was tempted to ignore the request, but Oliver Norton's invitations were not to be declined. Reluctantly, Atlas decided to attend.

As he strode down the hallway, his gaze drifted toward Riley's door, but he swiftly looked away, quickening his pace. He was determined to create distance between them. Hunter's words continued to echo in his mind, reinforcing his resolve to suppress his fixation on Riley.

As the late noon sun cast its warm glow, Riley made her way to the Nortons' opulent mansion, a grandiose structure that embodied the family's wealth and prestige. The estate's manicured lawns, adorned with meticulously trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers, stretched as far as the eye could see. The mansion itself was a masterpiece of architecture, boasting towering spires, sweeping archways, and expansive windows that sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight.

As Riley stepped out of her vehicle, Charlotte Norton emerged from the mansion, her slender figure draped in an elegant gown. A hint of sarcasm danced on her lips as she approached Riley. "Well, well, well, look what we have here," Charlotte said, her voice dripping with condescension. "The country bumpkin has finally decided to join us. I'm shocked you didn't get lost on the way here."

Charlotte's gaze swept over Riley, and for a moment, her expression faltered. Riley's polished appearance and refined features caught her off guard. Beside Charlotte, Willow Norton, Atlas's cousin, eyed Riley with a mixture of disdain and insecurity. "I didn't think you'd...clean up so well," Willow said, her tone laced with skepticism.

Riley's smile was a thin, elegant line. "And I didn't think the Nortons would still be clinging to their outdated notions of superiority," she replied, her voice smooth as silk. "But I suppose some things never change." With that, she turned and glided toward the mansion, leaving Charlotte and Willow to seethe in her wake.

Though stung by Riley's subtle insult, the two women couldn't help but feel that Riley still didn't measure up to their family's standards. Her polished exterior notwithstanding, they believed she lacked the refinement and poise that came with being a true Norton.