Chapter 15 - When the Hunter Becomes the Hunted.

The Point at Which Everything Was Different Nora slipped past the reporters and hurried into the women's lavatory, locking herself in a stall and covering her mouth with her palm. Then she started laughing. She could still see Dave's face, his jaw clenched so firmly she feared it could break, his face frozen in anger. It was worth everything just for that moment. She had initially questioned why he had been so irate. She knew the answer now, though. She was to blame.

She had maintained her position for that reason. For this reason, rather than allowing Francis Walter's assistant to take the photo, she had given him the phone. It should have been Dave who took that picture. He ought to have recognised that she wasn't his when he saw her grinning with another man. She was excited by the memory. Pulling out her phone, she looked through the images she had taken with Francis Walter. As she studied each photo, her heart pounded—the warmth of his smile, the effortless charm he radiated, the way his hand had landed lightly on her shoulder.

I still find it hard to believe, God. She would have publicised the photos right away if it weren't for the continuing scandal that links her to Dave. Her relationship with Dave was well-known on the internet, but not her face. the "free woman" who is most despised online. Unconcerned, she grinned at the title. She was startled out of her reverie when her phone vibrated in her palms. Francis Walter: Hello. Her breath caught. I just received a text from Francis Walter.

A gradual smile appeared on her face. They couldn't take the chance of chatting on social media since his admirers were too devoted and even a rumour may get out of hand. They made use of a private chat app instead. Her fingers trembled a little with excitement as she tapped out a rapid response. She felt like she had the advantage for the first time in a long time.

Within the Van Francis Walter was leaning back against the leather seats of a sleek, black van that was parked outside the venue. He had his phone in his hand and a smile of amusement on his lips. Dave Trump and his four best pals, Luis Brown, Tyler Darrison, Chris Hemsworth, and Ivan Pavlov, were seated around him. There was tension in the air in the van.

Dave sat stiffly, his hands on his knees, yet his eyes narrowed and his jaw clinched, showing his annoyance. Always the one to stir things up, Luis leaned forward and pretended to be indifferent. "Francis, who are you texting?" Francis raised his head, still smiling. "Nora. I took a photo with the fan. She has a bit of an attitude, but she's extremely gorgeous. The four pals looked at each other. Then, almost simultaneously, they found it difficult to contain their laughing.

Dave suddenly sprang forward and grabbed the phone out of Francis's grasp. "She isn't for you," he murmured in a low, perilous voice. Francis blinked. "What?" Dave gripped the phone more tightly. "She's a pretender." Francis scowled. "You know her?" Dave flung the phone back at him and rushed out of the van, slamming the door behind him, rather than answering. The four men finally lost control the moment he left. Laughter erupted, filling the space. Francis, still processing what had just happened, turned to them. Ivan smirked. "You really don't know, do you?"

Chris shook his head and leaned back. "Smith, Nora. Think carefully. The unabashed young woman. Francis furrowed his brows. That was a name he was familiar with. She had been brought up several times by his friends, generally with laughter and occasionally with incredulity. It clicked then. Shameless Nora, the notorious character. The young woman who had pursued Dave for years, who had faithfully followed him in spite of his unwavering lack of interest.

Nevertheless, she had ignored him today as if he were nothing. Francis shook his head and laughed. Fascinating. So Dave had been being aloof and icy all along, just to lose it the instant she turned her head? Francis grinned. She ought to stop pursuing him. He would see to it.

Dave's Tipping Point Dave stormed towards his car, scarcely noticing the frigid air outdoors. His blood was boiling. He took out his phone and ripped at his tie, loosening it. He texted her first, for the first time ever. Dave: Let's get together. When he saw her, he was unsure of what to say. All he knew was that he had to see her. Right now.

Nora's Response Nora's phone buzzed once again just after she had left the bathroom. She froze as she looked down. Dave: Let's get together. Her heart ceased beating. Then she opened her mouth in shock. Was it Dave who texted her first? She was unable to do anything but gaze for a moment, reading the letter repeatedly to be sure she wasn't dreaming.

Then— She screamed out. An uninhibited, full-bodied, "I can't believe this" shout. She whirled around with delight, her hands gripping her phone. "You sent me a message first? "You?" She mumbled while beaming broadly. Thus, all this time... Mr. Dave Trump, you were just being evasive, huh? Her chest swelled with laughter. For years, she had been waiting for this. And now— It was her moment to play now.