?Chapter 1104:


    The moment lingered—quiet, intimate, disarming. Eventually, Yvonne managed to pull her hand free. She turned quickly toward the window, trying to focus on the scenery shing past and not the rapid beat of her heart.


    Beside her, Norton sat upright again, no longer distant. A faint smile yed at the corners of his lips.


    Later that evening, after dinner, Norton went upstairs to work. Yvonne remained downstairs, lounging on the sofa, feeling surprisingly at peace.


    She reached for the remote, about to turn on the TV, when her phone buzzed. It was Morse.


    She answered, and his voice came through, weak and hoarse. “Yvonne, I was supposed to apany Mr. Marsh to the g tonight, but I’vee down with a fever. I’m at the hospital getting an IV…”


    Yvonne sat up immediately. “Are you okay?”


    “Much better,” Morse replied. “But… I was hoping you could help with something.”


    Yvonne bit her lip. She had a sinking feeling about what he was going to ask.


    She nced toward the stairs, her thoughts in turmoil. She had just told Norton she wasn’t going to the g—and now, if she suddenly changed her mind, how would he react?


    Before she could sort through the conflict in her heart, Morse’s voice came again, “Yvonne? Are you still there?”


    “Yes,” she answered quickly. “Go ahead—I’m listening.”


    Morse sighed heavily over the phone. “I really wouldn’t ask if I had any other choice. This g is huge for our magazine. After thinking it over, you’re the best person for it. You’ve been in the spotlighttely. You’ve got the presence, the polish. I know you just got back from a business trip. I’m truly out of options.” Another sigh.


    Yvonne could hear the fatigue and desperation in his voice. She hesitated for a moment, but in the end, she just couldn’t bring herself to say no. She said gently, “Don’t worry about it. Just focus on getting better. I’ll go in your ce.”


    Morse was beyond relieved. He thanked her and ended the call.


    After he hung up, Yvonne stared at her phone, feeling a little conflicted. She bit her lip, debating whether to tell Norton. But… no. She didn’t want to risk upsetting him, not after the quiet moment they’d shared earlier.


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    So, she made a quick decision. She slipped upstairs, chose a sapphire gown from her closet, got dressed, and tiptoed out of the house without a word.


    As she stepped outside, phone in hand, a message popped up from Ethan. “Morse told me you’ll be going to the g in his ce. Need help with a gown? And where are you? I cane pick you up.”


    Yvonne quickly typed back. “Thanks, but I’m all…


    set. Morse gave me the address. I’ll take a cab and meet you at the entrance.” Ethan left it at that.


    About half an hourter, Yvonne’s cab pulled up in front of a hotel, blending in awkwardly among the line of sleek ck cars and luxury sedans.


    Ethan was already waiting outside, scanning every vehicle that passed like he was on high alert.


    When he spotted the taxi, something about it made him pause. His eyes fixed on it as it slowly pulled up to the hotel entrance. Then the door opened. The first thing he saw was a slender leg, followed by a figure draped in a sapphire gown. One of Yvonne’s hands held the door, the other adjusted the neckline of her dress.


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