Chapter 152: Preparing Nora

Cassandra nodded and began helping her organize the remaining supplies.

A while later, both shops had been properly closed. Gilbert and Maya finished checking the day’s records before approaching the others to say goodbye.

"Goodnight, everyone," Gilbert said with a friendly wave. Maya stood beside him, smiling as she wished Evelyn and Cassandra a pleasant evening as well.

"Goodnight. Get home safely," Evelyn replied.

The two left together, chatting quietly as they walked away. Cassandra, meanwhile, was escorted toward a luxurious vehicle waiting outside by several men working for her brother. After exchanging farewells with Evelyn, she climbed inside, and the vehicle soon disappeared down the road.

Ethan, Evelyn, and Nora were the last to leave.

Nora was barely awake by then. She had stirred when Ethan rose from the couch, but the moment he helped her stand, she rubbed her eyes and leaned against him, looking as though she could fall asleep again at any moment.

Ethan chuckled softly and guided her toward the car. After helping her into the back seat, he made sure she was settled comfortably before getting behind the wheel. Evelyn took the front passenger seat and fastened her seat belt.

Glancing at Nora through the rearview mirror, Ethan smiled. "Someone seems to have had a very comfortable afternoon."

Nora made a small sound in response, too sleepy to offer a proper reply.

Evelyn turned around to look at her daughter, then shook her head with an affectionate smile. "She’ll probably wake up as soon as we get home."

"Let’s hope so. Otherwise, I’ll have to carry her upstairs."

"You’re her father. What’s wrong with carrying her?"

"Nothing at all." Ethan started the engine. "I was simply stating a fact."

Evelyn laughed quietly as he drove away from the shop.

The journey home was peaceful. By the time they arrived at their residential compound, Nora had almost drifted off again. Ethan parked the car, got out, and helped her down before the family headed upstairs to their apartment on the third floor.

As soon as they entered, Nora headed straight for the bedroom to change out of her school clothes. Ethan watched her disappear through the doorway before turning toward Evelyn.

"Let’s water the flowers before we settle down," He suggested.

Evelyn nodded, and the two went out to the balcony together.

Their balcony wasn’t particularly large, but Evelyn had arranged several pots of flowers along the railing, giving the space a pleasant appearance. Some were already blooming, while others had only begun to produce new buds. Ethan picked up the watering can as Evelyn checked the soil in the pots.

"These ones need more water," She told him, pointing toward a few smaller plants.

Ethan followed her instructions, watering them carefully while she tended to the others. They worked side by side without much conversation, occasionally exchanging a few words about the plants or the day’s events.

When they finished, Evelyn put the gardening tools away, and Ethan followed her back inside.

Nora had already changed into comfortable housewear. She came out of the bedroom, her white hair slightly tousled, and found her parents heading toward the kitchen.

"Come here, sweetheart," Ethan called, motioning for her to join him in the living room.

Nora walked over and sat beside him on the couch. She looked up at him curiously when he turned toward her, his expression gentle but a little more serious than usual.

"Do you remember what tomorrow is?" He asked.

"The court hearing?" Nora answered.

"That’s right." Ethan rested one arm along the back of the couch. "The proceedings are scheduled for tomorrow morning, and there’s a chance you’ll be asked to answer some questions. I want you to understand what to expect so you won’t feel overwhelmed when we get there."

Nora nodded, listening carefully.

"First, you don’t need to be afraid of the people asking you questions. They’ll want to understand what happened, and your job is simply to tell them what you know." Ethan spoke calmly, making sure she could follow what he was saying. "Listen carefully to each question before answering. Don’t rush just because someone is waiting for you to speak."

"What if I don’t understand a question?" Nora asked.

"Then you can say so and ask them to explain it. There’s nothing wrong with that." Ethan gave her a reassuring smile. "And if you don’t remember something, tell them you don’t remember. You don’t have to guess, and you certainly shouldn’t make anything up just because you think someone expects an answer."

Nora lowered her eyes briefly, rubbing her thumb against the edge of her sleeve. "What if they don’t believe me?"

Ethan’s expression softened. He reached over and gently straightened a strand of her hair that had fallen across her forehead.

"You can’t control what another person chooses to believe," He said. "You can only control what you say and how you behave. If you tell the truth as clearly as you can, then you’ve done your part."

He paused to let his words sink in before continuing. "You also don’t have to argue with anyone. If a question makes you uncomfortable, take a breath and answer as honestly as you can. There will be adults there to handle the proceedings. You don’t have to carry that responsibility yourself."

Nora looked up at him. "So I just have to tell them what happened?"

"Exactly."

"And I don’t have to remember every little detail?"

"No. Just answer what you know." Ethan gave her head a gentle pat. "You don’t need to worry about impressing anyone or saying something clever. You’re not going there to win an argument, Nora. You’re going there to tell the truth."

She remained quiet for a moment, considering his words. Then she leaned against his arm, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Dad, will you be there with me?"

Ethan looked down at her as though the question itself surprised him. "Of course. I’ll be right there."

"Even if they ask me a lot of questions?"

"Even then."

Nora nodded, apparently satisfied with his answer. She had been prepared to face Cassie and everyone else involved in the case, but hearing Ethan explain things so patiently made the following day seem less complicated.