Noelle looked at Hendrix and said, "The beach downstairs."She knew that her answer would not satisfy him, as he frowned even deeper and said, "This is not back home. Don't you know it's dangerous to go out alone?"Noelle wanted to say, "Then, why did you bring me here?"Did he want her to wait for him in the room the entire day?But after a moment of hesitation, Noelle did not retort back and just nodded in response.This reaction kind of surprised Hendrix a little."Did you need something? Why are you back?" Noelle asked. Hendrix pulled himself back together and gave her a strange look. "I'm here to bring you to meet someone.""A party?""Yeah, a friend of mine is hosting one."Noelle's gaze darkened, as she didn't know if his friend was one of his fund partners.Previously, she even went to his study room to find evidence. Hendrix did not have to bring her to meet his partners now, right?It seemed impossible when Noelle thought about it. But no matter what, she did not
The location Hendrix mentioned turned out to be a private villa by the seaside. As the car entered the estate, Noelle noticed a warning sign outside the gates indicating that the area was off-limits to outsiders. Clearly, Hendrix wasn't considered one of them.A man dressed in a long-tail tuxedo approached their car as soon as it stopped, his posture respectful as he opened the door for them."This is Robert Pike, the butler here," Hendrix introduced briefly.Noelle nodded politely toward the man, who returned the gesture with a courteous bow before stepping aside to lead the way. "Mr. Freeman, Mr. Lawson is already waiting inside," Robert informed.Hendrix simply hummed in response.As they walked through the front hall, Noelle quickly took in the villa's interior. The space was predominantly white, with soaring ceilings and an expansive layout. The grandeur made her feel as though she had stepped into a palace.Hearing the sound, the man in front quickly turned around. He had
Then, she heard Hendrix's response, "You wouldn't understand. You're not one of us, and you can't grasp how deeply we value marriage and family.""True, I don't. But marriage is a cage. It's something we agreed on before. Have you forgotten? Back then, you missed out on so much fun because of it. Now that you've finally broken free, why did you go back?"Hendrix simply chuckled."Or is it that your wife has something special about her that makes you willing to put up with this so-called cage?""No. She's just an ordinary woman. Nothing special about her.""I don't believe that. If that was true, why did you choose to marry her, of all people?""Because I don't want to waste time on anyone else. You said it yourself that marriage is a cage. It doesn't matter who you're with. I just happened to pick her. That's all."Noelle didn't listen any further. She abandoned her original plan of pushing open the door to confront Hendrix.When she noticed the maid looking at her with curiosi
Erwin sent a car to Hendrix and Noelle back.However, as they neared the hotel, Hendrix instructed the driver to stop. He then turned to Noelle. "Shall we take a walk by the beach?"He had actually had quite a bit to drink tonight. But his self-control was impressive, for his eyes remained sharp and clear. If Noelle hadn't seen him drink earlier, she wouldn't have guessed it.Before she could reply, he just pulled her out of the car.It was nighttime, so it was not so crowded at the beach anymore.During the day, the sea appeared clear and turquoise, but now, it blended with the pitch-black sky. Even the waves that lapped at their feet seemed to carry an eerie undertone.Noelle didn't like it much, but Hendrix seemed to be in the mood and kept pulling her forward."I'll be busy tomorrow, so I will get a tour guide to bring you around. What do you think?""It's fine," Noelle rejected him.Hendrix was upset by this and turned around with a frown on his face.Noelle took a deep
"So, is this why you've been so obedient tonight?" Hendrix asked.Noelle fell silent.But Hendrix suddenly chuckled. He thought as much. Since when had she become so compliant?Agreeing to have dinner with him when he asked, changing her clothes without a word of protest, and even those sweet, placating words and that hug from earlier.Hendrix slowly clenched his teeth. At that moment, everything felt unbearably ironic and ridiculous to him—truly ridiculous.How foolish of him to think Noelle had finally recognized his sincerity and believe that their relationship could finally begin to thaw.And yet?She did it all for Dylan!Hendrix felt something spreading rapidly with him—jealousy, rage, and pain. All these emotions intertwined, coursing through his veins and flooding his entire body, making his hands and feet tremble uncontrollably.And in that instant, a singular, piercing thought took root in his mind—Dylan had to die.It was no longer enough for Dylan to simply step a
Hendrix had already dialed the number, and the voice on the other end had already answered with a "hello". But Hendrix couldn't bring himself to say a word."Mr. Freeman?"The person on the other end kept speaking, but Hendrix slowly turned his head, his eyes locking onto Noelle. She stood there, meeting his gaze."What did you just say?" he asked."If you really kill Dylan, then I'll kill myself, too," Noelle said, her voice unmistakably clear.Hendrix suddenly burst into laughter. It was as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke in the world, laughing so hard that he was trembling all over.But his eyes slowly turned red, and there was the taste of blood lingering on his tongue. Even so, his voice remained calm as he asked, staring at Noelle, "You would die for Dylan?""Yes.""And what about Elm Group? You don't care about it anymore? And the one lying in the hospital—""Is threatening me the only thing you know how to do?" Noelle interrupted him. "I've already done w
"So, no matter what it takes, you have to try for him. Even if it means stabbing me in the heart. Noelle, you're truly ruthless," Hendrix concluded.With that, Hendrix walked past her without another word.The white waves continued to roll in, and on the vast stretch of beach, only Noelle was left standing alone.…That night, Noelle and Hendrix lay back-to-back. By now, she had grown accustomed to having someone else in bed with her. Previously, when they slept together, they would usually do something before sleep. If not, Hendrix would at least hold her as they drifted off.But tonight, he did nothing. His back toward her seemed to carve a deep chasm between them. Noelle didn't turn around, either.Before long, the night passed.When Noelle woke up, daylight had already filled the room.Hendrix was gone. Noelle had no idea whether he had gone to work or to the party Erwin had mentioned, nor did she have any interest in finding out.The surrounding scenery held little appeal
Pain, hatred, humiliation, and terror—all these emotions surged through Noelle in an instant. Even her struggling momentarily faltered under the overwhelming wave of despair. But just after a few seconds, it was as though something snapped inside her, and she began to fight back with renewed ferocity. The man kept his hand clamped tightly over her mouth, but Noelle opened her jaw wide and sank her teeth into the flesh of his hand. She bit down with every ounce of strength she had, nearly tearing into his flesh.The man let out a pained grunt. Seizing the moment, Noelle drove her leg up and kicked him in the stomach with all her might. This time, the man was prepared. He grabbed her leg and forcefully pinned it down. Then, he released her mouth.Noelle immediately screamed, "Let me go! Help—"Before she could finish, the man shoved the loosened tie straight into her mouth. The strong stench of alcohol emanated from him, but it couldn't mask the faint, familiar scent lingering on hi
Rosie's voice was sharp and piercing.It wasn't just Hendrix—even Noelle was seeing this attitude in her for the first time.She froze for a moment, then quickly stepped forward. "Rosie, you—""I don't want to see him! Make him leave, Mommy! Make him go away!" Rosie buried herself in Noelle's arms as she spoke.The IV tube in her hand was tugged, causing blood to flow back into the tube.Afraid Rosie might hurt herself, Noelle quickly held her hand down and agreed to her request, "Okay, okay. I'll make him leave now. It's alright. Don't get upset."As she spoke, she glanced up at Hendrix.He stood there, lips pressed tightly together.Noelle thought she might have to say something more to him, but to her surprise, he turned and left without a word.Only when he was completely gone did Rosie slowly calm down, though she still clung tightly to Noelle's arm."There, there," Noelle said softly. "You don't have to see him if you don't want to. Don't be afraid. Mommy's here."Rosi
After Noelle finished speaking, Dylan's expression shifted slightly. Then, he slowly frowned."If that's all you wanted to say, then I'll be going now."With that, Noelle turned to go.But Dylan called out to her again, "So, you're still choosing Hendrix. Is that it? But do you know he's about to get married?"…Noelle took the elevator back upstairs. The moment the doors opened, she saw someone sitting outside the hospital room.He was dressed in a black suit, with a laptop bag by his side. At the moment, he was holding a tablet, his eyes focused intently on the documents in front of him.He looked like he had rushed over from somewhere. His usually neat hair was slightly disheveled, and his clothes were wrinkled.He had been staring at the screen, but the moment Noelle looked at him, he seemed to sense her presence and immediately lifted his head.There was about ten yards of distance between them. The VIP ward hallway was eerily quiet—so quiet that Noelle could hear her own
Dylan smiled, but gone was the warmth that used to fill his face, and in its place was a sharp, icy edge.Noelle's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself. "It wasn't you.""Oh?""You just didn't want to marry Jean. And before that, she had already been sentenced for kidnapping and assaulting me. Your goal was achieved. There was no need for you to target her family further. So, it wasn't you," she reasoned calmly.Dylan looked at her, his smile deepening. "So, should I feel happy that you trust me?"Was it trust?Noelle wasn't sure. But if she had to explain, it was more because she believed Dylan had no reason to do something so unnecessary.But if it wasn't Dylan who reported Brian, then who was it?As if reading her thoughts, Dylan said, "It was Hendrix."Noelle immediately looked at him.He smiled and said, "Do you remember what I told you back then? I knew that even if Jean committed a crime, her family would do everything to cover it up. But if it involv
Noelle instructed the caregiver to look after Rosie before following Dylan out."The last time we met was over a year ago, right?" Dylan asked. "You had just given birth, and I was swamped with work, so we didn't get a chance to talk properly."The hospital yard was filled with patients enjoying the sunshine.They found a quiet spot in a gazebo. Dylan sat down on the bench first, his demeanor relaxed and natural. That calm composure was something only a seasoned businessman could possess.Noelle had seen it countless times in Hendrix. But perhaps because she was used to Dylan's gentle and approachable nature, seeing him adopt this tone made her feel uncomfortable.After a brief pause, she let out a soft hum."You know I've started my own company, Dyno Corporation, right?" Dylan asked."Yeah, I saw the news. The company looks successful. Congratulations."Dylan chuckled. "Thank you. By the way, there's something you probably don't know. My grandfather… He's passed away."Noelle
To Noelle's surprise, Hendrix didn't show up the next day.However, the team of medical experts he had promised arrived promptly. They held a meeting with Rosie's current doctors and ultimately decided to proceed with the surgery.As Rosie's mother, Noelle had already undergone a compatibility test, but she hadn't been a match. Now, they were waiting for Hendrix's results.If his test also came back negative…Noelle didn't dare to think further.Hendrix didn't show up over the next two days as well. His absence made Noelle realize his intentions. He had arranged for the doctors and agreed to a compatibility test solely out of a sense of paternal responsibility. It had nothing to do with anything else.Honestly speaking, realizing this brought her a sense of relief.After all, a few days ago, Seline had mentioned that children were a bond between parents. And because of Rosie, there might be a chance for something to change between Noelle and Hendrix.When Noelle heard this, her
Noelle sat there for a moment, watching Hendrix's retreating figure before finally returning to the hospital room.Seline was by the bedside, mindlessly scrolling through muted videos on her phone. It was obvious her focus wasn't on it. As soon as she saw Noelle walk in, she immediately stood up. "You're back?"Noelle nodded."What did you guys talk about? That bastard—""He said he didn't know about Rosie's illness," Noelle interrupted.Seline choked on her words. "What… What do you mean?"Noelle didn't respond.But Seline shot up from her seat as if something had bitten her. "That's impossible! How could he not know? He told me him—"Before she could finish, Noelle covered her mouth and glanced toward Rosie.Realizing her mistake, Seline lowered her voice. "He told me himself that he knew! He even said it was your choice! He said he was going to find someone else to marry and have kids with."Seline was in the middle of throwing one accusation after another when Noelle sudd
Noelle said she was sorry.If her earlier response had merely left Hendrix a little surprised, then these two words were like a stab into his chest.His lips moved, but it took him a long moment to find his voice. "Why are you apologizing?""I should've made Rosie apologize to you right away," Noelle said softly, eyes downcast. "You were right. When someone does something wrong, they should apologize. If she had done so then, none of this would have happened."As her mother, I failed to teach her properly. So, I'm apologizing to you for that. And about what I said to you earlier… I wasn't trying to be difficult. I was just too anxious at the time, so I hope you won't hold it against me."When she finished speaking, Hendrix fell into complete silence."Oh, and thank you for the arrangements you've made with the doctors. I—"Seeing that Noelle was about to continue, Hendrix cut her off sharply, "That's enough."He slowly clenched his teeth. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't y
Hendrix was standing right outside.The moment they locked gazes, Seline let out a cold laugh. "Well, well, if it isn't you, Mr. Freeman! What? Do you think you haven't done enough? Here to continue your role as the great educator?"Hendrix ignored her, his eyes fixed on Noelle. "I need to talk to you."Before Noelle could respond, Seline cut in, "Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to talk to Noelle like that?"He stood there silently. Throughout the entire conversation, he didn't even spare Seline a single glance.His dismissive attitude only made Seline's expression darken even further. Just as she was about to speak again, Noelle had already stood up."Can you watch Rosie for me?" she asked softly.Seline clenched her teeth but finally nodded.Noelle walked past her without a word, not even looking at Hendrix, and headed down the hallway.Hendrix glanced at Rosie on the hospital bed first.Her eyes were closed, and her small face was pale. A thin IV needle
Seline arrived at the hospital very quickly."What happened? Didn't Rosie just get discharged this morning? How—"She wanted to ask more, but when she saw Noelle's red-rimmed eyes, she swallowed her words back down."It's all my fault," Noelle said softly. "I shouldn't have taken her to the supermarket. I shouldn't have argued with them. If only I had—"Noelle didn't finish her sentence. Her lips were pressed tightly together, and her hands were clenched so hard that her nails dug into her palms.Seeing this, Seline quickly grabbed her hands. "Nonsense! This isn't your fault. I know you, out of all people, would never want to see Rosie hurt."Noelle remained silent, but this was even more alarming than before.Seline opened her mouth to speak but quickly noticed something. Her voice rose slightly as she said, "Rosie, you're awake!"At those words, Noelle seemed to come back to life. She immediately took Rosie's hand. "You're awake? Does it still hurt?"Rosie shook her head slo