"What the… It really is her!""Sandra, when did Noelle and Hendrix get back together?""Wait. What does Hendrix even see in her?"The endless chatter buzzed around Sandra, each word a sharp sting that exploded in her mind. Not a single reaction or word came from her. She simply kept her eyes fixed firmly on the couple ahead while her whole body trembled faintly with a mix of anger and agitation.On the terrace, Hendrix noticed something was off. He frowned when he noticed the group watching them. Without hesitation, he pulled Noelle into his arms, shielding her protectively."Hendrix, what a coincidence!" someone in the crowd called out to him immediately. "Is this your new girlfriend? Why didn't you tell us you got yourself a new girlfriend?"Tonight's group were all young people roughly the same age as Hendrix, so no one bothered with formalities.Since earlier, Noelle had been facing away from the group, and now, Hendrix had her pressed against his chest. If Ruth hadn't calle
Hendrix and Noelle didn't stay long. After watching the fireworks for a while, they took their leave from the group. Noelle even smiled and waved goodbye to them. But the smile on her face disappeared the moment she turned around.Then, she immediately tried to pull Hendrix's hand off her waist. However, Hendrix only tightened his grip, as if he wanted to crush her waist with his hold.Noelle couldn't help but hiss in pain. "Don't think I won't bite you!""Oh, yeah? Where are you going to bite me?"Noelle was stumped, and Hendrix couldn't help but laugh at her flustered, speechless expression.Finally, Noelle said through gritted teeth, "I want to go home.""Alright. Let's go home together," replied Hendrix matter-of-factly."Don't you find my humble abode stifling at all?""Well, you could come stay with me at Percy Gardens, or Nivis Villa would work, too.""No. I'm not going to either of those," Noelle answered without a second thought.Hendrix glanced at her but said nothi
It felt as though their souls had merged into one.The neighbor had already moved out, but Noelle still didn't dare to make too loud of a sound. When pushed to the edge, she could only bite down on Hendrix's neck. Hendrix didn't flinch at the pain. Instead, he gently held her chin after she was done biting him and kissed her lips.The room remained shrouded in darkness. They could hear the distant bursts of fireworks coming from outside, and mixed in with the sound was the ringing of a phone. Noelle heard it, too, and immediately tried to push him away. But Hendrix didn't stop, nor did he seem inclined to answer the phone, either.The person on the other end of the line was persistent, and unable to take it any longer, Noelle called out to Hendrix several times. It was only then that Hendrix finally answered the phone in annoyance."Hello?" His voice was raspy and tinged with obvious impatience.The person on the other end must have said something, because Hendrix's expression
Ophelia had always been known for her disciplined lifestyle. At this hour, she was usually long asleep. And most of the Freeman household followed her lead, adhering to her routine like clockwork. But tonight, the entire manor was still ablaze with light despite it being nearly 1:00 am.Grant had been waiting in the courtyard for some time, and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Hendrix's car pull up. He quickly rushed forward. "Mr. Freeman, you're finally back!"Hendrix glanced at him. "What's going on inside?""Mrs. Freeman Senior is furious. Mrs. Freeman has returned as well, but their conversation didn't go well. You must try to calm them down once you're insi—"Hendrix had already strode into the manor before Grant could finish his sentence. It was just as Grant had described—the atmosphere inside was suffocating.Ophelia sat on the couch, her face taut with anger. Her fingers were gripping the armrest so tightly that her knuckles had turned white. Standing across from her w
The teacup shattered against the back of Hendrix's head, and blood began to seep through his hair, trickling down his neck.Ophelia froze in place while Grant rushed forward. "Mr. Freeman, are you alright? This—"Before he could finish, Hendrix raised a hand, blocking Grant from checking on his injury.He then pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off his neck. Once that was done, he turned to Beatrice and asked in a cold, emotionless voice, "What's his name?"Beatrice visibly trembled at the question before looking at him in disbelief. Hendrix simply stood there, meeting her gaze, as if patiently waiting for her answer. After a moment, when it became clear she wasn't going to respond, he simply nodded and pulled out his phone to have someone investigate the matter.Beatrice knew Hendrix well, so she immediately understood his intentions the moment he took out his phone. Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand to stop him. "What are you doing?""If you won't tell me, I
Noelle didn't sleep well that night. After tossing and turning in bed for what felt like an eternity, she finally drifted into a light, hazy slumber.She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she suddenly felt as though there was someone by her bedside. Still groggy, she tried her best to open her eyes, only to see someone truly sitting there.Noelle jumped in fright, letting out a sharp scream."It's me," Hendrix said. His faint, weightless voice in the dark night felt hollow.Still startled, it took Noelle a while to process what was happening. Then, without thinking, she lifted her leg to kick him. She was undeniably angry. After all, anyone would be in a foul mood to be scared awake after finally managing to fall asleep.However, Hendrix caught her ankle effortlessly just as she raised her foot. Noelle's feet had finally warmed up after hours under the covers, but a shiver shot through her entire body the moment Hendrix wrapped his cold hand around her ankle."Let go! Y
At the moment, Hendrix just sighed and said, "My grandma and mom fought tonight. Do you know why?"His words made Noelle stop whatever she was doing. However, she calmed herself down and turned to him. "Oh? Why?"He looked at her. "Because my mom is dating someone."Although Noelle was already assuming this, when Hendrix told her so directly, her expressions still shifted a little.Before she could say anything, Hendrix said, "So, you've already known, haven't you?""What?""Noelle, don't try to lie to me." Hendrix remained expressionless. The way he looked at her returned to the usual sharp and cold gaze he always gave her previously.Noelle couldn't help but clench her fist.After a brief moment, she slowly nodded."When did you find out?" asked Hendrix.Noelle didn't answer him."Answer me now.""Is it important?" she countered. "Actually, I think…""Of course it's important," Hendrix cut her off and added, "So, you knew but chose to hide it from me? Do you know how s
Hendrix left, and he didn't show up at Serene Street for a few days after that night.Noelle thought she had really angered him this time. So, were things really over for them now?When this thought crossed her mind, she instinctively looked at the things in the house, and she felt… helpless.She went into the kitchen after sitting on the couch for a while. During this period of time, Noelle started cooking a lot. Her culinary skills weren't the best, but Hendrix seemed to enjoy the food prepared by her a lot. No matter how much food she cooked, he would finish it all the time.This time, Noelle made two dishes as well.When she arrived at the lobby of Amity Tower, she suddenly regretted it. After standing at the square in front of the tower for a while, she was still chickened out.However, someone suddenly called out to her, "Mrs. Freeman?"That title did not belong to her anymore, but for some reason, Noelle couldn't help but stop when she heard it.Dan walked toward her, lo
"I'm damned for ever believing your words! Now, just die!" George didn't give Dylan another chance to speak. He pulled the trigger, aiming to shoot a bullet through Dylan's forehead.In that instant, Dylan finally understood. This time, Hendrix didn't intend to leave him alive.If the goal had only been to swallow up Morphy Fund and make Dylan lose everything, the matter would have ended there. However, it seemed that Hendrix must have said something to George, which led him to believe that Dylan and Hendrix were working together—that Dylan had betrayed Morphy Fund.At this point, George had no way out. So, it wouldn't be surprising if he shot Dylan in the head. What Hendrix wanted was for him to die.Dylan didn't know what he was thinking at that moment. By the time he reacted, he had already grabbed the gun's barrel and twisted it violently. The bullet scraped past his head.Without hesitation, George moved to pull the trigger again when Dylan, still holding onto his wrist, forc
Dylan still remembered the victory party at the villa a few days ago. At that time, George had pushed him in front of everyone. He had enjoyed all the praise and recognition while sipping glass after glass of champagne.He knew that no matter how much doubt and skepticism there had been about him in the past, it all vanished that night. That was also why George had thrown him a victory party at the very first stage.After all, only by telling everyone about his achievements would they believe in him and entrust him with their funds. But they probably didn't expect the final result to be like this.Actually, when Fuer Fund continued to add to their position after reaching the peak, George had already warned Dylan that there might be some issues. But the market was unpredictable—a moment's decision or a few seconds of hesitation could lead to failure.Thus, Dylan didn't wait. He thought Hendrix was also gambling. So, he disregarded the risk and pushed all the funds in. He wanted Hend
Noelle's expression changed at that moment. It took her a while to find her voice to ask, "Is that what really happened?""Hendrix definitely hasn't told you all these, right?" Dylan smirked. "It's because he's too afraid to mention them. So, tell me. How could someone like him possibly deserve a happy life? "Don't worry. I'll make sure to take him down this time. Once I get your passport, you can go whenever you want."When he finished speaking, there was sincerity and seriousness in his eyes as he looked at Noelle. He really hoped she would stay. Of course, he wanted victory. But if he could have her by his side when he achieved it, that would be even better.Although once he reached the top, anyone could stay by his side. But the person he wanted most was Noelle."Thank you," Noelle said in the end.That wasn't the answer Dylan was most satisfied with. But he knew he couldn't afford to rush things just yet. For now, it was enough that Noelle was on his side."Alright, go to
As Dylan spoke, his teeth clenched tighter. It was unclear whether he was trying to convince Noelle or himself.Noelle remained silent, quietly watching him.After staring at her for a while, Dylan suddenly laughed. "So, do you know why we were celebrating tonight?"Noelle shook her head."Because we stole Fuer Fund's opportunity! It's all thanks to the plan you sent me before. Now, no matter what Fuer Fund does next, we'll know about it. "George is really happy, too. He used to doubt my abilities, worried that I'd drag down his fund, but you should've seen how he treated me tonight."Not just him, but the whole industry now recognizes me. I've finally established myself here!"Dylan's voice grew more excited as he spoke.Noelle, however, remained calm.The only sign of change was when she heard that he succeeded because of the plan she had given him—her brow slightly lifted. But it was just for a moment.She quickly regained her calm and nodded.Her reaction made Dylan fro
George didn't care about being cautious. He was too excited. He had clashed with Fuer Fund a few times before, but when faced with absolute power, he had barely gotten any scraps from the table.Now, to be able to seize such a large slice of the pie from Fuer Fund and force them to back off, how could George not be thrilled?Thus, the drinks kept coming, one after another.Even if Dylan hadn't planned on getting drunk, it was hard to refuse the goodwill of so many people. In the end, he was thoroughly drunk.When he returned to the apartment, his steps were unsteady. Seeing the light still on inside, he paused for a moment. Then, he suddenly remembered he didn't live alone anymore. Noelle also lived with him now.Though Dylan was well aware, and his rational mind reminded him repeatedly that he had essentially kept her here as a hostage. If Hendrix made any further moves, he would have no choice but to kill her.But when he saw the light she had left on for him, Dylan couldn't he
The plan Hendrix had given Dylan was, of course, real. Though he had been tempted to lace it with a trap and watch him walk right into it, he knew better—Dylan wasn't that stupid.More importantly, what Hendrix truly wanted wasn't just to bait Dylan into a trap. Even if Dylan didn't trust the plan, it didn't matter. Their team would still move forward with the plan. But if he did trust it, all the better.Fuer Fund wouldn't tolerate anyone messing with their slice of the pie. And what Hendrix wanted was to drag Erwin and the rest of them into the game.Dylan might have found himself a solid backer, but this wasn't Coppersville. Taking him down alone wouldn't be easy. But what if Fuer Fund collapsed with Hendrix? That would change everything, and that was Hendrix's real goal.Thus, Hendrix didn't even panic when Erwin called him out on it. He simply raised an eyebrow."If this gets out, do you still think you'll have a place in this business?" Erwin slammed his hand on the desk. "O
"Stay at your place?" Noelle asked."Yeah," Dylan said with a smile. "Hendrix already has another woman now, doesn't he? But don't worry. Unless it's something you're willing to do, I'll never touch you.""Alright."Dylan had planned to say more but was caught off guard by how readily Noelle agreed. Her response made even him freeze for a second. Then, he narrowed his eyes slightly."Do you need me to do anything else?" Noelle asked.She looked completely sincere and serious, like they were truly on the same side now.But Dylan still held on to a shred of suspicion. Regardless, Noelle was in his hands for the time being. If all of this really was an act, and she was lying to him, then she shouldn't blame him for what came next.With that thought, Dylan smiled slightly and gently took Noelle's hand. "Alright. I'll have someone make arrangements right away."Just as he finished speaking, his partner George called to inform him that Hendrix's side had already started moving."Tha
Dylan took Noelle out of the hospital. She truly wasn't feeling well. After Dylan drove for a while, her complexion turned even paler.In the end, Dylan had no choice but to take her to another hospital. While the doctor reported her condition to him, Dylan's gaze slowly fell on the person lying in the hospital bed.Noelle had fallen into a sleep. Her face was still pale, and her brows were tightly furrowed. She looked so fragile and delicate. But at that moment, Dylan couldn't be sure if she was scheming something.Ultimately, he didn't do anything. He just quietly sat by her side. He didn't know how much time had passed before Noelle finally woke up.When she saw him, she seemed momentarily startled. Then, a flicker of disappointment passed clearly through her eyes.Noticing this, Dylan narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing."Thank you," Noelle said softly.Dylan looked at her without responding."Can I see my phone?" she asked.He handed it to her in silence.Noelle
Dylan's gaze darkened. Just as he was about to step forward, someone else beat him to it.Hendrix crouched down in front of Noelle. "What happened?"Seeing this, Dylan almost laughed. He knew things wouldn't be that simple. With how devoted Hendrix had been to Noelle before, how could he possibly fall out of love so quickly?As expected, this was just a show the two of them had put on for Dylan. With that though, he didn't linger. He turned and was about to leave when he heard Noelle's voice."Let go of me!"Her voice wasn't loud in the noisy hospital, but Dylan heard it clearly. He immediately turned his head.Hendrix was holding onto her other hand, seemingly trying to take her away.But Noelle kept struggling. "Let go of me!""Noelle Swanson!""You already have another woman, so why do you still care about me?" Noelle gritted her teeth and glared at him. "Let me tell you—I don't want anything you gave me! And I don't want to see you right now, either!"As she spoke, she tr