Noelle knew what Hendrix meant by that look. It was a look of warning and disdain. She also knew that Hendrix had a heart of stone under all that humbleness and gentleness.She lowered her eyes. Her gaze landed on the papers that Hendrix had torn up and thrown away earlier.It had taken her all of her courage to hand him the agreement, but he didn't even bother to look at it. It was because he didn't care.He didn't care how he felt, so he wouldn't care about whatever decision she'd made.…Noelle did not see Hendrix again for the next few days. She only heard from him recently at a public meeting, where he had made an appearance.In the photograph, Hendrix was wearing a dark suit. His handsome features were as flawless as ever, complemented by the slight smile curving his lips.It was only then that Noelle found out that he was in Doville City.She clicked out of the news article without reading the rest of it. Then, she saw a post on Twitter asking about new updates on her co
Noelle lowered her eyes, staring at the photograph in the newspaper. In it, she looked disheveled and utterly humiliated.However, right now, she was calm. She did not say anything as she picked up the newspaper and threw it into a nearby trash can. Then, she opened the car door again."Let's go," she told Levi, her voice calm.Levi did not dare start the car. He just looked at Hendrix cautiously.Hendrix was staring at Noelle impassively.Noelle did not look at him. She didn't even give him a second glance as she rolled the window up.When that happened, Hendrix turned and went into the house without hesitation.He wasn't looking at Noelle, but Noelle was staring after him, watching his back as he left. She knew what he was telling her. He wasn't going to go to the party with her, so if she got ridiculed, she would be on her own.Then again, Noelle was used to this. After all, she'd always been alone.…The party was much livelier than Noelle had expected.The Quinlans had
Noelle looked earnest, like what she said wasn't a joke, but Maxwell laughed."Come on. I brought back a pastry chef from abroad. I think you'll like his cakes," he said as he led Noelle forward.He was the star of the party, so most people at the party had their eyes on him.Maxwell seemed unaffected. He led Noelle to the buffet table and handed her a mini cake. He looked like a little kid, showing his friends his favorite dessert.He did not mind the stares, but Noelle couldn't ignore them. She stared at the cake for a moment before taking it. "You're being too obvious," she said.Maxwell raised his eyebrows. "Oh?""You're trying to use me as a shield, aren't you?" Noelle said, taking a small mouthful of the cake.It had been some time since she last had cake. They had personal chefs at Nivis Villa, but they never baked cakes.Cakes weren't a popular dessert amongst the upper class. The confectionery was just something for specific occasions, more for the sense of ritual than
Sandra's arm was linked with Hendrix. They were both wearing matching blue outfits. At a glance, it looked like they were the perfect couple.Noelle felt as if she had been slapped by her own husband. Bitterness welled up in her. Not even the cake could push the bitter taste away.She did not continue her conversation with Maxwell. Instead, she placed her cake down on the table. Just as she turned to leave, Sandra saw her."Noelle!"Her voice was loud and clear. It was impossible for Noelle not to hear her. At the same time, Maxwell stepped in front of her, blocking her path of escape.Noelle frowned at him.Maxwell did not look at her. He looked straight ahead and smiled, putting out his hand. "Mr. Freeman. I've heard a lot about you."Hendrix ignored Noelle, who had turned her back to him, and shook Maxwell's hand. "Pleasure to meet you.""Max, long time no see!" Sandra greeted Maxwell excitedly as well. Her eyes were large and bright, shining almost as bright as the stars.
While Noelle was trying to free herself from Hendrix's grip, he raised his other arm and wound it around her waist.Then, he tightened his hold, making Noelle stumble a few steps into his embrace. From the outside, it looked as if Noelle had thrown herself at him.Noelle's expression darkened further.Just then, Hendrix reached out and swiped lightly at her lips with a finger.Noelle had just had cake, but she wouldn't have left anything on her lips. However, Hendrix's actions made her feel awkward.Her frown deepened. Just as she was about to demand that Hendrix let her go, he spoke first, saying, "Was the cake good?"The abrupt question took her aback. Then, just as abruptly, Hendrix leaned down and kissed her.The sudden kiss was just as overbearing and domineering as the man himself. The taste of cake seemed to permeate between their lips and tongues.However, Hendrix did not seem to like the taste. His kiss became even more aggressive as he clutched Noelle closer to himsel
At first, Noelle thought that she was mistaken. After all, she had lost the sketchbook several years ago. She thought she had forgotten it somewhere.Going nearer, she saw that it really was her sketchbook. Her name was written on the cover."Oh, hey, Noelle!" Ruth noticed her mid-laugh and called her over, "Look! This is yours, isn't it?"I remember Sandra telling me that you draw. I thought you were some kind of prodigy artist or something, but it turned out that you're just drawing this bullshit! Someone had a pathetic crush on the most handsome guy in school!"The group burst into laughter again.Noelle did not answer. She went up and tried to snatch the sketchbook away from them.Ruth seemed to sense her actions. Before Noelle could get close, she tossed the sketchbook to the person beside her, who in turn threw it to another person.The women stood in a circle, playing Pass the Ball with her sketchbook.Noelle stood in the middle of their circle, ridiculed and humiliated.
Before Maxwell went abroad, he hadn't interacted much with Hendrix. Therefore, he didn't know Hendrix well at all. However, he could tell that Hendrix's look was a warning.Maxwell just laughed.Hendrix ignored him. After the glance, he left, pulling Noelle along with him.He slammed the car door shut loudly. Noelle could sense his anger. She didn't want to get into trouble, so she scooted away from him, still holding her sketchbook tightly.However, Hendrix reached out and snatched it out of her hold.Noelle's eyes widened in shock. "Give it back!" she said immediately.This was the most animated Hendrix had ever seen her in their two years of marriage. Noelle pounced on him like an angry cat, trying to snatch the book away from him.Hendrix had only intended to take a look, but Noelle's attitude made him frown. He grabbed both of her hands, trapping them so that she did not get a chance to snatch the sketchbook back."Let me go! That is mine!" Noelle cried, even more agitat
Noelle did not remember falling asleep. She was woken up by her phone ringing the next morning."Are you at Nivis Villa?" Beatrice's voice was as calm as ever.Noelle was startled awake immediately. "Yes, I am.""I'm coming over. Your grandma is sick. You're going to the hospital with me."Noelle wanted to turn her down. She knew, from Sandra's post, that Hendrix and Sandra had gone to the hospital last night.No one had informed her about this, so it clearly meant that she was not needed at the hospital. Why would she make an unwanted appearance?However, she couldn't bring herself to say that to Beatrice.After a pause, she answered, "Okay."Beatrice's personality was just like Hendrix's. She had only called her to inform her about her arrival.After Noelle answered, Beatrice hung up the phone immediately.Ten minutes later, her car arrived at Nivis Villa.Beatrice glanced at Noelle's outfit and frowned, but she did not say anything. She just handed her a lunchbox. "I got
"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