Noelle was still caught in her surprise from moments earlier, so when Hendrix suddenly kissed her, she didn't react immediately. Her slightly parted lips gave him the perfect opportunity. The lingering taste of the cake was still present on his lips, and the rich, sweet aroma of mango instantly filled her mouth.Perhaps it was the overwhelming sweetness of the flavor, but Noelle didn't push Hendrix away. She just sat there, completely still, letting him kiss her.After a while, Hendrix finally pulled back. Looking at her, he asked in a raspy voice, "Why didn't you move?"He was so close that Noelle's reflection was clear in his deep, dark eyes.Noelle met his gaze and replied, "The cake might fall."Her response left Hendrix momentarily stunned. It was then he realized that, all this time, she had been holding the cake in her hand.He was initially quite tempted to take things further. After all, the street was quiet, and the spot he had chosen was secluded enough. But seeing Noe
But now, Hendrix was no longer used to sleeping alone. In fact, he couldn't fall asleep unless he was holding Noelle in his arms.Sometimes, in the middle of the night, she would push his arm away and move to the other side of the bed. After waking up in panic, Hendrix would immediately pull her back and lock her firmly in his embrace. Only then would he feel at ease again.Yet, that night, Hendrix didn't wake up once. Six hours of uninterrupted sleep left him feeling completely satisfied.Noelle was still nestled in his arms. She looked peaceful in her sleep, with her long lashes resting softly and her lips pressed together.Hendrix gently brushed away the strands of hair clinging to her face. He then leaned in and kissed her on the cheek, trailing downward as he went.By the time Noelle woke up, it was already too late. Hendrix was already holding onto her calf, and when he noticed she was awake, he gave her a smile before leaning down to kiss her.Noelle immediately turned her
Hendrix had no intention of riding in the other car, so he chose to drive to Freeman Manor himself, with Noelle naturally accompanying him. He was in an exceptionally good mood along the way, one hand on the steering wheel while the other held hers tightly. By now, Noelle couldn't even be bothered to resist. As the car neared Freeman Manor, she finally asked him, "Has Nathan officially joined Amity Group? Will it affect you?"Hendrix raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by her sudden question. Then, he replied, "If I say it won't affect me, would you believe it?"Noelle was momentarily stunned. Hendrix glanced at her, then patiently explained, "The shares were given to him, but he holds no real power. Even if he joins Amity Group, he won't be able to stir up much trouble.""But Mrs. Freeman Senior—""If she truly wanted to support him to rise to power, then yes, it could be a problem. But if she really cared about him, she would've brought him into the fold long ago. To her,
As soon as Beatrice finished speaking, Hendrix clenched his fists.Noelle, seated beside him, could clearly hear the grinding of his teeth and see the bulging veins on the back of his hands. She knew that Hendrix wasn't afraid of competing with Nathan. What really set him off was that the one helping Nathan would be Beatrice.For some reason, she felt an urge to reach out and hold his hand. However, after her fingers twitched slightly, she ultimately decided against it.Hendrix quickly regained his composure and said, "Since you've already made your decision, what's the point of telling me now?""It's only right to inform you. After all, you're the company's general manager," Beatrice replied, her tone as calm as ever.Hendrix let out a laugh, but this time, it was cold. "Well, then, thank you ever so much for the heads-up."With that, he stood up abruptly. "I take it you've said everything you needed to? So, can we leave now?""If you're busy, you can leave first. I still have
Noelle's expression changed multiple times. "What do you mean by this?""Exactly what I said. Don't you want to leave him?" Beatrice asked, her tone almost urgent.Noelle stared at her for a moment before replying, "But this is between him and me. You're his mother, so no matter what, you should be on his side."Her words seemed to momentarily silence Beatrice.Noelle thought that her words had sunk in, but then, Beatrice laughed and asked, "So, are you pitying him now?"Noelle felt that something about Beatrice's demeanor was off. Just as she was about to say something, Beatrice beat her to it."Noelle, you've gone soft on him."That light, casual remark left Noelle stunned. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.Beatrice stood up. Crossing her arms, she gazed out at the yard for a moment before finally speaking again."But that's fine. This is between you and him and also your personal choice. If you want to continue living like this, I certainly won't interfere. But N
By the time Hendrix caught up to Noelle in the pharmacy, he arrived just in time to hear her ask for a pregnancy test.The store assistant immediately acknowledged her request, then noticed Hendrix entering. She asked, "Sir, is there anything you need?"Hendrix didn't respond. The store assistant found his silence odd at first but quickly realized he was staring intently at Noelle. Understanding the situation, she said nothing more and simply retrieved two boxes of pregnancy tests for Noelle.The entire time, Noelle didn't look at Hendrix—not even when paying at the counter. As he reached out to take the items, she swatted his hand away with a loud, crisp smack.The store assistant was startled by the sound but had no time to react before Noelle picked up the items and walked out. Hendrix immediately followed after her. To his relief, she still got into his car.During the drive, Hendrix wanted to explain himself.Should he say he did it for her health? Then, why hadn't he take
Hendrix suddenly fell silent.Noelle realized she had said the wrong thing. No matter what, the cruelest thing one could do during an argument was attacking the other person's deepest vulnerabilities. No matter how much resentment or anger she held toward him, she shouldn't have said that.Especially since Hendrix had just lost control of his emotions earlier that morning because of Beatrice's "betrayal". And yet, Noelle had still blurted it out."Oh, so that's what she told you," Hendrix finally said after a long moment.Noelle said nothing in response.Hendrix suddenly laughed. "Well, it's not surprising. In her eyes, I really am a monster. If she could, I think she'd want to go back in time and strangle me at birth. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have been tied to the Freeman family all these years. Maybe she could have been with her true love instead."His voice grew colder and more mocking with every word.Noelle pressed her lips tightly together, saying nothing.As He
Noelle sneered. "Who said I wanted to keep the baby? Tell you what, Hendrix Freeman—I won't give you a chance to tie me down."Once you step away, I'll get rid of the baby!"Hendrix had thought he was heartless enough. He was on the top of the world last night and this morning, only to find that he was a fool.Even so, he still couldn't make himself any more emotionless. He was overcome by sadness after hearing her words.Till now, he could still remember the first time he saw Noelle crying. She was alone on a hospital bed at that time, having just lost their first child.He had never doubted for a second that Noelle would make a good mom. He also knew how much she wanted a child.When they attended an orphanage event in the past, he witnessed her comforting the kids. The tenderness she exuded mesmerized him.But now, she was threatening to kill that baby.He turned around slowly to stare at her. As if she wanted to make good on her threat, she immediately walked to the kitchen
Erwin still showed signs of dissatisfaction. It seemed he was saying something, but Noelle could no longer hear him. She didn't look back either, instead turning her gaze to the other people at the party.The loud music continued, and the excitement and energy of the crowd remained high. But Noelle knew that this wasn't the usual celebration. This, in fact, was just Hendrix's way of making her adapt and accept the situation.Though she had known this for some time, the realization still made Noelle uncomfortable. Then, she suddenly remembered something Dylan had told her a few days ago about her past with Hendrix.Even though she knew Dylan's words weren't necessarily true, that didn't mean everything he said was a lie. How much of the past he mentioned was real, and how much was false?Noelle actually thought her life was fine now. She was willing to accept her past choices and believed in Hendrix's feelings for her. At least, this was what she thought sometimes.But at other tim
Dylan didn't dare to stay there. He immediately drove back to his place.He wanted to take Noelle with him and leave. Even if she didn't have her passport, it didn't matter. After all, there were definitely people looking for him right now.But no matter what, he was going to protect her. Even if they had to roam the world, it didn't matter. As long as they were together, it was fine. Even if it was just a shabby house, as long as there was a light on, that would be their home.However, when Dylan returned to the apartment, he found Noelle nowhere in sight. Gone also were all her things. The desk and floor were spotless, as if nothing had ever existed there.Dylan remained standing where he was. It took him several minutes to finally process what he was seeing. Then, he couldn't help but laugh. It was as if he had just heard the biggest joke—he laughed so hard that his whole body shook.Of course, how could he have thought she would be waiting for him here? How could she possibly
"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