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
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
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
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
Noelle didn't explain much to Rosie at that moment. Instead, she went along with whatever her daughter said to soothe her.Sure enough, Rosie quickly brightened up again. She began excitedly sharing her plans of what she was going to do after getting out of the hospital.Noelle sat quietly beside her, listening attentively.When the nurse came in with medication, Rosie didn't complain. She dutifully took her medicine, though the side effects made her uncomfortable. She simply lay in the bed, clinging tightly to Noelle's hand.Noelle patted her gently on the shoulder while softly singing a lullaby. Her position was awkward, but she didn't dare move, as Rosie had been feeling insecure lately. She often became upset if she woke up and didn't see Noelle or if she had trouble sleeping.So, Noelle stayed still. It wasn't until Rosie was sound asleep did she slowly withdraw her hand.The caregiver, who had been sitting quietly nearby, approached cautiously after Rosie fell asleep. "Ms.
It took Noelle a moment to fully grasp the meaning behind Hendrix's words. Her expression changed instantly. "Hendrix, what are you trying to say?""Exactly what I said," Hendrix replied with a cold chuckle. "I've seen the name you gave Rosie. I don't mind that she has your last name, but she's still my kid! Letting her call another man 'Daddy' is something I will never allow."Of course, you're still young, so if you're lonely and want to remarry, I won't stop you. But you absolutely cannot take Rosie with you. Do you understand?"After Hendrix finished speaking, Noelle fell silent. She simply stood there with her lips pressed tightly together as she stared at him.Hendrix knew her well, and his gaze quickly dropped. Sure enough, the next moment, he saw her clenched fists, her shoulders trembling slightly from the effort.He expected her to erupt in anger. In fact, he wouldn't even be surprised if she told him to leave. But instead, she suddenly unclenched her fists.Then, she e
It was at this moment that Hendrix seemed to finally understand why Noelle hadn't reacted with anger earlier but had instead apologized to him."Are you afraid I won't go through with the surgery?" he asked, his eyes fixed on her.Noelle didn't respond, but it was clear her silence said it all.Hendrix's expression darkened further. He pressed his lips together, his teeth clenched so tightly that it felt like they might shatter.What kind of person did she think he was? Someone who would stand by and watch his own kid die? Was that why she felt the need to placate and accommodate him like this? In her eyes, was he really that cold and heartless?Hendrix stared at her for a moment, then suddenly clenched his jaw. He didn't say another word, simply turning and walking away.But he walked slowly. Each step seemed to take an enormous effort. This drawn-out pace was his way of waiting—waiting for Noelle to call out to him and say something.Even if it was a flimsy lie. As long as she
Hendrix's compatibility test came back quickly—it was a match.However, Noelle didn't feel the slightest bit relieved when she saw the result, as the conversation with Hendrix the day before hadn't gone smoothly.Hendrix had left, clearly still angry, and the medical team was obviously closer to him. So, he must have already received the results by now, yet he hadn't contacted her.Clutching her phone, Noelle hesitated for a while before finally deciding to call him.The phone rang for a long time. The seconds stretched out, and she was even beginning to think he might not answer when finally, his voice came through, "Hello?"For some reason, his voice—which she had once been so familiar with—now sent a shiver through her body. Her grip on the phone tightened involuntarily.Her lips twitched for a second before she finally uttered, "It's me.""I know."Hendrix's response was quick. His voice was calm, but Noelle still felt her heart tighten for a moment.She pressed her lip
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
Dylan still didn't believe what Noelle had said, including the plan she gave him. He thought the whole thing was just an act staged by Hendrix and Noelle together. But now, Hailey's words were starting to make him waver.Hailey was one of his people. He had deliberately instructed her to approach Amy today—something Hendrix definitely didn't know about. If this really was all an act, would they really go this far?More importantly, the plan Noelle gave him was airtight. It detailed Fuer Fund's upcoming plan to acquire and merge with Julius Fund. From strategy to step-by-step execution, everything was laid out with incredible detail.He had even gone over it with George Hardin. If the plan was genuine, they could move on Julius Fund before Fuer Fund did—selling it off at the right time.This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.Even if the plan was fake, it must have cost Hendrix an enormous amount of time. Dylan didn't believe he would waste so much effort crafting this elaborate
Amy spun around instantly and saw Hendrix walking toward her.Even though their relationship was purely transactional—and even though Amy knew better than anyone that catching feelings for a client was the worst mistake she could make—she still had to admit something.Even without Hendrix's status, his looks and presence alone were enough to make any woman blush and her heart race. Being able to call him her boyfriend, even if only on the surface, gave Amy a kind of prestige wherever she went.Seeing that Hendrix was about to reach her, Amy was about to greet him when Hailey suddenly stepped ahead of her."Hi! Are you Amy's boyfriend?" she asked.Hendrix narrowed his eyes at her. "And you are?""I'm her friend. We were out shopping together today. What a surprise to run into you like this!" Hailey said with a grin. "Amy's always bragging about you. Now, I finally see why she's been hiding you from us."As she spoke, Hailey moved to slip her arm through Hendrix's. She was wearing