Hendrix ignored Noelle's pointed gaze and simply took the thermometer from her."Hmm, you don't have a fever. It's probably just a mild cold."Despite saying that, Hendrix immediately turned around to call the doctor.Just then, a household staff came upstairs. "Mr. Freeman, there's a guest here to see you."Hendrix frowned and asked, "Who is it?""I don't know her, but she said she's a friend of Mrs. Freeman, and her last name is Upton."Hendrix turned to look at Noelle.Noelle immediately remembered. "Ruth Upton?""Who's that?" Hendrix asked.Noelle stared at him without answering. Her gaze made Hendrix's heart skip a beat. Then, he suddenly remembered—Ruth was Sandra's best friend.Those people had long faded from their lives, and Hendrix never expected them to resurface in this way.Hendrix quickly changed the subject. "What does she want with you?""I don't know.""Then, don't see her," Hendrix said, making the decision for her.He didn't want Noelle to recall the pa
Ruth was acting as if she and Noelle were close friends. Without giving Noelle a chance to react or refuse, she had already turned on her phone's camera and snapped a photo.Only then did Noelle realize what had happened. She frowned and quickly put some distance between them."Oh, by the way, I meant everything I said to you last night," Ruth added.She didn't push her luck and put away her phone once she got the picture. Then, she continued seriously, "I was young and stupid back then. More importantly, Sandra was my best friend at the time. I've always been simple-minded, so I believed whatever she said without question."I never imagined she'd turn out to be such a two-faced, manipulative woman. But no matter what, I hurt you in the past, so I want to sincerely apologize to you. Noelle, I'm really sorry."As she spoke, Ruth made a move to kneel.However, with her being heavily pregnant, Noelle was worried she might accidentally hurt herself and blame it on her, so she quickly
Ruth instantly felt her smile freeze at Hendrix's question.Everyone in the room understood exactly what Hendrix was implying. After all, before Noelle reconciled with Hendrix, she was just an ordinary person. Even if Ruth had fallen on hard times, she hadn't reached the point where she needed to grovel to Noelle.But now, things were different.Noelle was now Hendrix's wife. Ruth had been skeptical about this at first. If the two had truly reconciled, how could there be no news about it?Moreover, Noelle used to frequently attend various gatherings as Hendrix's wife. Yet, Ruth had not seen her at any events at all recently.It wasn't until yesterday—after witnessing everything with her own eyes—that Ruth finally understood. This was all Hendrix's doing.He knew that with his current status, any news of their reconciliation would draw immense attention. And he didn't want Noelle to be disturbed. In other words, he was doing everything he could to protect her.Just how deeply did
Ruth had actually blurred Noelle's face in the photo, but the antique lamp behind them was too eye-catching. Though the auction house had never disclosed the buyer, word had circulated in their social circles.Moreover, Noelle had attended some events before. Many people carefully compared the blurred figure in the picture to past photos of her and confirmed the woman in the photo was indeed Noelle.And just like that, rumors about her relationship with Hendrix started spreading.Meanwhile, Noelle had no idea what was happening outside since she wasn't feeling well today. At first, she thought it was just a mild cold. But by noon, she suddenly developed a low-grade fever.When the household staff informed Hendrix, he immediately rushed home with a doctor in tow.After checking Noelle's temperature, the doctor hesitated before suggesting she go to the hospital for a blood test."A blood test? Is it that serious?" Hendrix asked with a frown."Not necessarily. Based on Mrs. Freeman
"Even back when Rosie was sick—"At this point, Hendrix paused on his own. He knew that because of this incident, Noelle had permanently condemned him.The fact that they were here now, living together like this, was nothing short of a miracle. There were nights when he'd wake up in the middle of the dream, needing to hold Noelle tightly just to reassure himself she was really still by his side.And as for that period of their lives, neither of them had spoken about it for a long time.That was until now, when Hendrix brought it up on his own.Noelle clearly didn't want to revisit that memory, either. The moment he mentioned it, she frowned and instinctively pulled her hand away from him.But Hendrix immediately tightened his hold, as if he knew exactly what she was going to do."I know what I did was wrong back then," Hendrix said. "I was just so angry and wanted to hurt you as badly as you hurt me. I wanted you to give in to me. That first time at the hotel—I just wanted you t
After taking her medication, Noelle spent the entire afternoon drifting in and out of sleep. So, it wasn't until evening that she saw the messages on her phone.Some people asked if the woman in the photo with Ruth was her, while others asked when she had returned to Coppersville and if she'd like to meet up for dinner sometime.In truth, many in her social circle probably already knew Noelle had returned to Coppersville. After all, many of them had been present at Seline's funeral. It was just that the Swifts had kicked Noelle out then.At the time, Noelle had even heard people calling her a jinx behind her back. But now? Their attitudes had done a complete 180. Not that it was surprising. After all, it was human nature to look out for one's own interests.Besides, Noelle barely remembered most of their names, so whatever they had to say—however they saw her—made no difference to her.If it were the Noelle of the past, even if she loathed it, she would have forced herself to exch
"Don't worry. I'm fine," Noelle said.Rosie stood there, locking eyes with Noelle for a moment before saying, "But what if you get infected again?"Noelle couldn't help but chuckle at her. "It's fine. I'm wearing a mask."Rosie still seemed conflicted but eventually let out a soft "oh".Noelle immediately took a step back. "It's getting late. You should go to sleep. Will you be okay alone tonight?""Uh-huh." Rosie nodded without hesitation. "I'm all grown up now.""Mm-hmm. Go ahead, then."Rosie looked at Noelle, her eyes filled with a hint of reluctance. But in the end, she didn't say anything else and simply turned to leave.Noelle watched her retreating figure, the smile on her lips gradually fading. Only after Rosie returned to her room did Noelle turn around and climb back into bed.Perhaps because she had slept too much during the day, Noelle found herself wide awake. She lay in bed, staring out the window for a while before turning over and closing her eyes.Just as sh
"Alright. Go ahead. I'll leave once you're asleep," Hendrix said, but Noelle didn't believe a word of it.Still, she was too tired to argue with him at that point. So, she simply pulled the blanket over herself and turned her back to him.She hadn't felt sleepy earlier. But after the commotion with Hendrix, exhaustion gradually crept in, and her thoughts began to scatter.Noelle was right not to believe Hendrix's words. He had said he would leave once she fell asleep, yet when she woke up the next morning, she found him lying right beside her. Not only that, but his arm was tightly around her, too.Furious, Noelle was about to push him off when Hendrix suddenly turned his head and coughed twice. Then, he opened his eyes and looked at her. "I think I caught your cold."Noelle froze for a moment.Hendrix grabbed her hand and placed it on his forehead. "Here. Feel it. Do I have a fever?"Noelle took his temperature with a thermometer, and it was perfectly normal.But Hendrix stubb
"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