Hendrix had few memories of his childhood. Looking back now, it was mostly filled with endless lessons and tasks. He had to learn so many things. He had to achieve the best grades in school, learn to play musical instruments and master golf, horseback riding, and multiple languages.From a young age, everyone envied his status. The last name "Freeman" seemed to carry an innate sense of honor. But along with that honor came an overwhelming weight of expectations.If Hendrix were to choose now, he wasn't sure which life would be better. After all, while he had missed out on the carefree happiness of a normal childhood, what he had gained was indeed substantial.But one thing was certain—he would never impose the same burdens on Rosie. So, when Beatrice recently suggested enrolling Rosie in various lessons, he turned her down without hesitation.Beatrice had argued that as his daughter, Rosie was bound to be a prominent figure in Coopersville. Thus, if she didn't learn anything, it wo
So, whenever someone brought it up, Ruth would simply smile and say that Noelle didn't enjoy such social gatherings—that she had already asked her many times, but Noelle always refused to come out.And today, she stuck to the same excuse."It's alright. It'd be nice if she could at least make an appearance. After all, the auction is coming up soon, and I'd love to know what Mrs. Freeman thinks about it.""Exactly! I'd like to know what she's interested in so I can give up early. There's no way I could compete with her anyway."Ruth chuckled along. "She probably won't go. I asked her before, and she said she doesn't have anything she particularly likes in the auction."That was what Ruth said, but she was quickly proven wrong. Because on the day of the auction, Hendrix brought Noelle along with him.It was Coppersville's first major auction of the year, and with a stunning set of jewelry up for bid, everyone who mattered had turned up.Noelle hadn't actually wanted to come. But t
Ruth's tone was affectionate, as if she and Noelle were truly close friends. Without waiting for a response from the person in front of her, she walked straight over to Noelle.Hendrix was in the middle of a conversation. Noelle remained standing beside him, seemingly smiling and nodding along, though her mind was clearly elsewhere. She didn't even react at first when Ruth greeted her.Ruth, however, quickly linked arms with her in a familiar manner. "I thought you weren't coming. Didn't you say you don't like these kinds of events?"Noelle frowned and promptly pulled her arm away.Before she could say anything, Ruth turned her attention to Hendrix. "Oh, Mr. Freeman, you're here, too. It's been a while."Anyone else would have exchanged a few polite words in a setting like this, even with mere acquaintances. But Hendrix was unwilling to do so, or rather, he was unwilling to make small talk with Ruth.After all, seeing Ruth would only remind Noelle of the past. One could call it g
Then, Ruth realized that from her seat, she could still see Noelle and Hendrix.As one of the most prominent figures in Coppersville, Hendrix was naturally seated in the front row. But it seemed he wasn't interested in what was being showcased on stage at the moment.When Ruth looked over, she noticed Hendrix turning to gaze at Noelle. After a pause, he reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. It was a simple, ordinary gesture. But then, he suddenly pulled the strand back out. And then, he started repeating the action.If Ruth hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have imagined that Hendrix was capable of such behavior. Shocked by the sight, she was about to point it out to the person next to her when Noelle swatted Hendrix's hand away.Then, Noelle turned and glared at him. Hendrix, however, didn't seem upset. Instead, he smiled and whispered something into her ear.Naturally, Ruth wasn't able to hear what they were saying from such a dista
Hendrix didn't offer up a response. He simply frowned at her, without even bothering to conceal the disdain and disgust in his eyes.Ruth, of course, noticed, but her ingratiating smile never once faltered. "Really, Mr. Freeman. I can assure you that my husband—""Get lost," Hendrix interrupted her dismissively.It wasn't just his tone that was dismissive. At that moment, Ruth felt as if she were seeing the same mocking gazes from earlier. She knew if she didn't do something now, her situation would only become even more unbearable than before.However, it was obvious Hendrix had no intention whatsoever of giving her any further opportunity. Because after uttering those two words, he simply walked away without looking back.Ruth stood frozen in place. After staring at Hendrix's retreating figure for a moment, she suddenly said, "Mr. Freeman, if you're going to be like this, don't blame me for telling Noelle everything."Hendrix paused in his tracks. Then, he turned to look at her
Noelle's response was something Ruth hadn't anticipated. It was completely different from what she had imagined. Thus, for a moment, she was at a loss for how to respond.Without saying anything else to Ruth, Noelle simply turned and walked away. Hendrix immediately followed her without sparing Ruth a single glance.But Ruth knew that everything she had painstakingly built over time had completely collapsed. Not that it mattered anymore. Her life was already in shambles, so how much worse could it possibly get?However, she refused to suffer alone. Even if she had to die, she would take someone down with her. Why should Noelle get to live a happy life? Ruth could accept anyone finding happiness—anyone, except Noelle.…Noelle didn't return to the auction hall. Instead, she walked straight to the end of the corridor and took the elevator to leave.Hendrix quickly caught up to her. He stood beside her, his gaze fixed on her. Their reflections were clearly visible in the elevator's
Noelle glanced down at Hendrix's hand and simply said, "Let go."Hendrix didn't respond, but his grip on her remained firm."You're hurting me," Noelle added.Only then did Hendrix loosen his hold slightly, but he still didn't let go.Noelle suddenly laughed. Before Hendrix could understand the meaning behind her laughter, she raised his hand to his mouth. Then, she bit down on his forearm.Even though she used considerable force, Hendrix didn't make a sound—not even a grunt. If anything, he even inched his arm closer to her, as if he was afraid she hadn't gotten a good enough grip. But the next moment, Noelle released her grip.After a pause, Hendrix rolled up his sleeve to expose more of his forearm before offering it to her again. "Keep biting until you feel better."Noelle chuckled coldly. "Do you really think just biting you will make me feel better?"Hendrix fell silent."When did you find out about what Sandra did?" Noelle asked."After our first divorce," Hendrix repl
Hendrix's tone and expression gave Noelle a sudden feeling. It was as if, at this moment, even if she asked him to kill someone, he wouldn't hesitate to do it.Of course, that was just a passing thought."I hate Ruth," she said, lowering her eyes.Hendrix immediately caught on. "Alright. Then—""But I don't want you to handle it," Noelle added.This left Hendrix puzzled."I want to deal with her myself," Noelle told him.Hendrix became momentarily stunned."Is that not okay?" she asked.It wasn't until then that he answered, "No, it's not that. So… you're not angry anymore?"Honestly speaking, Hendrix couldn't care less if Ruth lived or died. Right now, all he cared about was Noelle's feelings.It seemed like Noelle had forgotten about what happened in the past. So when he brought it up again, she couldn't help but frown slightly.That was when Hendrix realized his mistake. He was about to brush past the topic when Noelle spoke up instead, "As I've already told Ruth—I've
"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