Noelle paused for a moment. It took her a few seconds to process what was happening, and then she started pushing him away. "What are you doing here? Go back to your bed! Where's your IV? Are you crazy? You're still injured!"Her voice was filled with urgency.Hendrix looked at her and smiled softly. Then, he reached out and wiped the tears from her cheeks.Noelle pressed her lips together and gently pushed him again. "Go back now! Where's the nurse?"As she spoke, she reached for the call button. But Hendrix grabbed her hand instead. In one swift motion, he pulled her back into his arms."What's the hurry?" he said. "It's not like I'm going to die if I don't have the IV drip for a few minutes. Besides, don't you know you're actually in worse shape than I am?"Then, he frowned and continued in a low voice, "Right when everyone else was evacuating, you just charged toward the fire without a second thought. Even the firefighters had gas masks on. Were you trying to get yourself kil
Hendrix's tone was light. In just a few sentences, he had explained everything to Noelle.Of course, he didn't tell her that when he circled back to the house, he wasn't just facing Dylan alone. The others had also wanted him dead.If he hadn't held May hostage and the fire hadn't grown so intense, Tony and the others would never have let him go. But Noelle didn't need to know these details.While it was true he had come out of this alive, there was no guarantee he would be that lucky if the same situation were to happen again.However, even with his abbreviated version of events, Noelle's expression remained grim. She suddenly let go of his hand and glared at him."You asked if I were trying to get myself killed, but what about you?" she asked through gritted teeth."I didn't have a choice at the time," Hendrix said. "If I didn't bring Nathan out, the situation wouldn't have been resolved. Besides—""Has it ever crossed your mind that you might actually die there? What am I sup
The doctor quickly arrived to examine Noelle. Luckily, she hadn't made it into the burning building, so she hadn't inhaled too much smoke.After listening to the doctor's update, Hendrix finally let out a breath of relief and was willing to return to his own hospital bed.But Dan soon brought him another piece of news—Nathan didn't make it.When Hendrix dragged him out, Nathan was barely breathing. Yet, even in that state, he had mustered the last of his strength to stab Hendrix in the abdomen. Which only proved just how much he hated Hendrix.But no matter how deep that hatred ran, it didn't matter anymore. In the end, he was foolish enough to throw away his own life, just to be a pawn in someone else's game. And now that he was dead, whatever deal he had with Dylan died with him—no one else knew the details.Hendrix had risked everything to drag him out for nothing.Tony and the others, however, readily admitted to detaining Hendrix. But they insisted they were only following N
Hendrix had originally planned to let her sleep. But suddenly, a flicker of petty irritation sparked in him. Without another thought, he got out of bed. He stood there, watching her for a moment. Then, he reached out and pinched her nose shut.Deprived of air, Noelle frowned and opened her eyes groggily.Hendrix was leaning over her."What the hell are you doing?" Noelle, still half-asleep, immediately swatted his hand away.After watching her for a moment, Hendrix asked, "Noelle, have you ever thought about what you would have done if I had really died this time?Noelle lay there, meeting his gaze head-on. She was fully wide awake now. She stared at Hendrix for a moment before answering bluntly, "I'd find someone else to remarry right away."The words had barely left her lips when Hendrix's eyes widened slightly. He looked at her in disbelief, as if questioning whether he had just heard her wrong.But Noelle didn't spare him another glance. She turned over, about to go back to
When Noelle and Hendrix were discharged from the hospital and getting ready to leave Tilwick, the police asked Hendrix if he wanted to take Nathan's ashes with him.Technically, given that Nathan was the ringleader in this case and Hendrix was the victim, it wasn't exactly an appropriate question. But at the same time, Hendrix was also Nathan's older brother. And in a way, his only family in this world. So, it made sense for the police to ask.When Hendrix heard the question, his expression didn't change, nor did he hesitate. He simply replied, "No, thanks. If you don't know what to do with them, scatter them into the sea. Or a sewer—either works."With that, he hung up.Though he was the one on the call, Noelle was sitting right beside him, so she had heard every word. She couldn't see the police officer's expression or reaction over the phone, but she imagined he must have been shocked.After all, from an outsider's perspective, Hendrix had risked his life running back into the
"All I can say is that you think that way because you've never truly understood him."Hendrix's words left Noelle momentarily speechless.After a pause, she finally responded, "But if it weren't for me, you and Dylan wouldn't have had any connection at all. And you wouldn't have almost lost your life because of him.""Hmm, that's true," Hendrix admitted with a nod. But then, he added, "But do you really think I'm the kind of person who's afraid of things like that?"As he spoke, he even chuckled. "If that's what you think, then you're seriously underestimating your baby, aren't you?"Noelle had been frowning at him, but when he used that term of endearment, she froze. Then, she swatted his hand away and turned to look out the window.The plane hadn't taken off yet, and outside, there was nothing but flat ground as far as the eye could see.Hendrix watched her and suddenly laughed. "What's there to be shy about?""Who said I'm shy?" Noelle shot back immediately, her brows furrow
Hendrix was well aware that they were in a public space. Truthfully, he hadn't planned on doing anything inappropriate—he just wanted to tease Noelle a little.Of course, his little stunt came with its own consequences, but seeing Noelle flustered and nervously glance around made it all worth it.The plane soon arrived in Coppersville.As Noelle disembarked, she was surprised to see Beatrice waiting at the airport with Rosie. The moment Rosie spotted Noelle, she rushed over and clung to her, refusing to let go.Noelle gently hugged her back, feeling a little guilty. She couldn't help but think back to what she had done earlier—if something had really happened to her and Hendrix back then, wouldn't that have been incredibly irresponsible toward Rosie?Thankfully, they had both returned safely. Noelle didn't say anything more, simply holding Rosie a little tighter.Meanwhile, Beatrice was scrutinizing Hendrix from head to toe.Hendrix knew what she was thinking and simply stood th
Hendrix didn't answer Noelle."She's just starting to warm up to you, so can't you be a little nicer to her?" Noelle asked, displeasure growing in her tone."Haven't I been nice to her?" Hendrix finally replied."Then, tell me—what did you say to her earlier?"Hendrix paused mid-step. Then, he turned around to glance at her, saying, "I told her you were injured and needed rest.""That's all?""What else did you think I said?" Hendrix asked with a chuckle.Noelle felt there was more to it, but Hendrix didn't give her a chance to press further. Instead, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her swiftly toward the bedroom."What are you doing?" Noelle blurted out."What do you think I'm doing?" Hendrix shot back.His response left Noelle momentarily speechless. After a pause, she said, "Didn't you just say I needed rest?""Exactly. And this is rest," he replied.By then, Hendrix had already carried her into the bedroom. But he didn't set her down. Instead, he kicked the
"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