Noelle snapped, flailing and punching Quentin in his arms. "Do you want me to die from exhaustion?" She could barely move after one round, and he still wanted to go again? He just wanted her dead!Her reaction undoubtedly pleased him. Quentin held her close, pinning her on the large bed… Much later, he emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed. As he tied the belt on his robe, he said, "I'll have someone keep an eye on Lia Woodworth. I'll see to it that she won't get another chance to harm your mother."Noelle lowered her gaze. Her voice was full of resentment as she asked, "So, we're just going to let her get away with it?"Quentin turned to face her. His gentle gaze landed on her petite figure. "We need to be patient and wait for the right opportunity; we can't rush things. Besides, your father might have known about her hiring someone to harm your mother."Her breath hitched in her throat. Noelle couldn't believe that her father was aware of this, and he did nothing to stop L
Janet then went to the kitchen to instruct the cook to prepare the couple's favorite dishes. Quentin's expression hardened. Janet was his biological mother, yet she treated him as if he was her enemy. Fred huffed, "Good call, you little rascal!" He then softened his tone and walked over to the chessboard. "Elle, come play a game of chess with your ol' Gramps!" Noelle walked over, sat across from him, and focused on playing chess with Fred.Just then, Mark returned. It appeared as if he had just returned from the office, as he was dressed neatly in a suit. When he spotted Noelle, who was engrossed in a game of chess with Fred, he stopped in his tracks before walking over to Quentin's side and sitting down across from him. "I heard you've broken things off with Xyla?" Mark picked up the coffee mug from the table and blew on it to cool it down. On the way home, Janet had sent him a message to tell him. Quentin responded, "Once she finds someone reliable, I won't interfere in her af
In an instant, Monica was furious. "If Noelle gets to pick a property, shouldn't Maddie get to choose one as well?" she asked coldly.Fred glanced at her, but before he could respond, Noelle stood up. "I would never take this property, Aunt Monica." She closed the booklet and handed it to the butler. Then, she told Fred, "Grandpa, I already own several properties. Please keep your properties for yourself. Thank you for your generosity, though."Noelle didn't want to cause any trouble for Fred. Fred had three sons, and the wife of his third son, Monica, was known for her insatiable greed. She had always wanted a piece of everything, and she even went as far as to sabotage Quentin back when he took over Stille Industries.Fred said, "I gave this to you, Elle. There are no takebacks." He then turned to Monica and said sternly, "What? Do you want Chance to be the future head of the family as well? This property is for the wife of the future head of the family. If you want it, you'd ha
"Let's go eat!" Quentin gave Noelle's shoulder a gentle squeeze. Because of Monica's interference, dinner wasn't as enjoyable as it should've been. After dinner, Janet returned to her room. While taking off her pearl earrings, she told Mark, "Madison is so spineless. She just does whatever Monica tells her to do. It's like she doesn't have a mind of her own." She paused before continuing, "Do you think Chance is seeing another woman abroad?" She glanced at Mark.Mark raised his hand to loosen his collar. His demeanor was calm and composed, exuding the elegance of a middle-aged man. When he heard Janet's question, he froze. With a frown, he responded, "I don't know. It would be best not to speculate about such things. He then changed into his pajamas and lay down on the bed. Janet got onto the bed and snuggled up next to her husband. "Do you think Quentin will really break things off with Xyla this time? Or is he just stalling?"Mark wrapped his arms around her and responded, "You
"Would you prefer to be on top or underneath me? We could do it in front of the vanity too… It has a mirror, after all." Quentin's voice was melodious, like a siren's song.Noelle's face was as red as a beet, as she couldn't believe what nonsense he was spouting! Just picturing those images made her want to crawl into a hole and die. "Shush, stop talking!"She couldn't bear his intense gaze or suggestive words. She wondered how this man could be so brazen. She was so embarrassed that she covered her eyes with her hands. Breaking free from his embrace, she bolted out of the room.Behind her, a faint smile crept up his face, and he was visibly amused. After stepping out of the bedroom, Noelle felt the weight lift off her shoulders and breathed a sigh of relief. She wandered over to the balcony and felt a tender sweetness fill her heart as she gazed at the moonlit garden with its flowing streams and bridges. "Elle?" Janet walked over with a smile. Noelle turned around and called ou
"Morning, Dad, Mom, and Grandpa." Noelle greeted them.With a warm smile, Mark responded, "Good morning."Fred was all smiles as he watched the couple walk over. "In a year, this old man will finally become a great-grandfather."Quentin pursed his lips and sat next to Fred. His eyes crinkled as he asked, "Are you really that eager to become a great-grandfather? I'm your grandson, yet I don't see you being so fond of me."Fred raised his cutlery, as if he wanted to hit him on the head. "Are you seriously jealous of your own son, you little rascal?"Janet and Mark both burst out laughing. Noelle felt a little guilty. She had already taken the emergency contraceptive pill and was aware she couldn't get pregnant, which made her feel as if she was letting Janet and Fred down, especially since they were always so nice to her. "Here, Elle, have some more." Janet served Noelle some food, all of which was essential for those attempting to conceive. "From now on, you need to pay attenti
With someone else in the house, they'd only be able to do it in the bedroom. When they stopped at a red light, Quentin leaned over and whispered in Noelle's ear, "Could you ask Mom to have Winnie prepare dinner for us and leave right after? Or else, she'd get in our way of trying for a baby!"His warm breath tickled her ear, and the images evoked by his words made her cheeks burn. "No way! You do it!"This man probably thought of himself as a rabbit who was almost always in heat. Noelle was glad that Winnie was coming over. This meant that Quentin would have to restrain himself a little, and she would be able to relax. Quentin frowned. "On second thought, having Winnie around might not be so bad. If my seed has already taken root in you, you need to start taking it easy. It'll be good to have Winnie around to take care of you."Noelle was at a loss for words. And just like that, the couple arrived at her studio. When she was about to get out of the car, he turned his head slight
Quentin had never picked Noelle up from work before, so she was still in a daze after his car had driven away. Yvette nudged her shoulder. "That's so sweet of him!"Noelle snapped out of it. Embarrassed, she playfully punched her in the arm. "As if!"Yvette was well aware that she was just shy and ran off, giggling. After Yvette left, Noelle started to feel annoyed with herself again. All he did was offer to pick her up after work, yet here she was, over the moon. Noelle thought she was truly pathetic!As the afternoon wore on, she completed her tasks at hand and took out a medical textbook from her drawer, studying it carefully. She remembered what Quentin had said; if she wanted to continue her studies, she could apply for a postgraduate program at Dragfort Medical School. She had always wanted to become a doctor who saved lives and healed the wounded. She shouldn't let that person erase her childhood dream. Noelle couldn't help but glance at her phone again. Quentin said he'd
"Sorry, but if I ever get married, it definitely won't be to either of you."Noelle had originally come to visit Christian, but now she didn't feel like staying anymore. She was beyond frustrated.Christian's sharp, dangerous eyes narrowed in an instant, brimming with hostility as he locked his gaze on Noelle. Quentin's handsome face darkened as well, his mood turning stormy.Noelle spun around and walked out."We'll see about that," Quentin muttered, getting up to leave as well.As he passed by the clinic where Noelle worked, he cast a glance in that direction before heading out.Near the end of the workday, Russ called. "Ms. Xanthos, Mr. Xanthos has arranged for you to meet a boxing champion. Are you free now? I can take you to meet him."Noelle couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and bitterness. She had lived 24 years, and only now did he care about whether she had any self-defense skills. Isn't it a little late for that?Still, she went.After one session, she was dr
Noelle quietly closed the door behind her. Leonard glanced over, saw it was her, and put away his phone. "He just fell asleep. Ms. Xanthos, you should head home and rest. I'll keep watch tonight," he said softly.Noelle shook her head. "He took the knife for me. How could I go home? I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. I'd rather stay here and keep an eye on him."She sat down on the couch, her gaze heavy with concern as she looked at Christian sleeping.Leonard nodded. "Alright, you stay here. I'll step out for a bit," he said before leaving the room.Noelle nodded.Christian's phone, sitting on the nightstand, pinged with a WhatsApp notification.Noelle walked over, picked up the phone, and saw a message from someone with the nickname "The Blomming Fifties.""What a flashy name," she thought with a faint smirk.But for some reason, curiosity tugged at her—she suddenly felt a strong urge to peek into Christian's private world as if she might uncover something hidden beneath t
Noelle remained silent.In Dragfort, ever since Quentin had learned early that morning about Christian taking a knife for Noelle, he had locked himself in his office. It had been three hours now.The morning executive meeting was canceled, and his client appointments were rescheduled. Senior staff members who needed his signature on documents stood hesitating at the door, feeling the oppressive atmosphere even from outside the office.Department heads waiting to give their reports also lingered at the door, too intimidated to enter.In the end, they all turned their pleading eyes toward Martin.But even Martin was hesitant to go in.After all, he had witnessed the weight of Quentin's emotions—shock, frustration, and a deep sense of defeat—that had cast a heavy, oppressive mood over the office.Martin made a call to Dennis, knowing only he could possibly get through to Quentin now."Mr. Jackman, you need to come over," Martin said quietly, making sure to step into a quieter co
Even though Christian was in obvious pain, he forced himself not to make a sound.Such a stubborn fool.The door knocked twice, and Leonard walked in. Seeing Noelle, he greeted her, "Ms. Xanthos."Noelle's eyes were red, but she didn't respond.Christian opened his eyes slightly and said, "Don't tell anyone I'm injured."Leonard nodded."Tell them I'm on a business trip," Christian added.Leonard raised an eyebrow, "Bro, with a wound like that, how long do you think this 'trip' will last before people catch on?"Christian shot him a cold glare, and Leonard quickly relented, "Okay, okay, I get it. I'll handle it."Christian closed his eyes again, waves of pain crashing over him like a relentless tide.Suddenly, he opened his eyes once more. "Silly girl."Noelle paused, her tear-filled eyes looking at him.A smile tugged at the corner of Christian's mouth. "Get out for a bit. You look terrible."Noelle's lips twitched as her damp lashes fluttered, and a surge of unexplainabl
Just as the man raised the knife for a second strike, the security team arrived and swiftly pinned him down.Noelle heard a low grunt behind her, followed by Christian's pained chuckle. "Good thing it wasn't him."Noelle's heart clenched as she turned to see Christian, clutching his shoulder, slumped against her legs.He was wearing a beige coat, now stained with a large patch of blood around his shoulder.Christian was rushed to emergency surgery, but Noelle remained frozen in her chair, her mind replaying his words, "Good thing it wasn't him."Who wasn't it? Quentin?Why did he say that? Why did he act this way?The image of Christian's blood-soaked coat lingered in her mind. The wound—how deep was it?Noelle sat there, numb and lost in thought for an unknown period, until Michael appeared.He glanced at her through the doorway, but without a word, he continued walking past.A little while later, Kara gently patted her shoulder. "They've moved him to a room. You should go s
Emmie smiled and placed a few more ravioli on Noelle's plate. "Then eat a little more. It's your mom's first time cooking, and once you're in the Utopia States, you won't have this."It wasn't like she had never cooked before—she had made instant noodles when she was alone.Noelle ate a small bowl of ravioli without pausing, her stomach now full and round. Her eyes welled up with tears, though whether it was from happiness or something else, no one could tell.After dinner, Noelle stayed for a bit before leaving.Emmie watched Noelle's car disappear down the driveway before finally going upstairs.Michael, leaning back on the bed, heard her soft footsteps approaching and lifted his eyelids.The bedroom was dark, and when Emmie stepped in, her gaze met Michael's dark, piercing eyes. She paused at the doorway, and he continued watching her."Lia must be blind. She couldn't tell if it was you or the driver," Emmie said coldly, walking straight to the other side of the bed and pulli
Emmie was at a loss for words.Michael said, "Your daughter's leaving for the Utopia States soon. You should take this time to spend with her."Emmie's breath hitched. "Elle agreed?"Michael nodded. "Yes."It was the best way for Noelle to get away from those two men and focus on her own growth.After a night's rest, Noelle felt much better the next morning. Emmie called her, inviting her to Gentle Glades after work.What Noelle didn't expect was to see Michael there as well.He was lounging on the couch in casual clothes, flipping through a medical journal. Emmie, wearing an apron, seemed to be busy in the kitchen. When Noelle walked in, Emmie immediately came out."Elle!" Emmie's gentle face was filled with warmth as she took Noelle's hand.Noelle felt a bit disoriented.In her memory, Emmie's life was filled with books and work, never with the kitchen. And Michael—she hadn't seen him so relaxed and calm, casually reading a magazine on the couch, in over a decade.It felt
Michael couldn't forget the look Elijah had given him that day—a mocking smile, full of meaning. Elijah slowly pulled back, revealing Emmie's curled-up body underneath him.Without a word, Michael opened his phone and pulled up a social media app. He tossed the phone to Emmie. "Take a look for yourself."Emmie looked down and saw a video posted by Elijah just minutes earlier. It was of her feeding him. She watched in disbelief, then replayed it. The account was undeniably Elijah's."Scroll down. There's more," Michael's voice drifted from the couch.Emmie's fingers moved down the screen, her peripheral vision catching a glimpse of Michael sitting with his legs crossed, taking a sip of coffee handed to him by the housekeeper.Further down, she found a photo posted by Elijah a month ago, showing her preparing his medicine. The footage seemed to be taken from security cameras.But none of these posts had appeared on her social media feed.She had never seen them on her phone.Mich
Quentin didn't deny it.Noelle's chest tightened as she remembered that day in Ocean City when Christian had said Gillian deserved to be slapped. Now, it all made sense.At the time, she had sarcastically asked him if he would treat her the same way once he got tired of her.His response had been, "Do you think I'm tired of her, and that's why I did it?"Now she understood. Christian had known all along that it was Quentin who had called Gillian to Ocean City.A wave of frustration swelled in Noelle's chest. Her fingers clenched tightly as the memory of Christian's sweet words clashed with the thought of him being with Gillian. Bitterness gnawed at her.Just then, the door opened again, and a strong, steady figure entered. His gaze swept silently over the two men in the room before he walked straight to the bed."Elle?""Clement!" At the sight of him, Noelle's eyes brimmed with tears."Let's go home," Clement said as he turned and carefully lifted her onto his back. Noelle res