Noelle finally came to terms with the fact that Quentin had never loved her. She shouldn't have delusionally believed that she was important to him just because he showed her some affection.Compared to Xyla, she meant nothing to him.In the afternoon, Noelle received another provoking message from Xyla. Xyla wrote, "Noelle Xanthos, so what if everyone knows you as Mrs. Lowe? With a call, I can get Quentin rushing to my side. Why do you keep clinging to him? You should know better. I am the woman he loves, and if you stick around him, you'll only make a joke out of yourself."Quentin's decision to attend the event with Noelle seemed to have upset Xyla. For a second, Noelle held her breath as she read Xyla's message.Janet happened to call Noelle at that time. Noelle answered the phone and heard Janet saying, "Elle, come over tonight to check out the outfits I bought for you!""Sure, Mom." Noelle tried her best not to let her frustration show.In the evening, Noelle traveled to
Xyla scoffed at Noelle. What was the point of hogging the title of Mrs. Lowe when she couldn't win Quentin's heart? How pathetic!Quentin made it back to Lowe Mansion in haste. There were specks of dust on his always perfect and ironed suit. When she stared at the specks of dust, Noelle felt a stinging pain. Quentin, who had always been immaculate about his appearance, did not bother to dust off his suit in his hurry. That went to show the depth of his love and concern for Xyla."Apologize!" Fred's anger ballooned when he saw his heartless grandson. He wondered if Quentin still recalled what Xyla had done to him.Quentin paused. In his memory, the only time Fred demanded a public apology was when he accidentally ruined the belongings of his late grandma, Ruth Feather.Still, he dared not go against Fred's orders. After apologizing, he asked in a disgruntled tone, "But Grandpa, what have I done wrong?"His question only fueled Fred's anger. Fred barked, "How could you ask that qu
Quentin had sworn off ever having slept with Xyla. So, what was with the social media posts by Xyla? How about the rumors that he was keeping a mistress at a separate residence? Was that untrue?Given Quentin's ego, he might not even bother to lie over such trivial matters. Deep in thought, Noelle made her way to the second floor. At the same time, Janet folded her arms with an amused expression, seemingly waiting for Quentin to bungle up. "Explain to me the rumors of you keeping a mistress. What's with Cedarfield Villa?"Quentin put on a stern look. His patience had worn thin. He snapped, "Those are baseless rumors!" With that, he rose from the couch and went to the second floor, leaving the angry Janet in the living room.Noelle was about to take a rest when Quentin entered the bedroom. Before addressing her, he closed the door behind him. "Later, tell them that you're heading back to work. I'll leave with you. Xy is hospitalized, and she seems to be in a severe condition. I n
"No thanks. I'll get a taxi," said Noelle as she exited the car.Quentin glanced around. He felt reassured by the area's surveillance and the frequent passing of taxis."Take care," Quentin said. His tone was unusually gentle."I will," Noelle replied before closing the car door.Quentin watched as she stood on the roadside while trying to hail a taxi. She looked skinny. After that, Quentin drove off.Noelle waited for a taxi, but a car without license plates pulled up instead. It seemed like it had been waiting for the perfect opportunity. The unlicensed car stopped abruptly before Noelle as Quentin's car disappeared from view. Several thugs emerged from the car and surrounded her."What are you guys doing?" Noelle exclaimed in shock.One of the thugs, Andy, grinned at her and joked, "What do you think we're doing? What do you think a bunch of guys and a lady would be doing?"The rest of them laughed as if it was a big joke. Noelle quickly reached for her phone in her handbag
Quentin's heart started racing, and he felt lightheaded. His phone slipped from his hand and fell to the floor.Xyla, who had been sleeping, was suddenly jolted awake. She asked, "What's going on?"Quentin picked up his phone and said, "Elle's in trouble!" Then, he rushed out of the ward and left Xyla frozen.It was then that her phone rang. Gloria handed the phone to Xyla to answer. After a few moments, Xyla yelled into the phone, "Useless!"Meanwhile, Quentin was speeding through the streets in his car and running several red lights. All he could think about was that he might have caused Noelle's death.Police tape surrounded the crime scene on South Bay Street, and a swarm of police cars arrived. Quentin quickly parked his Maybach and hurried toward the scene. He nearly stumbled over the uneven street, but a police officer caught him."Sir, I'm sorry for your loss," said the officer.Quentin shoved the officer's hand away from him. He couldn't believe that Noelle was gone.H
Yvette watched as John entered the black Mercedes and drove away. She was confused when he nodded at her because she didn't know him. Afterward, Yvette went upstairs and knocked on Noelle's apartment door.When Noelle opened the door, Yvette asked, "Noelle, what happened to you? Did Quentin hurt you?"Noelle had scrapes on her arms and face. Though she had put ointment on them, they were still noticeable. She shook her head, and replied, "No, I ran into some bad guys on my way back."She had just learned that shortly after she left, there was another robbery and murder at the same place. Noelle was trembling with fear. The more she dwelled on it, the more terrified she became."Why were you there by yourself? Where's Quentin?" Yvette asked with concern.Noelle avoided eye contact and replied, "He went to meet Xyla.""Ugh! That bitch again!" Yvette exclaimed angrily. "I'm calling Aunt Janet. Quentin is way out of bounds. How could he leave you there all by yourself? What if someth
Noelle pulled her hand back. "Mr. Lowe, next time, please shower before you come over." She went to the bathroom to wash her hands.Quentin sensed her disgust toward him. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the ringing of his phone. He frowned when he saw it was Janet calling.Just as he answered the phone, Janet's angry voice came through. "Quentin, get over here immediately!"Quentin's ears were ringing. He thought Yvette must have told Janet what happened tonight. As soon as Quentin hung up, Noelle's phone rang.She picked up her phone and heard Janet's soft voice. "Elle, come over here with that jerk now. I'll help you sort things out!"Noelle's heart sank. She glanced at Quentin, who pursed his lips in displeasure.…An hour later, Noelle and Quentin arrived at Lowe Mansion. The huge mansion was brightly lit at midnight, and the maids seemed tense.Fred sat in the center of the living room, surrounded by other Lowe family members, including Quentin's cousins."Quentin,
Quentin got to his feet. When he saw the whip mark on Noelle's arm, he gasped and asked, "Does it hurt?"Noelle frowned a bit and said, "Just a little."Quentin sighed, then lifted her and took her upstairs. Noelle's heart skipped a beat. She sensed Quentin's tension and could almost hear his fast-beating heart. Her mind drifted.He placed her on the bed in the upstairs bedroom. Then, he quickly grabbed the first aid kit Robert had given him and helped Noelle treat her wound.As he was a man, Quentin could endure being whipped with relative ease, but Noelle was different. Her skin was sensitive and prone to bruising even from minor bumps. He couldn't fathom the pain she must be experiencing.As Quentin applied the ointment, he asked, "Does it hurt? If it does, you can pinch me!"Noelle's heart skipped a beat once more. She pondered whether his concern meant he still had feelings for her. Yet, later, she considered that perhaps it stemmed from his guilt over her suffering for his
"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