Noelle's studio had been running smoothly for three years; nothing like this had ever happened before. Quentin ruffled her hair and cupped her face. "I'll get to the bottom of this for you, okay?"There was something about the way he spoke and looked at her that soothed her rattled heart, and she couldn't help but nod. He then noticed the injury on her palm and frowned. "You're hurt?" A chilling air emanated from his body. "It's just a small cut, nothing serious." Noelle pulled her hand back and turned to check on her injured employees. Fortunately, her employees' injuries weren't serious. It seemed as though the mob's main goal was to cause as much damage as possible, almost as if they were attempting to destroy the place on purpose. Quentin thought of something and whispered a few words to Martin, who nodded and left. Quentin then called a few people over to help clean up the studio and replace everything that had been damaged. In the evening, the couple received an
Janet's voice was gentle. "Come over to Restaurant Blanc later, Elle. I want to introduce you to a friend."Noelle had no idea who Janet wanted to introduce her to, but she nodded. "Okay, Mom."She had always been gentle and considerate when she was dealing with Janet. Even though her eyes were clearly brimming with tears, she didn't say a single word against him.Quentin's heart skipped a beat. Had he truly wronged her? But before he could dwell on it any further, his phone rang. There was an emergency at work, and he had to deal with it immediately. He glanced at Noelle before leaving. …As evening fell, Noelle arrived at Restaurant Blanc. After pushing the door open to the private dining room, she was taken aback. "Johnnie? Mom?" She wondered why John was sitting with Janet. Dressed in an elegant light-colored suit, John was seated across from Janet. His demeanor was very refined. When he saw Noelle, his eyes lit up, and his expression softened. "Noelle."He also had no ide
John paused before continuing, "We need to ask Noelle's opinion first."There was no doubt that he loved Noelle and was willing to protect her for the rest of his life. However, she had to agree to it first, and he would always respect her decision.Noelle breathed a sigh of relief and gave him a grateful look. John turned his head slightly to meet her gaze, offering her a reassuring smile. Yet, a pang of disappointment tugged at his heart. It appeared as though she didn't want to marry him. Fortunately, he hadn't agreed to Janet's proposal earlier. Or else Noelle would've been put in an awkward situation. Janet hadn't expected John to be so rational. In her mind, anyone else would've readily agreed to such a proposal. She turned to Noelle and asked, "Elle, do you agree with what I've said?"This poor girl had grown up without the love of her parents and ended up marrying a good-for-nothing man. Janet sincerely hoped that she could be with John. Even though he was older, he wa
Noelle's heart leaped into her throat, and she involuntarily stopped in her tracks."Don't you have anything to say for yourself?" Quentin's voice was low and menacing, his eyes ablaze with anger.Noelle clenched her fists. What was she supposed to say? That Janet was attempting to marry her off to John? Noelle believed that the man's anger could swallow her whole then. Janet spun around and sneered, "Quentin, since you don't treasure your wife, isn't it only right for me to introduce her to someone who will?"She paused before questioning, "Or do you think it'd be better to keep Elle by your side and let Xyla insult her for the rest of her life?"His brows knitted involuntarily. Her words really got to him. "Xy won't dare to do it again. But don't you think it's a bit too much for you to marry your son's wife to someone else, Mom?"Quentin was furious. The veins on his forehead bulged, his expression hardened, and his eyes were as sharp as knives. The chill emanating from him s
Quentin was the most esteemed man in Dragfort and the CEO of Stille Industries. Countless people sought his favor, though few managed to secure it. When he spoke in such a humble tone, his client was taken aback, repeatedly assuring him it was no trouble at all and that another gathering could be arranged when he was feeling better.After hanging up the phone, Quentin leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes to rest. Soon, the couple arrived at the villa. Quentin got out of the car, walked around to the other side, and took Noelle's hand. Noelle's heart raced, wondering if he would torment her that night. He took her upstairs and pushed her onto the bed, his towering figure looming over her. His breath was hot on her face, and she felt her throat tighten. "Quentin, I hope you can show me some respect. Otherwise, I truly can't find a reason to stay with you!"Noelle remained calm and composed, showing no signs of anger or fear. But her clear, dark eyes were clouded with sadness
"I'll be right back." Quentin left the villa. Noelle breathed a sigh of relief. She had assumed he wouldn't go.Quentin went to the supermarket at the villa entrance. Standing at the entrance, he let his eyes roam the aisles. Then, he spotted a section filled with colorful packaging and headed straight for it.He picked one of them up and looked at it. These things came in a variety of sizes and brands, and he had no idea which one she used. He imagined her petite figure and figured the smallest size should suffice. So, he grabbed a few packs of each brand and prepared to leave.Just then, two middle-aged women, one plump and one slim, walked in.The plump one said, "I was at Restaurant Blanc last night, and I overheard Xyla calling Noelle a bitch. So, I told Madam Burns, and as expected, she didn't let that little bitch off easily; she went to confront her first thing this morning!"The slim one responded, "Oh? Then, what happened?"The plump woman continued, "I heard Quentin
Noelle turned away and remained silent. She knew how dangerous it was, but she was on the verge of losing control.Quentin said, "How about we go see your mother tomorrow?"She was stunned for a while before quickly sitting up and said, "Really?"He nodded and replied, "Yes."Seeing the certainty in his eyes, she calmed down."Then let's leave early," she said.It was a long journey from the city to the remote county, and they still had to go into the mountains. She didn't want to leave after barely saying a few words to Emmie."Alright," Quentin agreed.They didn't speak for the rest of the night. At dawn, Quentin drove Noelle himself, without Martin. This made it feel like they were going on a picnic, which subtly brought them closer.The night earlier, he had Martin procure a large amount of daily necessities and fresh fruits to be distributed to the archaeological staff.When they stopped at a service area for a break, a young couple got out of a nearby car. The woman's e
When he got home, however, she wasn't there. When she finally returned, she looked exhausted and in low spirits. He asked what had scared her, and she said it was nothing.Then she asked him if he would be sad if she died. At the time, he thought she was trying to get something from him and had even mocked her.He had no idea what kind of despair and fear she had experienced that afternoon. It must have been excruciating with her dislocated arm.Thinking about it now, all the shock in Quentin's heart turned into guilt and heartache.He suddenly pulled her into his arms and held her tightly."I'm sorry, Noelle. I didn't know you were on that bus."Noelle, held tightly by him, felt her heart swell with a painful ache. Her eyes burned, and her throat tightened.Her heartstrings trembled, but she gently pushed him away, and said, "Quentin, I need to use the restroom."As she turned, her heart was in turmoil, and her tears began to fall like rain. If he had known at the time, would
"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