However, Noelle yanked her arm out of Quentin's grasp again. "Quentin Lowe, if you want to go, just go! Why are you dragging me into this? You're the one who owes her brother, not me! I've already paid the price with three years of our marriage, and I've had enough! I don't want to live like this for another day!" With that, she turned to leave.Quentin's heart felt as if it was being torn apart as he hastened after her, his hand closing around her arm. "Fine, I won't go! Let's go home!" He held onto her arm with one hand while answering the doctor's call with the other. "I'm afraid I can't make it right now. Please do everything in your power to save Xyla. Thank you!"After hanging up, he put his phone away and ushered Noelle to his car, shoving her in. She was in no condition to drive at the moment. Quentin called Martin and asked him to take Noelle's car to the repair shop. Then, he took her home.On the way home, he kept a close eye on her in the rearview mirror. Even though her
As soon as the call went through, Noelle broke down. "What on earth do you want, Michael Xanthos? Why are you still holding onto my mom when you're out there parading your relationship with Lia? Have you no shame?""Who do you think you are, talking to me like that, Noelle Xanthos?" Michael's menacing voice came through, causing her sobs to falter. Michael couldn't be bothered to waste his breath on Noelle. With a scowl on his face, he tossed Emmie the phone and sat down on the couch. "She's your daughter; you talk to her!"Emmie left her phone in Michael's car. "Don't worry, Elle. I just had a stomachache. It's nothing serious," she said weakly. Noelle sobbed, "Mom, why don't you just go to court and file for divorce…"Emmie's breath hitched. Michael wasn't someone she could easily cross. He still had a hold over her head. So, divorcing him was out of the question."Elle, let's not do this right now, okay? I'm going to get some rest. Be a good girl, okay?" Her voice was gentle
Quentin had considered asking Michael for help, but he had to be mindful of Noelle's feelings, so he wouldn't ask for his help unless it was absolutely necessary. He hardly slept that night, and before he knew it, morning had arrived.When she emerged from the bedroom, Noelle noticed that the door to the study was ajar. Quentin appeared at the doorway, neatly dressed, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You're up!"Noelle seemed to have returned to her normal self. Quentin felt slightly relieved as he thought, "Maybe she was triggered by Michael's trending news yesterday.""Breakfast is ready. Go ahead and dig in," he said warmly.Noelle responded, "Alright." While descending the stairs, she answered her phone. "Oh, you're at Starview Plaza, Yvette? I'll be there in half an hour."Quentin followed her downstairs. "Are you off to the mall?" he asked."Yep," she responded, arching her brow. When they reached the living room on the first floor, he walked over and gave her a hug. "G
Xyla stared at Noelle in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"Noelle arched her brow before casually taking a seat on the couch across from Xyla and placing her handbag and the key to her Lamborghini on the coffee table. "I'm here to check on you, Ms. Cadwell! After all, it would be downright rude of me not to visit you when you've been sick for so many days."Gone was the once-beautiful Xyla, now reduced to a shadow of her former self; she was pale, emaciated, and with most of her hair gone. Noelle tried to mask her astonishment behind a bright smile. Crossing her slender legs, she sat in a way that screamed "high society".Xyla's attention was immediately drawn to the Lamborghini key on the coffee table. The striking logo seemed to be taunting her. She was well aware that Quentin owned a Lamborghini that was worth over a hundred million dollars, but she had never had the chance to drive it. She couldn't believe that he actually allowed Noelle to drive it. "Who does this bitch t
"Did you go to see Xyla?" Quentin sat down beside Noelle, his voice deep and gentle, but his gaze stern.Noelle arched her brow. "I did. You're not mad at me, are you?" she asked, tilting her head to look at him defiantly. His brows drew together as he realized he was having trouble reading her. He told himself not to get angry because if he did, she'd use it as ammunition for divorce. But he still couldn't help but say, "Xyla's suffering from a terminal illness. If she gets treated, there's a chance she might live; if not, she doesn't have much time left. Let's just let bygones be bygones, okay?" His gaze was sincere, almost pleading.Her expression hardened as she sprung to her feet. "How dare you ask me to just let it go, Quentin Lowe? My life's been a mess since she came back! Whenever I was in danger and needed you, you were always with her! "On top of that, she's falsely accused me several times, forcing me to endure your interrogations and doubts! And now, you expect me
Quentin responded, "Yes. I want it alive."Martin asked hesitantly, "Y-You're not going to ask me to kill it, are you?"Quentin snapped, "Not a chance!"Martin was at a loss for words. He rushed to the market, picked out a fat rooster, and had it delivered to Windsor Villa. Quentin went out with a knife in his hand.Noelle watched him through the window and couldn't help but purse her lips. Was he seriously going to kill that rooster? Noelle couldn't picture that bloody scene. She jumped out of bed and ran outside. "Stop right there, Quentin!"Quentin was about to kill the rooster, but he came to a halt when he heard that. He turned around and asked, "What's wrong?""Spare the rooster! I don't even want to eat chicken!" she said.He chuckled. Though he had steeled himself to come out with the knife, he was actually quite nervous, as he'd never slaughtered a chicken before. Now, he looked visibly relieved. "Are you sure you don't want me to kill it?" He was still holding the
Quentin headed to the hospital first thing the following morning. Xyla had been very upset the day before, and he needed to check on her to feel at ease.Meanwhile, Noelle invited Lorraine to go shopping at Starview Plaza. The way she was going all out scared Lorraine. "Have you lost your mind, Noelle?" she exclaimed in disbelief. Noelle arched her brow. "What, am I supposed to let those other women spend his money instead?"Lorraine lowered her gaze and chuckled, though she wasn't sure if she was laughing at herself or others. Then, as if nothing had happened, she started picking out clothes for Noelle. "Alright, I'm glad you can look at it that way!""Tsk, she doesn't work a day in her life, yet she spends her husband's money like she's entitled to it!"Quinn and her best friend, Melissa Reed, were standing in front of a rack of clothes nearby. Melissa was the one who said that. She had heard Quinn gossip about Quentin's wife. Quinn went on about how the woman was flat broke, u
Suppressing his anger, Quentin's towering figure loomed over Noelle. "Elle, apologize!" Noelle arched her brow and asked coldly, "What am I supposed to apologize for? Do you think Ms. Walsh would've joined Stille Industries if she didn't have a thing for you? Or is there something you're hiding from me?"She looked at him with those striking, defiant eyes. Quentin was baffled by how unreasonable Noelle had become. He took a moment to compose himself before he said gently, "Quinn and I are innocent. There's nothing going on between us."He then turned to Quinn and apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry. It's my fault for not keeping my wife in check. I'll apologize to you on her behalf."Quinn was dumbfounded, as she couldn't believe that he was actually apologizing to her on Noelle's behalf. Was he out of his mind? It wasn't even his fault!"There's no need to apologize, Mr. Lowe. I'm sure Mrs. Lowe didn't do it on purpose." Quinn plastered a smile on her face and lied through her teet
"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