Fred's stomach was acting up again, so Noelle massaged him to ease his pain. But she couldn't get over her fear; if that man had splashed her instead, she'd be the one disfigured at the moment. The thought stuck in her throat like a bitter pill she couldn't swallow."Elle, why don't you take a break and let Quentin do it? He eats like a horse every day and doesn't even bother to help!" Fred grumbled, worried that Noelle might wear herself out.Quentin was at a loss for words. "Why don't you take a break?" He walked over, attempting to mimic the way she massaged Fred. Noelle didn't even spare him a glance. "You don't know how to." Quentin felt a lump in his throat. "Teach me then!" He frowned and gave her a meaningful look. Fred slowly drifted off to sleep. Noelle tucked him in and said apathetically, "I think you should learn it from a traditional medicine practitioner, Mr. Lowe. I'm afraid I don't have the time to teach you." It was almost daybreak; it was time she left for th
Noelle was at a loss for words. So, it wasn't some clueless kid; it was Christian. "I've accepted it," she responded.Christian's deep, magnetic voice came through. "You coming or not, Ms. Xanthos? Your flight's about to take off!"Her heart skipped a beat. "I'll be right there!" However, she was out in the sticks, with no cabs in sight. Noelle turned to Quentin. "Could you give me a lift to the airport? Thanks!" Conveniently, her luggage was already in his car.Quentin glanced over, his expression a mystery. "You're really into that guy, huh?" there was something in his eyes, but she had no way to tell what he was thinking. Noelle responded coldly, "It's none of your business who I like! I'd appreciate it if you could be a gentleman and either drive me to the airport or drop me off somewhere I can catch a cab, Mr. Lowe." Having said her piece, she started walking toward his car. But before she could get far, he grabbed her arm, spun her around, and pinned her against the vehi
The woman was at a loss for words. "If he wasn't waiting for me, was he waiting for that woman?" she wondered, eyeing Noelle suspiciously. Then, she huffed and walked away. Christian ordered Julian, "Cancel the 9:30 am flight and book two tickets for the next available one." With that, he returned to the VIP lounge.Noelle checked her phone and noticed there was a flight leaving at 9:40 am. It had some seats left, but the tickets were way too expensive—over ten thousand dollars.Soon, Julian walked over and asked for her ID. Noelle handed it to him, and he returned shortly after with two boarding passes. Noelle offered to pay him for the plane tickets, but he said, "You can give it to Mr. Blackwood." So, she transferred the money to Christian. The man across from her set his phone down on the table, pulled out another one from his pocket and started using it. Noelle received a notification of a refunded transaction. She looked up and glanced at the man across from her. Chri
Quentin rose to his feet and left.…When Noelle stepped out of the examination room, she noticed a familiar figure. The man was clad in a hospital gown, clutching his stomach, and had just left the nurse's station. He looked like he was in a lot of pain."Mr. Callahan?" Noelle was surprised to see Elijah.Elijah looked over and smiled warmly. "It's you, Elle!"Noelle walked up to him. "What brings you here, Mr. Callahan? Are you okay?"He chuckled bitterly and said, "I have early-stage stomach cancer. My surgery is in a couple of days." He covered his nose with his fist and coughed a few times. "I also have a cold, so don't get too close to me." With that, he turned to leave."Mr. Callahan, did you ever have feelings for my mom?" she asked all of a sudden. Elijah's thin frame stiffened. Noelle continued, "If you did, why didn't you bring her with you? You were supposed to be childhood sweethearts who were in love with each other, no? So, how could you stand idly by and let
Noelle hesitated for a moment. She looked troubled as she gazed at Zara. Eleanor didn't know Zara, and since the invitation was only for her, it would be impolite for her to bring someone along without prior notice. Noelle pondered for a moment before responding, "I'll bring you along another time, okay? I'm not particularly close to the Blackwoods, so it wouldn't be a good idea for me to bring someone along. But I'll definitely introduce you to other prominent families in the future!"The Blackwood family was the most prestigious family in Collinview, while the Xanthos family was a powerhouse in the medical field. Both families held esteemed positions in their respective domains. Noelle figured it would be better to take Zara to her house instead. Zara discreetly curled her lips in disdain, as she didn't believe that Noelle had the connections to introduce her to other prominent families. After all, Noelle was just the daughter of a widowed schoolteacher; what high-society connec
"Noelle's a little hedgehog hiding its quills," Christian thought. "Her gentle demeanor was just an act," he thought as he sauntered over. "Who's this fairy that's got my grandmother wrapped around her finger?"Noelle's skin crawled when she heard that teasing tone.Eleanor smacked Christian. "Don't you recognize Elle? Cut the snark, you little rascal!" Christian glanced at Noelle, noting her knitted brows and slightly annoyed expression; she looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't. He smiled, feeling rather amused.He casually picked up the shopping bag Noelle had brought, intending to see what was inside. But when he pulled out a pair of socks, his lips twitched involuntarily. "Well… That wasn't what I was expecting." Christian tossed the socks back into the bag. Noelle was dumbfounded. She was certain she had purchased a scarf; how did it turn into a pair of socks?The guests whispered among themselves, "Who would give someone a pair of socks as a birthday
Zara had put so much effort into dressing up. Yet, Eleanor was focused on the scarf Noelle had casually bought. Zara discreetly clenched her fists. Hoping to attract Eleanor's attention, she smiled and said, "Grandma Hudson, that scarf looks fantastic on you! Elle definitely knew what she was doing when she chose it!"Christian asked the butler, "Since when did I have a younger sister?"The butler could also tell something was off. Noelle's friend was overstepping. Who did she think she was, calling Eleanor "Grandma Hudson"? Moreover, she'd planted herself right in front of Eleanor ever since she walked in, almost as if she was afraid Eleanor wouldn't notice her. The butler walked up to Zara and said, "Miss, please take a seat outside.""Do we have extra seats?" Christian asked slyly.The butler shook his head. "No." The guest list and seating arrangements were all planned in advance. "So, are you suggesting she sit on your lap?" Christian asked.Even at his age, the butler'
John was also surprised to see Noelle there. It had been over six months since their last meeting when both of them had been drugged, and yet it felt as if a whole century had passed."I went to Dragfort to visit Mr. Lowe Senior a few days ago. I meant to catch up with you as well, but I couldn't find the time. I hope you're not upset with me for that."The crisp autumn air filled their lungs as Noelle and John went to the gazebo to talk. John's feelings for Noelle had gradually faded into a sibling-like bond. His heart now yearned for the woman he couldn't seem to find. He often felt discouraged, wondering if he would ever find her in this lifetime."Of course not." His gaze was warm and gentle, and carried a touch of affection, similar to that of an older brother toward his younger sister, as it landed on Noelle's face. "I was going to ask you out tomorrow, but I'm glad I ran into you today. Did you really save Mrs. Blackwood Senior?" he asked with a smile.Noelle explained bas