Noelle ordered a few common seafood dishes, while Christian added some rare selections to their meal.When the food arrived, they both began to eat.At a nearby booth, Quentin watched them with a mocking smirk.For reasons even he couldn't explain, he called over a waiter, loudly enough for Noelle to head, and said, "Send a Nordenia sea urchin to Table 15, on my tab."Noelle's ears pricked up at Quentin's deliberately amplified voice.She frowned and shot back, "Nordenia's sea urchins are so rare—they should be reserved for Ms. Cadwell. Mr. Lowe, have you forgotten how much she loves them?"Your ex-wife never got to taste one while you were married, but now that you're divorced, you suddenly think of her? Mr. Lowe, did you forget to turn your brain on today?"She didn't hold back, hitting him squarely where it hurt.During their marriage, Quentin's prized sea urchins were always sent to Xyla. Now that they were divorced, what was he trying to prove by sending them to her?Quen
"No problem!"Christian's tone was lazy and relaxed. "I'm happy to be used by you. Feel free to do it again next time!"He raised one of his thick, dark eyebrows at Noelle, giving her a playful look.Noelle felt exasperatedWho in the world actually enjoys being treated like a tool?"Fine, I'll use Mr. Blackwood as my tool again next time!"Christian responded with a smirk, "What tool? That sounds so harsh! Come on, call me hubby once, just for fun!"Noelle fell silent immediately.It was impossible to have a proper conversation with him—he couldn't keep it serious for even a moment."Later, could you drop me off at Collinview University? I need to pick up my car," Noelle said.Christian replied smoothly, "No worries, I'll take you home and then have my driver bring your car to you."Noelle shook her head. "That's too much trouble!"Christian grinned, "For the future Mrs. Blackwood, he'd be happy to do it."There he went again, steering the conversation back to that.Noel
Noelle closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.Christian had a gut feeling that this whole situation had something to do with Quentin.He didn't press further, instead straightening up and driving in silence.When they arrived at Noelle's apartment, Christian's driver was already there, standing by her car. He had driven it back for her and was waiting for their arrival."Mr. Blackwood," the driver greeted as soon as Christian stepped out.Christian acknowledged him with a nod. "You can go."The driver left, but Christian remained where he was.Noelle looked at him, puzzled, "Aren't you leaving?"Christian casually looked around, hands in his pockets, his tone relaxed. "Water's priced at four bucks a ton, not per pound, right?"Noelle frowned, confused at first, then realized what he was getting at. She couldn't help but smirk.So he wasn't directly accusing her of being too stingy to offer him a drink.Noelle rolled her eyes, exasperated. "My water goes for 49 bucks a glass."
Christian had never been more serious.After speaking, he released Noelle, turned on his heel, and walked away.Noelle felt as if her whole body was burning.It wasn't until he opened the door to leave that she noticed he had left his original scarf on her couch.She picked it up and rushed to the door. “Christian, your scarf!”Her face was flushed pink, her lips bright red, still glistening with the remnants of his kiss.Christian felt a wave of tenderness wash over him.He walked back to her, gently cupped her face, and this time, placed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips. "Throw it away. I like the one you made for me more."He flashed a smile and turned to leave.As Quentin stepped out of the elevator, he saw the scene unfold.At that moment, his handsome face turned icy, and a chill settled in the air around him.When Christian walked past him, he casually adjusted the scarf as if making it more comfortable.Whether deliberate or not, the gesture stung Quentin deeply,
Christian felt a weight lift off his chest as he hung up the phone.He stepped forward, heading toward the car parked not far ahead.Two days later, Zara handed Noelle the keys."Elle, thank you for letting me stay at your place," Zara said, sounding sincerely grateful."No problem." Noelle kept a calm exterior as she took the keys back.As Noelle began to walk away, Zara hesitated as if she had been debating whether to say something. Finally, she spoke up, "Elle, I'm not sure if I should say this, but I heard from Zach that Christian has a lot of women. Don't let him fool you."Noelle paused briefly.Christian was indeed known for being a bit of a playboy, but she wasn't about to jump to conclusions based on hearsay.So, she didn't say anything and just walked away.Zara felt frustrated.What does she think she is, just because she snagged Christian? Hmph!After work, Noelle started packing up her things.Just as she finished, Christian called, "Babe, I'm on a business t
Now that Noelle was living closer to the hospital, she could sleep in a bit longer before work.As she was busy with her tasks, a message popped up from BoomBoomPow. "I'll be in Collinview City soon. Take me out to lunch, Babe!""I'm at work, Mr. Blackwood. How about dinner instead? I'll treat you then!"Lunch breaks were too short, and going out might cause her to fall behind at work.Christian replied, "Alright, dinner it is."Noon came quickly.Christian was having lunch with a few of his buddies at a restaurant. During the meal, he excused himself to use the restroom.Zara and Zachary happened to be dining there as well.From a distance, Zara spotted the elegant figure and bit her lip before approaching."Mr. Blackwood!"Christian turned around, surprised to see Zara.Zara hesitated, then said, "Mr. Blackwood, there's something I think you should know. You're Zach's friend, and I don't want to see you get played. Noelle isn't just seeing you. For a while, someone's been
Noelle was silent for a moment before shaking her head."No," she replied honestly.Christian felt a pang in his heart but kept his tone casual. "So, how are you planning to welcome me back?"Noelle considered his question. "Do you want meat fondue, seafood, or something simpler?""I'll eat whatever you cook," Christian said.Noelle found herself at a loss for words.Christian always had a way of making things difficult."Alright, what do you want, then?" she asked, her beautiful eyes meeting his, clear as a spring—inviting anyone to dive right in.Christian paused, then grinned. "Empanadas!"Didn't she make pasta for Quentin? Well, he wanted empanadas—for her to make them just for him.And maybe to forget all about the pasta.Noelle smiled back. "I haven't made empanadas much before, Mr. Blackwood. You should be prepared—they might not turn out great!"Christian smirked. "Even better if you don't know how."The idea that she might learn to make empanadas just for him, pra
Christian didn't say another word during the drive, simply following the GPS to the location.When they arrived and stepped out of the car, two bodyguards immediately blocked his path. "Mr. Lowe only allows Ms. Xanthos to go in alone."Noelle paused, glancing at Christian. "Wait here for me. I'll be back soon."With that, she followed one of the bodyguards towards the factory.Christian frowned as he watched her figure grow smaller and smaller in the distance.As soon as Noelle stepped into the empty room, she saw Quentin crouched on the ground.In front of him knelt a trembling woman—Xyla.Seeing that all-too-familiar face, Noelle's breath caught in her throat.Quentin stood up and handed Noelle a small bottle. "She's all yours. Do whatever you want for revenge, even if it means taking her life."If she was too scared, he'd take care of it himself."Quint, you can't do this. If my brother knew, he wouldn't let you..." Xyla's face turned even paler at his words.She cried an