Since the supervising teacher wasn't around during the night shift, Noelle followed Martin to Quentin's room.Quentin was standing by the window in his hospital gown, his tall frame slightly hunched. He looked pale and kept coughing."Did you take your cold medicine?" Noelle asked.Martin replied, "Mr. Lowe refused to take it!""Get out!" Quentin suddenly snapped, shooting a sharp, icy glare at Martin.Martin quickly left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.Noelle frowned, exasperated by Quentin's behavior. "Just take your medicine! If you ruin your health, you're the one who's going to suffer."Quentin's cold gaze softened as he looked at her. "Feed it to me."Noelle fell silent."Fine, don't take it if you don't want to."If she were still the woman who loved him, she probably would have fed him the medicine, worried sick about his condition.But now, Noelle only found his behavior ridiculous.They were divorced—why should she cater to him?She turned to
They were standing on the enclosed balcony at the end of the hallway, with a glass door separating it from the rest of the corridor.After leading Noelle there, Christian casually shut the door behind them.But Noelle, perhaps distracted or because the glass was too clean, didn't notice the door. She walked straight into it.With a loud thud, Noelle immediately covered her face and started crying.Her nose went completely numb, and the pain was unbearable.Christian hadn't expected her to walk into the door face-first instead of opening it with her hand.His breath caught for a moment, and he quickly moved to her side, gripping her shoulders and turning her to face him.His long fingers gently tilted her chin up. "Where did you hit? Let me see!"Noelle's shoulders shook as she cried, overwhelmed by the feeling that even the door was out to get her.Christian held her wrist and moved her hand away from her face, revealing her reddened nose and the tears streaming down her cheek
Noelle raised an eyebrow, feeling exasperated. "What is there to swoon over?"She'd never trust a man again in this lifetime!But still, she didn't delete the photo, finding a certain warmth in it.No one had ever treated her with such gentle care before."Touched that easily?"A cold voice interrupted her thoughts. Noelle quickly looked up, surprised to see a tall figure standing in the office.Quentin had changed back into his own clothes, his gaze sharp and icy.Noelle frowned, unsure of what he had seen."I don't know what you're talking about," she said, not wanting to engage with him.She turned back to her laptop, intending to focus on her work.Quentin walked closer, his presence instantly casting a heavy shadow over her.Noelle's heart tightened, and when she looked up again, she was met with Quentin's mocking eyes. "Wiping your tears, wiping your nose, and offering to take you for an X-ray—just that, and you're moved, aren't you?"Quentin's voice dripped with sarc
Quentin's breath hitched on the other end of the line."Elle..."But the call had already ended.A heavy weight settled in his chest. Another call came through, and he answered it.Olivia's voice filled the line. "Quentin, how was Yvette the last time you saw her? She won't even show her face on video calls anymore. It's been eight months since we've seen her."Quentin's heart sank further. Yvette wasn't showing her face because it had gotten rounder.In the later stages of pregnancy, her whole body had changed.If he hadn't discovered Yvette's unwed pregnancy, she probably wouldn't have shown her face in his video call either."She's fine. She's comfortable, gained some weight, so probably doesn't want you to see her."Olivia sighed with relief, "Well, that's good to hear. Quentin, does she… have a boyfriend over there? Did you notice anything when you visited? We've asked her, but she won't tell us anything."Quentin frowned slightly. "Isn't Alexis supposed to visit soon? Y
When Christian set his sights on someone, they had no chance of escaping.Noelle's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "Everyone's being too kind. Mr. Blackwood and I are just friends."She might see Christian as just a friend, but everyone else in the room knew better.Christian definitely didn't see her that way, so someone chimed in, "No need to be shy. Mr. Blackwood clearly holds you in the highest regard."Noelle felt even more flustered.Dinner was served in the private room, with Christian treating everyone.He spared no expense, ordering the most expensive dishes and bottles of wine that cost hundred of thousand each.Christian sat next to hers, and throughout the meals, his arm would occasionally drape over the back of her chair, almost as if he were holding her.Noelle spent the entire dinner feeling like she was under a spotlight.After dinner, someone suggested playing poker.Noelle had watched others play but had never played herself.Still, she volunteered
Quentin's tall frame swayed as he leaned against the stair railing for support.It took him a long moment to calm the storm raging in his chest.Finally, he composed himself and walked over to the two of them."In broad daylight, have you no shame?"Noelle froze at the sound of that familiar voice, her spine going rigid.She looked up, meeting Quentin's cold, piercing gaze.Christian carefully set Noelle down, his tall figure shielding her from Quentin's intense stare.His expression turned cold as he faced Quentin. "Mr. Lowe, what a coincidence. You weren't watching us the whole time, were you?"Quentin's dark eyes gleamed with frost. "Mr. Blackwood, you do think highly of yourself."As he spoke, his gaze never wavered, fixed on Noelle, who was partially hidden behind Christian's broad shouldersChristian raised an eyebrow, glancing back slightly. "Babe, it looks like Mr. Lowe's eyes have been on you."By this point, Noelle's initial tension had slowly dissipated into indif
Christian's lips curled into a smirk, a playful glint in his eyes. "Want me to carry you?"Noelle pressed her lips together. "I'm not crippled, you know."Just then, a luxury car drove by and stopped next to them."What are you two doing out here?" came a voice from the passenger seat as the window rolled down.Christian glanced over at Danny. "None of your business. Keep driving."Danny Tillery had left the party early due to some family matters.His sister, Adele, was in the back seat.She glanced at Christian, then at Noelle, her lips pressed into a thin line.Danny's car drove off, and Christian moved over to Noelle, a mischievous glint in his eyes.He bent slightly and, without warning, scooped her up into his arms.Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and her hands instinctively grabbed his shirt. "Christian, what are you doing? Put me down!"She couldn't understand why he was so fond of picking her up like this. She was a person, after all, but in his arms, she felt as ligh
Noelle didn't have time to dwell on what Adele's comments meant—she was busy. Before she knew it, it was noon, and Christian had sent flowers again.This time, the bouquet was even more creative—roses with several pens tucked among them.It didn't take long before all the pens were gone, each one claimed by someone.The doctors were more excited about the pens than anything else.Sarah sighed, "I'm so jealous. When will someone chase after me like this?"The male doctor with glasses nearby joked, "I'll chase you!"Sarah shot back, "Yeah, right. I don't want your wife to kill me!"Everyone around them burst into laughter.The male doctor chuckled too. "Just kidding!"Noelle sent a WhatsApp message to Christian. "Stop sending me things. If you've got money to spend, why not use it to improve the meals at the orphanage?"After sending the message, Noelle went back to her work.Meanwhile, at a high-level meeting, Christian heard the buzz of his WhatsApp notification.He glanced
"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