Half an hour later, Noelle helped Janet into a taxi and watched as it pulled away.Just as she turned to leave, she bumped into something solid.Startled, she looked up to see Quentin, a faint smirk playing on his lips, his dark eyes watching her with an unreadable expression.She frowned, stepping back in disgust, then turned and walked off in the opposite direction.Quentin's voice followed her from behind. "Surprised, huh? You're not the only baby in the playboy's life!"Noelle shot back coldly, "What's it got to do with you?"She reached her car, got in, and drove off without looking back.When Noelle arrived home, she collapsed into her bed, wrapping herself tightly in the blankets. She didn't bother doing anything else—just slept.Hours later, when she woke up, she saw a flood of baby photos from Yvette.The four-day-old baby's dark, bright eyes were wide open, and there was already a noticeable change from when he was first born.His delicate features hinted that he'd
A figure stepped in front of her, blocking her path.Noelle instantly recognized that familiar presence and fearlessly met Quentin's gaze.His expression was grim, dark eyes narrowing as he shoved the trembling woman toward Noelle."When did Ms. Xanthos learn these underhanded tricks? Did Christian teach you? Huh?"The two men from earlier were high-ranking officials in Collinview City, and the success of Quentin's upcoming project largely depends on them.But unexpectedly, someone had swooped in and wrecked his meeting.Noelle steadied the frightened woman and, without hesitation, pulled a wad of cash from her purse, handing it to her. "Go."The woman took the money and bolted, disappearing without looking back.Noelle turned back to Quentin, her face calm and composed, her tone steady. "I didn't learn this from anyone. I just wanted to ruin Mr. Lowe's evening." Quentin's dark, obsidian-like eyes locked onto hers.After a long moment, he smiled. "So, in the end, Ms. Xanthos t
Christian slammed the car door shut and strode toward the Audi.Just as he reached for the door handle, he instinctively glanced over his shoulder—and in that moment, his tall frame visibly stiffened.Noelle stared at the familiar face—handsome as ever, like a god come to life.The was the same man who had once called her "babe" in that lazy, playful tone.Now, he was using the exact same tone to call another woman.A wave of disillusionment washed over her. She quickly averted her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes. Turning to Sarah, she said calmly, "Don't worry. In a place like this, cars can't go fast. Nothing serious couldn've happen."Sarah nodded, still flustered.Christian broke his gaze from Noelle and opened the Audi's door.His brows furrowed slightly, but his tone remained casual as he spoke to the girl inside. "Are you hurt? If not, come on out."The girl turned and immediately threw her arms around his waist."Chris, I'm so scared!" she sobbed, trembling in his e
Noelle had no idea who was in the car behind her or if they had anything to do with her.She slowly turned her car around and sped off, the white sedan quickly disappearing into the night.In the car behind, Christian lit a cigarette, took a few drags, then finally started his engine and drove away.When Noelle got back to her apartment, she showered and went straight to bed.Lately, she felt more like an ostrich—always wanting to bury her head, hide away, and heal whenever life hit her hard.The next morning, as Noelle came downstairs, she immediately spotted a familiar sports car parked nearby.Christian stepped out, sliding off his sunglasses to reveal that impossibly handsome face."It's Saturday. Where are you off to?" he asked.Noelle's voice was cold. "I'm working overtime, Mr. Blackwood."She tightened her coat and walked past him, keeping her distance.Christian shut his car door and followed her to her car, leaning one arm on the roof as she settled into the driver'
Thora was tall, with rough, unrefined features—hardly the type of woman to inspire tenderness in a man.Xyla, on the other hand, was different. She looked like a delicate flower—soft, lovely, the kind that made people instinctively want to protect her.That's why Quentin didn't get upset when Noelle deliberately shoved Thora.If it had been Xyla, things might have been different. He probably would've turned on Noelle right then and there.Noelle's eyes gleamed with biting sarcasm.Quentin could see exactly what she was thinking. He took a deep breath. "It's not what you think. Even if Thora looked like Xyla, I wouldn't turn against you. Not now, not ever."He had already made too many mistakes. From now on, he was determined to treat her right."Hahaha..."Noelle's laughter was bright and fleeting, like a breeze shaking the branches, scattering petals into the air. But as the laughter faded, her expression turned cold again. "Do you believe that, Mr. Lowe?"Quentin felt a pang
Christian raised an eyebrow and said, "Nothing much, just want you to forgive me."He stood there, tall and imposing, his head tilted slightly, exuding that effortless arrogance and entitlement that came with being born into privilege.Noelle bit her lip, walked to the nearest table, picked up a plate, and smashed it hard onto the ground.Then, she looked up at him, her voice sharp. "Mr. Blackwood, did that sound good?"Christian watched her and raised an eyebrow. "Not loud enough."Noelle moved to the next table and swept everything off the surface—cups, plates, silverware—all crashing loudly to the floor. The clattering was deafening. She asked again, "Loud enough now?"Christian still shook his head, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.Noelle, no longer holding back, went from table to table, knocking everything off—cups, plates, half-eaten meals, untouched drinks—all crashing into a chaotic mess. The once pristine floor was now littered with shattered
Christian rarely lit a cigarette, but now he did. He maintained his usual nonchalant, defiant expression.The police officer surveyed the scene—the shattered plates, the spilled food—and their brows furrowed. That's when Leonard stepped forward, eager to explain. "Officer, it's true! My bro is just trying to cheer up his future girlfriend! He even had the whole restaurant's plates and cups brought out for her to smash"The officer's face twitched. He glanced over at the row of waiters holding trays. What a waste of money.It did seem like some kind of bizarre relationship drama, but the officer wasn't entirely convinced. He turned to Noelle and asked, "Miss, is what he's saying true?”Noelle blinked her clear eyes and said, "Officer, I don't know what kind of 'relationship fun' he's talking about. This man has been pursuing me, and I've already rejected him. But he had me locked in here, saying I couldn't leave unless I agreed to date him."Her eyes blinked again, and this tim
Through Noelle's damp lashes, she noticed a tall figure seated diagonally across from her. Quentin was dressed in a navy coat, he looked slightly different from when she had seen him earlier that day—now, a scarf was wrapped around his neck. The scarf she had knitted for him.He accepted a drink from the waiter, sipping slowly.As he drank, his eyes drifted toward her, seemingly casual, yet deliberate.Their gazes locked. He raised his glass in a silent toast, then tipped it back, draining it in one go, before showing her the empty bottom.A stillness hung in the air between them for a few long moments. Noelle set down her glass, rose from her seat, and walked out.Outside the bar, a valet stood waiting. Spotting her, he approached. "Miss, need a driver?"Noelle nodded and tossed him her keys, then slid into the passenger seat. As the valet rounded the car to the driver's side, she glanced back toward the bar. There, in the doorway, Quentin stood lighting a cigarette,