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Chapter 214
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 215
Hendrix fell silent. His eyes narrowed as he observed her, as though waiting to see how she would handle downing the entire bottle of wine.Noticing his unspoken approval, Noelle immediately grabbed the bottle and raised it to her lips. She then poured the entire content straight down her throat.What no one noticed was that, under the table, Hendrix was clenching his fists tightly.…As soon as Noelle came out of the restroom, it was immediately clear to herself that there was no way she was okay.The waitress, noticing her unsteady gait, went up to help her. But before she could, Noelle shoved her away and leaned over the nearest trash bin. The next second she found herself retching violently.A sharp, fiery sensation surged from her stomach, bringing with it bitter bile, all of which she vomited out completely. She hadn't fully recovered from her cough, and now, tears and snot were streaming down her face. Her delicate makeup was ruined beyond repair, leaving her looking utter
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 216
Hendrix gazed at her in silence.Noelle could barely stand at this point. She was relying entirely on the last thread of willpower left in her mind to hold herself up. But the moment the elevator doors opened and she saw Oliver standing outside, that last thread of willpower instantly snapped.Noelle knew precisely what Dominic's intentions were. Although she had come alone tonight, she had sent Oliver a message earlier, informing him that he would need to pick her up when the time came.Oliver, knowing exactly where to find her, had been anxiously scanning the restaurant lobby. So when he finally spotted her in the elevator, he let out a sigh of relief.Ignoring Hendrix standing nearby, Noelle staggered a few steps toward Oliver before collapsing entirely. Without a second thought, Oliver rushed to catch her."Take me to the hospital," Noelle managed to whisper through the pain before everything went black and she passed out.Oliver didn't have the chance to ask what had happene
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 217
"Didn't you meet with Hendrix last night?" Craig mercilessly exposed her lie.Noelle fell silent.Craig, as if he knew what she was thinking, said, "Amity Group is planning something big over in Vinton City. By now, you should have a clear understanding of the current market trends there. If you can secure this partnership, you should know what it means for Elm Group."You wouldn't want to stay stuck in that subsidiary company forever, would you? If this partnership is finalized, it will prove your capabilities to everyone. When that time comes, I will officially transfer you back, and no one will question your position as a successor."Craig's words were unhurried.Noelle was tempted to take him up on his offer, but she was also well aware that he absolutely wouldn't really agree to let her go back and become the successor.The death of Matilda had always stayed with him, and the only reason he let Noelle stay in the company was merely because she was his only biological daughte
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 218
After seeing Clayton off, Noelle stood alone in front of the café. The heatwave rolling in from the street was a sharp contrast to the cool air from the air conditioning inside, and it made her throat itch uncomfortably.Fighting the urge to cough, Noelle pulled a throat lozenge from her bag and popped it into her mouth just as a call from the office came through, urging her to return for a meeting.The meeting's agenda was similar to what Craig had mentioned to her a few days ago. The past two years had seen a sluggish market, but Amity Group, as the industry leader, seemed untouched by the downturn.The incident with Beatrice had caused quite a stir at the time, and Hendrix was labeled as cold and unfilial by the media. He was also accused of pushing Beatrice to the brink, leaving her with no choice but to take that tragic path.Meanwhile, the couple who had lost their son, Lloyd, took every opportunity to find reporters to smear his reputation. Hendrix seemed completely unconcer
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 219
"We're at Neufit Sports Arena. Mr. Freeman mentioned he'd like to speak to you personally," said Julio.Noelle froze for a moment, then frowned. "With me?""Yes. Where are you right now? Should I have the driver come pick you up?""No need. I'll drive myself over."Noelle wasn't sure what Hendrix wanted, but since Julio was Craig's man and had already made it clear she should go, refusing would undoubtedly result in a report back to Craig. Reluctantly, she headed over.Hendrix and Julio were at the tennis court. Today, Hendrix was dressed casually in a white sweatshirt, his bangs falling over his forehead, giving him a slightly youthful, almost boyish look."Noelle's here." Julio quickly walked over and patted Noelle's shoulder in a mentor-like manner. "Even though she's only been with the company for a few months, her performance has been outstanding. "Take this recent project proposal for the Continental Reach—her ideas were so impressive that I—""Ms. Swanson, is it true th
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 220
"Noelle," Julio called her name as soon as she stepped out of the restroom.He was frowning deeply—it was clear he wasn't pleased with how she acted earlier."You know how important this project is to the company, don't you?"Noelle simply nodded."Then, why are you acting so cold toward Mr. Freeman?" Julio's eyes darkened. "Don't tell me you can't tell what he's hinting at."A project as massive as Continental Reach was still in its early stages, and the workload Hendrix had to be managing was beyond imagination. Yet today, he had spent time playing tennis and having dinner with them.And before Noelle's toast, that deliberate glance he gave her—it didn't take a genius to figure out his intentions. But Noelle didn't take the bait."I'm already divorced from him," she said after meeting Julio's gaze for a moment.Julio chuckled lightly. "So what if you're divorced? Does that mean you're married to Mr. Carter and Mr. Russo now?"Noelle's expression changed instantly, her eyes s
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 221
"I can't give you this project directly, but I can provide a fair chance for competition," Hendrix said.Noelle sneered. "What's the condition?"The moment she finished speaking, Hendrix laughed. His lips were arched, and even the smile in his eyes deepened, making him appear delighted."How do you know I have a condition?"Noelle did not reply and just stared at him.Hendrix quickly dropped his smile, and his fingers caressed the coffee cup in his hands. He said, "What Lana and I have are only scandals. It was done for a public stunt."Noelle didn't know why he was explaining himself, so she frowned."The doctor said… my mother's condition has improved. It's very possible for her to wake up," continued Hendrix. "For the previous matter…""Mr. Freeman," Noelle cut him off. "Do you remember the things you've said to me in Dynalis? You said we are impossible."Hendrix remained silent."It might seem like I'm getting ahead of myself when I say this, but by what you meant just no
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 222
Noelle left the restaurant soon after.Earlier, she had actually taken Julio's advice to heart—to treat Hendrix as just another client or business partner, like before.She'd use the faint, ambiguous connection between them to achieve her goals.Although Noelle had always loathed gender discrimination and preferential treatment in the workplace, she realized after stepping into this complicated world that her ideals couldn't change anything. She even found herself skillfully leveraging those very dynamics to her advantage.But when the person involved was Hendrix, she discovered she couldn't handle it as calmly as she thought.She had once loved him sincerely for many years, after all. There was even a time when her feelings were reciprocated. She had felt, however fleeting, a genuine warmth in him.Even though all of it eventually turned out to be nothing but an illusion, she still couldn't treat him like a stranger. Not even when Julio bluntly reminded her that this was just bu
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 535
Noelle didn't answer. Instead, she turned her head to look out the car window.Silence settled over the inside of the car.After a moment, Rosie broke the quiet. "Mommy, I still want to hang out with Seline.""I know. I've already made plans to have dinner with her tonight.""Is Mr. Pritchett going, too?" Rosie asked.As soon as she spoke, Noelle glanced at Hendrix. She wasn't worried about anything else—just that Hendrix might suddenly lose his temper. But to her surprise, he didn't say anything, and the car continued to move smoothly forward.Only then did Noelle answer Rosie softly, "Yeah."Rosie nodded happily. "Yay! I like playing with Mr. Pritchett!""Why?""Because he's so good-looking, and I believe he can protect you, Mommy."As soon as Rosie said that, Hendrix couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. Then, he shot Noelle a sarcastic look.Noelle simply ignored him and smiled at Rosie.…Noelle had indeed made dinner plans with Dylan that evening. After all, it had
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 534
Noelle knew Rosie wanted to talk to Hendrix alone, so she didn't say anything. After giving Hendrix a glance, she turned and left the room.There was a convenience store right outside the hospital. Noelle bought milk for Rosie and also picked up a small bag of cakes.She didn't know what Rosie would say to Hendrix, but she wasn't in a hurry to return. After paying, she took a couple of laps around the hospital before heading back upstairs.By the time she returned, the conversation between Rosie and Hendrix was clearly over. The two of them sat quietly, neither speaking.Noelle had always thought Rosie's features resembled her own. But seeing them sitting side by side now, she suddenly realized her facial structure actually resembled Hendrix's more. Especially when they both pursed their lips—they looked like they were carved from the same mold.She stood there for a moment, observing them, before finally walking over."Mommy!" As soon as Rosie saw her, her eyes lit up, and the s
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 533
"No place to hang it? I'll just hang it in the living room," Beatrice replied."It doesn't really match the decor there," Noelle countered."It doesn't matter. Rosie drew this for me, and that's something money can't buy."Beatrice's words left Noelle at a loss for a response.Beatrice then turned to Rosie with a smile. "What would you like? I'll have someone buy it for you, okay?""That's okay, Grandma." Rosie shook her head. Then, she added, "Also, Grandma, I want to go home."Her words stunned Beatrice. After a moment, she replied, "What do you mean, 'go home'? Aren't you already—""No, Grandma. I want to go back to Stormridge, where it's just Mommy and me," Rosie answered seriously.A frown slowly appeared on Beatrice's forehead. At the same time, she turned to look at Noelle, who was just as surprised as Beatrice by Rosie's request.Noelle immediately crouched down and asked Rosie, "What's wrong? Why do you suddenly want to go back?""But aren't we ever going to go back?
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"Where is he?"When Rosie suddenly asked Noelle this question, Noelle was taken aback for a moment.Then, she handed Rosie the colored pencil she needed. "Who?"Rosie took the pencil and began coloring in the grass in her drawing. She didn't give a direct answer, instead pressing down hard with the colored pencil before saying, "You know… him."It was then that Noelle realized who she meant. "Are you talking about your daddy?""Yeah," Rosie said softly."I don't know. Why are you looking for him?"Hendrix had never come to Sienna Villa often, but Rosie had never asked about him before. In fact, she'd often shown clear resistance whenever she saw him. Yet today, she'd brought him up out of the blue.Noelle studied her for a moment before asking, "Why are you suddenly asking about him?""No reason. I just wanted to ask." Rosie avoided her gaze, pressing the colored pencil so hard against the paper that it tore.Noticing this, Noelle asked, "Do you want to see him?""No," Rosie
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 531
Hendrix's grip on Noelle's arm was tight—so tight that it felt like he was about to crush her bones.Noelle couldn't help but furrow her brows from the pain. But she didn't make a sound. Instead, she simply looked at him intently.Then, she said softly, "You know, when Rosie fell ill, the first person I thought of was you. I wanted to call you, but I couldn't muster the courage. Because I knew I had hurt you by leaving, and I didn't know how you felt about me or Rosie."Later, Seline told me that you were planning to get married through a matchmaking arrangement and that you knew about Rosie's condition but chose to ignore it—""That was a misunderstanding!" Hendrix interrupted her. "When I met Seline back then, I thought she was talking about your work on set. That's why I didn't—""I know. But what about after that?" Noelle asked.A frown slowly appeared on Hendrix's forehead, as if he didn't understand what she meant by "after that".Noelle curled her lips into a faint smile.
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 530
Hendrix stood there in silence. Only he knew what had driven him to make that proposal earlier. Noelle was right—he hadn't forgiven her. He also knew their relationship was riddled with emotional scars.But they had a good time together today, didn't they?Hendrix admitted that his initial suggestion to join them had been motivated by Dylan. He didn't want the person standing by Noelle's side in the end to be him. So that was why he had inserted himself into their plans, to which Noelle had agreed.To his surprise, he had genuinely enjoyed himself today. So, he had thought, maybe the three of them could just continue like this—even if it was just for Rosie's sake.But now, Hendrix realized how naïve he had been. Noelle had only wanted to create a good memory for Rosie, with emphasis on the word "memory". Meaning to say, there was no future for them to be together anymore.At this thought, Hendrix couldn't help but laugh. "Then, who do you feel comfortable being with? Dylan?"He k
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 529
Rosie was clearly exhausted from the day's activities and slept soundly in Noelle's arms the entire ride home. She had been much happier recently and had put back on some weight. By the time Hendrix parked the car, Noelle's arms were almost completely numb.Hendrix quickly got out of the driver's seat and walked around to her side. "Let me carry her up.""No, it's fine," Noelle replied without hesitation.But after taking a glance at her slender arms, he asked, "Are you sure you can carry her up? Or should we wake her and let her walk by herself?"Noelle really couldn't carry Rosie anymore, yet she couldn't bring herself to wake the little girl when she saw how peacefully she was sleeping.Hendrix took one more look at her, and without giving her any time to hesitate, he simply bent down and scooped Rosie up in his arms.He had initially wondered how heavy such a small child could be. But now, holding her, he realized it wasn't as easy as he had imagined. Especially since she was
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 528
Soon, they reached the amusement park.Even though it was a weekday, the place was still bustling with people. But Hendrix had made arrangements in advance, so as soon as they arrived, staff members came out to greet them.They were given exclusive access to whatever ride Rosie wanted to go on, so they didn't have to wait in line at all. Noelle actually didn't want to take advantage of this. After all, she and Hendrix were no longer together.Not to mention, this was his first time taking Rosie to the amusement park, and it would likely be his last. So, Noelle didn't want Rosie to get used to this kind of treatment or develop any false expectations.But right now, Rosie was clearly excited, and standing in long lines under the sun wouldn't be good for her health, either. So, Noelle bit her tongue and stayed silent.Once inside the park, Hendrix took Rosie to the carousel first. This particular carousel had a fountain in the center, and at certain points, water jets would spray out
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 527
Rosie looked at Hendrix, then at Noelle.Finally, she answered, "The carousel.""Just the carousel? Have you tried the space tunnel? Or the pirate ship? What about the roller coaster? There's also a special stage show. Would you like to take photos and interact with the sea lions?"Hendrix had experience in the amusement park business as well. Even though he had never personally spent much time at one, he was now rattling off various rides and activities with ease."You like Simba, right?" Hendrix suddenly remembered the lion plushie she had. "There's a stage show about that. I can take you to see it."Though Noelle didn't want to think of him that way, at this moment, Hendrix seemed like a devil who was trying to tempt Rosie. And as her mother, Noelle could naturally sense Rosie's resolve wavering. Especially when the little girl heard about the stage show—her eyes lit up instantly.It was something Rosie had always wanted to watch. But the last time they went to the amusement
