Hendrix had already planned this even before their fallout. He had likely intended all along to use this opportunity to swallow Elm Group entirely. None of this had anything to do with Noelle. Forcing her to bow her head and beg him now was just a bonus to him.Noelle's thoughts had never been clearer or more rational than in this moment. She wasn't particularly surprised. After all, Hendrix had always been that kind of person.Still, Noelle couldn't help but think back to the time when he had humbled himself before her. It was precisely because of his attitude back then that Noelle had been lulled into the illusion that she could treat him however she wanted and that she could even exact some sort of petty revenge on him.Now, she understood—it had all been an act.This realization didn't shock Noelle, not in the slightest. What was laughable, however, was the unexpected sadness she felt in this moment.But it wasn't deep, unbearable pain. It was more like a shallow cut across he
Noelle couldn't quite remember how she left the hospital.It was still summer in Coppersville, and the sun was shining brightly. Yet, as its rays fell on her, she felt no warmth—only the chill of cold sweat trickling down her back, making her teeth chatter uncontrollably.The taxi soon pulled up to Nivis Villa.Staring at the familiar yet estranged place before her, Noelle suddenly recalled Craig's words from earlier—this was their only chance.Craig might have been thinking about using that evidence to threaten Hendrix, forcing him into some sort of compromise. But Noelle's thoughts went far beyond that. She understood Hendrix too well.Even if he were pressured into a temporary concession, he would undoubtedly find a way to recover whatever losses he'd suffered. With someone like him, there was no room for mercy.It was like facing a predator on the savannah. Superficial wounds would only provoke his fury. To truly win, she needed to find the right moment and strike a fatal blo
Perhaps out of guilt or nerves, Noelle found herself frowning when Hendrix didn't respond for a while. Just as she was about to ask again, he casually gave her the verification code and the password. He didn't even bother to ask what she needed the computer for.She froze for a moment, but she didn't dwell on it. After a curt acknowledgment, she promptly hung up the call. Then, she quickly entered the number he had given her. The password was unfamiliar to her, and she had no idea what it signified, but she didn't ask, either.The computer unlocked quickly. And there, staring back at her from the desktop, was the wallpaper of their wedding photo.Noelle was momentarily stunned, but then, she thought about his dealing with Julio and the way he always presented himself with such calculated tenderness. The contrast struck her as utterly laughable. So, before even attempting to locate the files she was after, she took a moment to replace his wallpaper.Now, staring at one of the system
Noelle fell into a noticeable silence when she heard Hendrix's words. It was only after a long moment that she finally looked at him.But Hendrix didn't meet her gaze. Instead, he casually picked up his phone and began instructing someone to deliver dinner."What do you want to eat?" he asked, turning back to her with a bright smile.But Noelle simply sat there, expressionless, staring at him in silence.Hendrix narrowed his eyes slightly.Noelle suddenly smiled. "Anything's fine, though something light would be good."With that, she stood up and started walking away.Watching her retreating figure, Hendrix spoke again, "If there's something you're looking for, you can just ask me for it."As expected, Noelle had already guessed it from what he said earlier about the surveillance cameras. But when he asked so directly, she couldn't help but stop in her tracks, and she was clenching her hands so hard that even her knuckles began to ache.Then, slowly turning around, she replied
"Yes," Noelle replied without hesitation."But even if you don't trust me, it doesn't change anything. After all, you'll never get the evidence you're looking for.""True." Noelle nodded. "But at the very least, I can make your life a lot less comfortable."With that, she placed the used napkin on the table, then picked up the glass of water in front of her and without a second thought, splashed it right in Hendrix's face.Water dripped down from his hair, trailing off the tips of his strands and clinging to his lashes like tiny droplets.Hendrix remained motionless, sitting there under the light, his face looking almost pale.Noelle didn't spare him a single glance. She turned on her heels and started walking away, but Hendrix quickly grabbed her hand. In one swift motion, he pulled her back and forced her onto his lap, holding her firmly in place."Is that it?" Hendrix smiled and looked at her. "This is your idea of making me uncomfortable? Isn't that a bit childish?"Noelle
When Noelle woke up, Hendrix was already gone. She wasn't surprised. Dragging her stiff body out of bed, she began her morning routine.There was no point in going to the company anymore. It was only now that she realized he had already reached agreements with the other shareholders. The small amount of stock she held didn't even grant her the right to resist.Craig still held some influence, and while it might not be enough to completely stop Hendrix's acquisition, it could at least delay it. If they could use that time wisely to expose Hendrix and Julio's dealings, there was still a chance for them to turn things around.Noelle had already mapped out her plan on the way to the hospital. But when she arrived, she was met with an unexpected scene—Hendrix was already there, sitting inside.When he saw her, he even smiled and casually greeted her.Noelle's hands clenched tightly at her side.Just then, Hendrix spoke up, "It's wonderful that you're here as well, Ms. Swanson. That sa
Noelle didn't want to look at him, so she turned her head away.Hendrix didn't seem to mind. He chuckled softly before turning and walking out.Craig immediately turned to Noelle. "What did he mean just now? Are you two living together now? And what's this about Dylan?"Noelle didn't answer his questions. Instead, she simply said, "I was planning on discussing Elm Group with you, but it seems there's no need anymore. I have other things to take care of, so I'll be leaving now.""Wait! You still haven't explained yourself. Are you really living with him? So, this was all planned between you two, wasn't it? I knew it! He was talking about giving us more time before, and now, he's moving this fast—it must be because you tipped him off—""Enough," Noelle suddenly interrupted exhaustedly."What did you just say?""He knows everything," Noelle said with a faint, bitter laugh. "From the beginning to the end, we've been nothing more than prey in the palm of his hand. We're not even on t
As Hendrix's words fell, the car was suddenly engulfed in silence.Noelle clutched the document tightly, her knuckles turning stark white from the force of her grip.Hendrix sat beside her, watching intently, as if deliberately waiting to see how she would react. If she threw a fit or even tried to bite him, he might actually enjoy it more.In fact, Noelle couldn't help but think that Hendrix truly was hoping for that. After all, he had already gone insane and wanted everyone else to spiral into madness with him.But Noelle refused to give him the satisfaction. Clenching her teeth, she forced her emotions back down and asked, "And what if I refuse to sign?""Hmm, it's not a big deal. I'll just let Elm Group keep rotting, and as for Dylan's little mess, don't expect me to keep it under wraps for him."His tone was calm, but in just a few words, he painted a picture of utter chaos and destruction.Noelle's expression grew darker by the second.The man in front of her didn't seem
Hendrix's negotiations went smoothly.However, as expected, David was unwilling to give up so easily. After signing the contract, he insisted on having dinner with Hendrix, during which he tirelessly introduced his daughter. Even after Hendrix mentioned that he was married, David remained undeterred, saying it didn't matter.David went on to emphasize how obedient his daughter was, adding that she could stay here while Hendrix visited her whenever he had the time. Of course, Hendrix didn't take any of it seriously.After some back-and-forth, it was past midnight by the time Hendrix boarded his flight. Once he landed, he immediately headed back to the hotel.During this time, Noelle had called him twice. The first call came while he was in a meeting, and the second while he was on the plane, so he hadn't been able to answer either.Hendrix called Noelle back, but this time, she didn't answer. He knew she was likely angry—after all, he had locked her in the hotel room for an entire
Erwin frowned impatiently but ultimately held back his irritation, reminding himself that Noelle was, after all, a guest he had personally invited. "Don't you understand? When a man says he's interested in a woman, it means exactly what you think it does," Erwin replied.Noelle let out a cold laugh, which made Erwin raise an eyebrow."You don't actually like me," Noelle said. "Even now, talking to me, you're clearly struggling to hold back your impatience. So, why force yourself?"Erwin clicked his tongue. "So, you do notice.""Yes, I do. So, whatever it is you want, why not just say it outright? Let's not waste each other's time."Erwin stared at Noelle for a moment before suddenly laughing. "No wonder Hendrix married you. You are very interesting, indeed. You're right. I'm a very busy man, so I'll be straightforward—I want to sleep with you."If Noelle had anything in her mouth at that moment, she would have spit it out instantly. Even without that, her stunned expression sai
Erwin's tone was unnervingly calm, as if he were merely discussing the weather with Noelle. For a moment, she couldn't quite process what he had just said. It wasn't until Erwin turned to her with a smile that the weight of his words began to sink in.Noelle had only met him once. Back then, although Erwin had maintained the demeanor of a well-mannered gentleman and greeted her out of respect for Hendrix, his gaze had still carried an unmistakable arrogance and disdain toward Noelle.Now, his expression was no different.But it seemed he realized this wasn't the attitude he should have in the current moment. So, he made an effort to adjust, attempting to present a more "amiable" appearance. But instead, his smile appeared distorted, almost grotesque.Clearly, he failed.Erwin didn't give her much time to think. He quickly added, "You like this painting, don't you? I'll give it to you.""That's not necessary," Noelle replied without hesitation. "I don't know much about oil paintin
Besides the essential glass of water, Noelle noticed there was also a variety of food on the table. It was almost all bread—the kind that could be stored for an entire day.A sudden realization struck her, and she quickly moved toward the door. As expected, it was locked from the outside.Furious, Noelle pounded hard on the door. "Let me out!"No response came.She then tried calling Hendrix, but his phone was turned off.Noelle then called the hotel front desk, but they informed her that they didn't have the authority to unlock the door for her. Even after repeatedly threatening to file a complaint, it proved futile.Left with no other choice, she returned to the room. She assumed she would be stuck there for the entire day. But as evening approached, the sound of the door unlocking suddenly echoed from outside.At first, Noelle thought Hendrix had returned. She had no intention of giving him a warm welcome. Grabbing the ashtray from the table, she prepared to hurl it at him th
Hendrix had noticed the scratches while getting dressed earlier. He hadn't thought much of it—after all, during Noelle's earlier phase of slapping him, he'd often walked into the office with a bright red cheek. But for some reason, being stared at by Erwin at that moment made him feel a bit uncomfortable."I've heard that women from your side of the world are all about being demure, virtuous, and gentle," Erwin remarked. "But your wife doesn't seem to fit that mold. So, why did you marry her?"As Erwin spoke, his curiosity about Noelle seemed to grow.Hendrix adjusted the collar of his shirt, and deflecting the question, he asked, "How's the negotiation with Sokay Group going?""Not well," Edwin replied.Hendrix's tone was curt, but Edwin didn't mind. He quickly picked up the conversation and continued, "That old fox David Stokes still refuses to budge. You might need to make a trip yourself."Hendrix chuckled lightly. "Wouldn't you be a better fit for the job? Didn't he always w
After all, Noelle already knew.In a way, it was better this way. Everyone else only saw Hendrix's gentle, polished facade, but Noelle was the only one who knew this side of him.And that was how it should be. After all, she was his wife—the only person in the world who had the right to grow old with him.Letting her see this "true self" was only fitting. It was just that Hendrix hadn't anticipated it happening in this way, under these circumstances.After a night that teetered on the edge of madness, Hendrix woke up. He had only slept for two hours, but his energy was surprisingly intact. Noelle was still sound asleep beside him. Her eyelids were slightly swollen, and her body below the neck was covered in mottled marks, with even a bite mark on her shoulder that he had left.As for when he'd bitten her, Hendrix couldn't remember, nor did he care.While getting dressed, he called the hotel front desk to have ointment delivered to the room, then personally applied it to Noelle'
Pain, hatred, humiliation, and terror—all these emotions surged through Noelle in an instant. Even her struggling momentarily faltered under the overwhelming wave of despair. But just after a few seconds, it was as though something snapped inside her, and she began to fight back with renewed ferocity. The man kept his hand clamped tightly over her mouth, but Noelle opened her jaw wide and sank her teeth into the flesh of his hand. She bit down with every ounce of strength she had, nearly tearing into his flesh.The man let out a pained grunt. Seizing the moment, Noelle drove her leg up and kicked him in the stomach with all her might. This time, the man was prepared. He grabbed her leg and forcefully pinned it down. Then, he released her mouth.Noelle immediately screamed, "Let me go! Help—"Before she could finish, the man shoved the loosened tie straight into her mouth. The strong stench of alcohol emanated from him, but it couldn't mask the faint, familiar scent lingering on hi
"So, no matter what it takes, you have to try for him. Even if it means stabbing me in the heart. Noelle, you're truly ruthless," Hendrix concluded.With that, Hendrix walked past her without another word.The white waves continued to roll in, and on the vast stretch of beach, only Noelle was left standing alone.…That night, Noelle and Hendrix lay back-to-back. By now, she had grown accustomed to having someone else in bed with her. Previously, when they slept together, they would usually do something before sleep. If not, Hendrix would at least hold her as they drifted off.But tonight, he did nothing. His back toward her seemed to carve a deep chasm between them. Noelle didn't turn around, either.Before long, the night passed.When Noelle woke up, daylight had already filled the room.Hendrix was gone. Noelle had no idea whether he had gone to work or to the party Erwin had mentioned, nor did she have any interest in finding out.The surrounding scenery held little appeal
Hendrix had already dialed the number, and the voice on the other end had already answered with a "hello". But Hendrix couldn't bring himself to say a word."Mr. Freeman?"The person on the other end kept speaking, but Hendrix slowly turned his head, his eyes locking onto Noelle. She stood there, meeting his gaze."What did you just say?" he asked."If you really kill Dylan, then I'll kill myself, too," Noelle said, her voice unmistakably clear.Hendrix suddenly burst into laughter. It was as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke in the world, laughing so hard that he was trembling all over.But his eyes slowly turned red, and there was the taste of blood lingering on his tongue. Even so, his voice remained calm as he asked, staring at Noelle, "You would die for Dylan?""Yes.""And what about Elm Group? You don't care about it anymore? And the one lying in the hospital—""Is threatening me the only thing you know how to do?" Noelle interrupted him. "I've already done w