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Chapter 301

Author: Jean Song
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
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    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

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    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

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    "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

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    Noelle maintained a calm facade, but as she completed the final stroke of her signature, the pen's tip unintentionally tore through the paper. She didn't bother to fix it. Instead, she tossed the signed document at Hendrix.As for Hendrix's reaction? She didn't bother to check. After tossing the document onto his lap, she turned and reached for the door. But before she could step out, Hendrix's voice came from behind, "Where are you going? Let me drive you. Oh, and since the agreement is signed, let's take care of the marriage registration tomorrow. I'll pick you up in the morning, okay?"Noelle didn't respond, nor did she reject him. Instead, she decisively closed the car door with a loud thud. The car fell into silence once more.Hendrix gripped the steering wheel, his eyes lingering on Noelle's retreating figure for a moment before he finally picked up the document she had thrown at him.There were two copies, and Noelle had signed her name on both. Though she hadn't taken the

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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