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
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
Ophelia looked as though she might faint from rage.Hendrix, on the other hand, remained utterly composed.He even picked up the glass by his side, taking a slow sip before calmly saying, "Grandma, I'm an adult now. This is a decision about my life, and I've made it with careful consideration.""Your life? Do you think I don't know what you've been up to out there? Let me remind you—so long as you carry the Freeman name and are my grandson, I have every right to control your decisions! "Don't forget. Everything you have now is because of me. If you dare to act recklessly, everything I've given you can just as easily be—"She suddenly stopped, as if realizing she had said too much. Clenching her teeth, she swallowed the rest of her words.Hendrix chuckled. "Are you referring to the one outside? No need to keep it a secret. I already know about him."As his words fell, Ophelia's sharp glare immediately turned to Beatrice.Beatrice, however, merely frowned and said nothing.Hend
But it was only a sliver. As Beatrice's period of slumber grew longer, even that sliver of feeling was worn away completely.When Hendrix learned of her awakening, his first reaction wasn't joy but strategizing. How could he use her fragile state to push Noelle into seeing her and igniting Noelle's guilt?Hendrix knew this wasn't how a normal person would think, but it was exactly the kind of mindset he had been taught since childhood.From an early age, Beatrice had focused solely on teaching him how to be a successful businessman—how to stay composed and level-headed so he could make the right call no matter the situation.She had done her job well, and he had succeeded in becoming an exceptional businessman. But she'd never taught him how to be a normal son, which meant Hendrix had no clue what a normal reaction was supposed to be.Including now.Beatrice quickly stepped in front of him. "What did you do to Noelle?"Hendrix lifted his eyes to look at her.Beatrice gritted he
Noelle hadn't told Hendrix which hotel she was staying at. But this was Coppersville, and there was little here he couldn't find out if he wanted to.The next morning, just as Noelle woke up, the doorbell rang. When she opened the door, Hendrix stood there, smiling brightly at her."Let's go to the courthouse," he said.He wasn't wearing a jacket today, just a crisp white shirt. Combined with his soft, slightly tousled hair, it made Noelle pause for a moment.For a fleeting second, it felt like she was back in the past, hiding in a corner, secretly watching him.But she quickly shut down the thought.Now, she knew better. The person he had been back then was a lie, just as the version of him she thought she'd come to understand later was a lie.The man standing before her now—shameless, ruthless, and utterly self-serving—was the real Hendrix."I've already picked out clothes for you. You've got your documents ready, right?"Noelle had planned to say she hadn't brought them, but
Beatrice handed the box to Noelle. "Even though we've known each other for a while, since you and Hendrix have decided to start over, it's only right to mark the occasion with something auspicious. This was part of my wedding gift when I got married, so I'll give it to you as a gift for today.""This is too much," Noelle said."It's fine," Beatrice replied with a smile. "Hendrix has already made up his mind about you, so everything of mine will end up with you eventually anyway, won't it?"Noelle looked at the woman in front of her. She was still the same—poised, composed, every bit as dignified as the Beatrice in her memories.But what Noelle remembered even more vividly was how this same Beatrice had once been so desperate to escape the Freeman family—so much so that she was even willing to take her own life.And now, her lover was gone.That part of the past had long been forgotten by everyone in their circle, as if it had never happened. Even Beatrice herself seemed to have e
When Beatrice finished speaking, Noelle fell silent for a moment. Then, she suddenly smiled, which made Beatrice frown involuntarily."So, you still love him, don't you?" Noelle asked softly.Beatrice couldn't help but tighten her grip around her cup when she heard that question."I don't blame you, but I'll never forgive him, either," Noelle said as she set the coffee cup back on the table. She then continued, "If it weren't for the pressure he exerted in business and all those underhanded tactics, I'd already be someone else's wife by now. "Do you really think, under these circumstances, I could convince myself to love him?"Her tone was calm, and so were her emotions.Beatrice couldn't come up with a suitable reply. In truth, she would have preferred if Noelle had been more confrontational and aggressive. At least that would have meant she still felt something—anything—when it came to Hendrix.But there was nothing."I know," Beatrice finally said. "His name is Dylan, right
"That's different," said Noelle."How is it different?" Hendrix shot back.Noelle turned her head to look at him. "Why bother asking when you already know the answer?"Hendrix fell silent, but the hand gripping his cutlery tightened abruptly, causing his veins to bulge.Noelle quickly averted her gaze. Her voice still calm, she added, "Besides, it's our second marriage. What's the point of having a big ceremony?"Hendrix was about to argue when Beatrice cut him off, "I agree with Noelle. You've already got the marriage certificate, and a wedding is just a formality—it's not that important. But we should still make a public announcement about the marriage, so why not plan a nice banquet instead?"This time, Noelle didn't argue with Beatrice's suggestion."No. We're having a wedding ceremony," insisted Hendrix flatly. "I've already asked the wedding planner to arrange it."Beatrice frowned, but Hendrix didn't spare her a glance. Instead, he turned and fixed his gaze on Noelle.B
When Noelle stepped out of the bathroom. Hendrix was still on the balcony, speaking on the phone. His voice sounded calm, but he was talking quickly, so Noelle couldn't make out what he was saying. Not that she wanted to anyway.She went straight to the bedroom. Once there, she collapsed onto the bed and closed her eyes, replaying the events of the day in her mind.Noelle knew that Erwin wasn't interested in her—not really. What intrigued him was the version of her in Hendrix's mind.Erwin believed that Hendrix was just like him. But as someone of the same kind, Erwin himself would never consider marriage, much less choose someone like Noelle. That was why he was so curious about Hendrix's decision.His line of thinking was undoubtedly insane. What was even more insane, however, was that Noelle could actually understand his logic and reasoning. That was what truly unsettled her.Sure enough, spending too much time around madmen had started to warp her own sense of normalcy. As the
"I've told you. This isn't your fault," Hendrix interrupted her again.This time, Noelle fell completely silent."It wasn't your fault then, and it's not your fault today," Hendrix continued, his jaw tightening with every word. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone who's hurt you off the hook. Not a single one of them.""Oh, really? But isn't Erwin your partner? Won't it be difficult for you if you turn against him?"That shut Hendrix up real quick.Noelle thought he had finally realized the weight of the situation—proving, once again, that profit always came first to him. The thought made her lips twitch slightly. She was about to speak again when Hendrix said, "He's not my partner. Even if he was before, he's not anymore.""But don't you still share mutual interests?" Noelle pressed. "If you offend him, aren't you afraid that—""This is Mondivera, not Coppersville," Hendrix replied. "The foundation of Amity Group is in Coppersville, so I can give up everything here."Noelle said
Hendrix's entire body was tense. In the end, it was Noelle who practically dragged him out by sheer force. If she hadn't, he would've undoubtedly started another fight with Erwin right then and there. She knew Hendrix was skilled, but Erwin had plenty of bodyguards at his disposal.And no matter how much she disliked Hendrix at that moment, she couldn't stand the thought of him dying in a place like this.Finally, they returned to the hotel.Noelle hadn't forgotten how Hendrix had locked her in the room earlier. The moment they entered, she quickly let go of his hand. But before she could take another step, Hendrix grabbed her wrist and pulled her straight into the bathroom.At first, Noelle was confused, until he started roughly yanking at her clothes with an almost frantic urgency.Her mind flashed to Erwin's earlier words. She couldn't help but smile mockingly. "Isn't it a little too late to check now?"Her words made Hendrix's hands falter, his movements stiffening."I sle
Erwin's voice rang out quickly, "Hendrix, you're here."Hearing the voice, Hendrix immediately looked up. When he saw Erwin standing there in a loosely draped robe, its belt barely tied, his expression turned grim."Where's Noelle?" he asked in a tense voice."What?""I asked you—where is Noelle?"Hendrix strode forward in a few quick steps and grabbed Erwin's collar with both hands."Calm down. Don't worry. She's fine. In fact, she just fell asleep," Erwin replied, then smiled smugly.Hendrix's mind went blank for a moment. He didn't say a word, simply releasing Erwin's collar before dashing upstairs.Just then, Noelle, seemingly alerted by the commotion, stepped out of her room.When Hendrix saw her standing there unharmed, he could no longer hold back. In a few quick strides, he closed the distance and wrapped her tightly in his arms.She was safe.That single thought flooded his mind, instantly outweighing everything else in importance.On the way here, he had considere
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