Dylan laughed when he heard Noelle's words.Noelle didn't know why he was laughing, so she frowned.Dylan said, "It wasn't you who dragged me, but the other way round. After all, if not for those evidence, I wouldn't have let you go. But there's no ifs in this world, and it's kind of pointless to keep blaming each other."His words made Noelle laugh as well. She nodded again. "Yes. It's meaningless." Not only was recalling it meaningless, but even their current conversation… was utterly meaningless.Noelle realized this, and so did Dylan. As a result, the conversation could no longer continue.Noelle suddenly recalled her previous interactions with Dylan. She remembered that they used to have quite a lot to talk about. But now, as they sat facing each other, she couldn't think of anything to say.It wasn't just her. Dylan felt the same way.Noelle's coffee had long since been finished, and she had no intention of refilling it. She simply stood up. "Then, I'll get going. You… T
Night soon fell. Hendrix had spent the entire day at Nivis Villa. He hadn't expected Noelle to be out for so long, even into the night without returning. The messages he sent went unanswered, disappearing into the void.So, what was this supposed to mean? Was she planning to stay out all night?And this was only their second day of marriage!Hendrix almost called her to demand an explanation, but the thought of himself sounding like some powerless, raging husband stopped him.In the end, he put down his phone. He had a blank expression as he stared at the clock in the corner of his computer screen.Before midnight struck, Noelle finally came home.Hearing the sound of the engine, Hendrix instinctively wanted to get up, but he quickly sat back down, his expression unreadable as he resumed browsing through his emails. He remained in the study, not even bothering to close the door.When Noelle came upstairs, she didn't even glance in his direction. Instead, she walked straight past
In the chaotic bathroom, Noelle slowly lost her energy to fight back.Just when her mind went blank, Hendrix kissed her ears and asked, "Have you done it with Dylan before?"Noelle was still in a trance, so she couldn't answer him, and Hendrix didn't seem to need any answers anymore.Before she could reply, he covered her lips and said, "Forget it. It's not important. All that matters now is you're mine. We're married, Noelle. You're my wife, so I can only be the one in your heart, and you can only like me. Are we clear?"Noelle didn't answer, but her pliant body made Hendrix assume that she was obeying him.Her hand, which was covering her lips, slowly let go. At this moment, Noelle opened her mouth and bit him hard on his hand.…Since Noelle hurt Hendrix, she naturally didn't have it easy that night. He didn't try to hide anything in front of her anymore. The entire night, Noelle almost felt like Hendrix was going to exhaust her to death.It was only when her throat started
Noelle couldn't snap out of it. Maybe it was because of the address, "sister-in-law", or maybe because of his name—Nathan Freeman.So… he was Gerald's illegitimate son? How could he be here?Countless thoughts flooded Noelle's mind until Grant came over and said, "Mr. Nathan, what are you doing here?"Mr. Nathan…Noelle's suspicions were confirmed, but her thoughts became even more jumbled up. At this point, why did the Freeman family bring Nathan back? Was there a change in the internal circle of Amity Group?Before Noelle could find an answer, Grant had already taken Nathan away.Before leaving, Nathan smiled at Noelle.Noelle furrowed her brows even tighter. She stood there for a moment longer before realizing she still hadn't called Hendrix.Hendrix picked up quickly, but as soon as she heard his voice, Noelle suddenly didn't know what to say.He seemed impatient. "What's the matter?""I'm at Freeman Manor."Noelle was familiar with his tone. If things went as usual, he
However, Noelle was not present.Hendrix's eyes scanned the room, but he quickly turned to the person standing behind Ophelia—who was in a white shirt and with deep-set eyes and a sharp nose.It was no wonder that Noelle was stunned, as even Hendrix himself was momentarily taken aback by the person in front of him.But it was only for a brief second before he regained his composure. He turned to the nearby maid. "Where's Noelle?"His voice was crisp and clear, causing the conversation in the living room to come to an abrupt halt as everyone turned to look at him.Yet, Hendrix seemed to ignore it all, not even greeting Ophelia or the others. His attention was solely fixed on the maid."Ms. Swanson went to the restroom. She should be…"Before the maid finished speaking, Hendrix had already walked forward.Right at this moment, Noelle also came out. When she saw Hendrix, she was stunned, then she looked at the people in the living room.Hendrix didn't care. He just grabbed her an
"Identity? What identity?" asked Hendrix.The words made Ophelia pause for a moment, and then she asked, "What identity are you talking about?" "Hm, Gerald's illegitimate child, is it?" Hendrix spoke, even directly mentioning Gerald's name. As soon as he finished speaking, Ophelia's displeasure reached its peak. But Hendrix seemed completely unaware, continuing, "But everyone in Coppersville knows that my parents had a strong relationship. For an illegitimate child to suddenly appear… It's really not something honorable for the Freeman family, is it?""A strong relationship? Have you forgotten what happened last year?" Ophelia said, her eyes briefly scanning Beatrice. The meaning was crystal clear.But Hendrix didn't mind. He smiled slightly and continued, "You're wrong to say that. The two matters are completely different in nature. No matter what, my mother never did anything out of line while they were married. "But Gerald's been dead for so many years, and suddenly, an
Ophelia's mood was already bad, and hearing Noelle's laughter made her expression darken even further. "What are you laughing at?" "It's nothing. I'm just happy for you…" Noelle glanced at Hendrix. He was also looking at her, seemingly waiting to see what kind of explanation she would come up with. When Hendrix heard Noelle's response, his eyebrows lifted slightly, followed by a chuckle. Unlike the earlier mockery and coldness, his smile now seemed more genuine, as though Noelle had really amused him. But Noelle paid him no mind and continued speaking to Ophelia, "After all, you must be quite bored in this house. You should indeed feel happy for having such a filial grandson." Once Noelle finished speaking, Ophelia did not respond.She could certainly tell that Noelle hadn't been genuine in her words, but Noelle's words were crafted so smoothly that there was no obvious flaw. So even though Ophelia was angry, she could only swallow her feelings for the moment. Hendrix didn
Noelle knew she shouldn't have said anything. Hendrix was clearly angry, and as soon as she spoke, it was like she became a target for his frustration. It wasn't even her business to begin with, so when Hendrix said that, Noelle chose to remain quiet. However, her silence still didn't satisfy him. "Why aren't you saying anything?" "What do you want me to say?" Noelle replied flatly. "This is your family's business. It doesn't really concern me." As they spoke, the car had already been driven a good distance, but as soon as Noelle finished speaking, Hendrix slammed on the brakes. Though Noelle had her seatbelt on, the car was moving too fast, and she was jerked forward violently by the sudden stop before bouncing back into her seat. The back of her head hit the leather headrest, but it didn't hurt. Still, Noelle furrowed her brows and turned to look at Hendrix.Hendrix also looked at her. "What do you mean by it's my family's matter? Aren't you my wife?""Okay.""Okay?" Hen
Hendrix was with Erwin. Despite taking a punch from Hendrix just the night before, Erwin didn't seem to mind at all. When he saw Hendrix, he even offered him the cigar he was holding, to which Hendrix declined."So, are you really cutting ties with me?" Erwin asked with a smile.Hendrix didn't return the smile. "I've quit smoking.""Oh? Let me guess. Is it because of your wife?"Hendrix didn't answer him.Erwin clicked his tongue. "You're really no fun now, you know that? You used to be so carefree and unrestrained, and now, you've trapped yourself in the prison of marriage and a woman. Don't you think that's pitiful? "And honestly, I just don't see it. What's so special about her that has you so hopelessly devoted to her?"In Erwin's eyes, Noelle might just pass as beautiful. Her intelligence? Not remarkable, but average enough. And it was this very "average" that made her seem all the more ordinary. If she were a fool, at least that would make her stand out.Hendrix cast him
Noelle fell silent, so Hendrix assumed the conversation was over.But the next moment, she suddenly said, "Thank you."Why was she thanking him? Was she thanking him on Dylan's behalf?Even though that had been his initial goal, actually hearing those words coming out of Noelle's lips still left an uncomfortable ache in his chest.He turned over and sat up. Staring at her intently, he asked, "And then? That's it?"Noelle didn't resist. She simply met his gaze with her big, dewy eyes.The moonlight grew brighter, cascading over her face, making her appear even softer, more serene.Hendrix stared at her for a long time. Finally, he reached out and gently touched her cheek.Strangely enough, they had already done the most intimate things one could imagine, and it was even the first time he had touched her face. But this gentle gesture felt different—like an electric current passing from his fingertips to her skin, only to loop back and surge through him again.Hendrix instinctive
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