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Chapter 357

Author: Jean Song
"Honestly, what I hate most about your side of the world is all those tangled relationships. So much tradition and so many rules—filial piety, etiquette, all just shackles you impose on yourselves.

"That's why I've always said this place suits you better. Free and unrestrained—you can do whatever you want whenever you want," Erwin said.

Hendrix listened without a flicker of emotion on his face. When Erwin finished speaking, he simply replied, "Thanks for the suggestion."

With that, he walked out.

Erwin called after him, "If Noelle ever betrays you, remember—you're always welcome to come back."

It was unclear whether Hendrix heard him or not. His footsteps didn't falter, nor did he offer any response.

Erwin chuckled to himself. He then pulled out his phone and sent a message to Noelle.

"Ms. Swanson, I'm looking forward to your excellent performance."

Hendrix and Noelle returned to Coppersville that very day by plane.

This didn't align with Hendrix's original work schedule,
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    Noelle rarely was called by her nickname, especially by someone who bore such a striking resemblance to Hendrix.Nathan was wearing a white shirt today and no tie, with the sleeves casually rolled up. On his wrist was a watch of an unknown brand, clearly aged, with the leather strap showing signs of wear and cracking.He was smiling gently as always. "I saw you just now but wasn't sure it was you. What are you doing here all alone?""I… uh… came down for a walk."This was their second meeting.Noelle still vividly remembered the awkward scene at Freeman Manor last time, but Nathan seemed entirely unbothered by it. He nodded earnestly at her response."Is that so? Have you had dinner yet? Hendrix has been in meetings nonstop since he got back to the office. I'm guessing he hasn't had time to look after you?"Noelle had intended to lie, but before she could say anything, her stomach growled audibly.Nathan clearly heard it, too, and his smile broadened instantly.Noelle suddenly

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    Nathan reacted quickly. The moment Hendrix began walking over, he released his grip on Noelle.Having leaned her full weight against him just moments ago, Noelle stumbled again as Nathan suddenly withdrew his hands. But Hendrix didn't give her a chance to steady herself. He grabbed her firmly and pulled her back to his side. "Hendrix, it's not what you think," Nathan said. "Elle got startled by the fountain just now. I was afraid she'd get wet, so I pulled her out of the way. Please don't misunderstand."Hendrix didn't say anything. He simply stared at her, his gaze cold and unrelenting.Noelle had never seen him look so furious before—not even when he had confronted Dylan. But as she observed him, another thought quickly crossed her mind.The man standing before her wasn't just anyone—it was Hendrix's half-brother, Nathan.He was the same brother who had recently claimed a portion of his shares and joined Amity Group. So, what truly angered him must have been this.Hendrix did

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    Noelle's voice rang out loud and clear in the elevator. Hendrix, however, had gone completely silent.At that moment, Noelle pried his last finger off her wrist and took a step back.Hendrix suddenly felt an emptiness in his palm. His fingers instinctively curled slightly before he seemed to snap out of it.He turned toward her and, with some difficulty, said, "I didn't."That feeble explanation drew a faint laugh from Noelle. Of course, she wouldn't believe his excuse. After all, the words that came out without thinking were often the truest.In his eyes, she was nothing more than someone who went around flirting with others. Noelle hadn't forgotten—this wasn't the first time something like this had happened. He had accused her of the same thing before, even dragging up the past with William to humiliate her.Just then, the elevator let out a crisp ding.Hendrix took a deep breath and said, "Come with me first.""Forget it. I want to go back." Noelle stayed rooted in place. "I

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    Hendrix stood silently by her side, watching.It wasn't until Noelle had finished throwing up that he finally thought to pour her a glass of water. He handed it to her so she could rinse her mouth, to which she accepted without looking at him."Do you need to go to the hospital?" Hendrix asked in a voice that carried a hint of tension.After rinsing her mouth, Noelle calmly replied, "No.""But—"Noelle frowned and shot him a glance. "If you hadn't carried me like that earlier, would I have thrown up?" But Hendrix wasn't thinking about that. Since Noelle clearly didn't dwell on it, either, he chose not to press the matter.After taking a moment to recover, Noelle looked at him and asked, "Don't you still have work to do?"Hendrix stared at her in silence."I think I'll head out first," she said, standing up to leave.But Hendrix grabbed her hand. "Just wait a little longer. I'll be quick."Without giving her a chance to respond, he turned and headed straight to his desk.No

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    Hendrix didn't say anything further, but as they passed a dessert shop, he suddenly pulled over.Noelle had an idea of what he was planning and didn't stop him at first. However, when he handed her the cake, she said, "I'm not eating it.""Just have a little," Hendrix insisted. "Doesn't it look delicious to you?"Noelle glanced down at the beautifully crafted cake and suddenly smiled. "Alright. I'll eat it if you eat it first."Hendrix narrowed his eyes.But Noelle smiled back at him sweetly. She knew perfectly well that Hendrix absolutely loathed sweets. He barely tolerated plain milk on a good day, let alone dessert.The moment she said it, she knew he'd never actually eat it, so she was about to push the cake back toward him when Hendrix suddenly said, "Alright. I'll eat it if you feed me."Noelle was stunned by his unexpected reply.Taking advantage of her brief pause, Hendrix quickly placed the cake in her hand. He then started the car and said with righteous certainty, "I

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