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Chapter 35

Author: Jean Song
"Be serious." Evelyn rolled her eyes. "You're supposed to be depicting a feel-good romance—all sweet and healing! If we publish this version, you and I are going to feel our readers' wrath.

"You know what? Take a break and clear your mind. I'll give you a two-week leave. Once you get yourself together, redraw it."

Noelle could sense how adamant Evelyn was and no longer refuted her.

Evelyn cast a few glances at her and asked, "So, why did you divorce your husband?

"Wasn't your life just fine? Your meals were all taken care of, you had an unlimited credit card, and your husband gave you freedom—that's the dream, babe!"

Noelle left her questions unanswered. She placed her books on the shelf and turned to Evelyn. "You haven't eaten, have you? Let me treat you to a meal."

Lavender Grove was the famous money pit of Coppersville, where only the most prominent figures in the circle were received. All customers required a membership card to enter.

Sandra rarely came to places like th
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Danielle
If they were together, it’s not anyone’s business.
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    Hendrix's gaze didn't linger on Noelle, as if he had no interest in knowing why she was there. Instead, he stood rooted to his spot, waiting for… Sandra.After a glance, Noelle withdrew her gaze and asked Sandra, "What do you want?"Sandra begged. "Come home with me, Noelle. Don't fight with Mom and Dad anymore, alright?""Sorry, but I'm not going back." Noelle was adamant.Not giving up just yet, Sandra turned to Evelyn. "Are you Noelle's friend? Would you please tell her to come—""She's an adult. She doesn't need you worrying about her decisions, okay?" Evelyn said after a chuckle.Stumped, Sandra quickly responded, "But Mom and Dad are sad! Noelle, can you really watch them lose appetite and sleep over worrying you? How can you be this heartless?"Then, tears began rolling down her face. That sight impressed Evelyn. "You've got quite an acting talent. Have you ever considered joining the entertainment industry?"Her sarcastic question baffled Sandra.Before she could say a

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    At last, Noelle returned to her rental apartment. She prepared to remove her makeup when the editor-in-chief of her online publisher called.They claimed that her work did not meet the site's rules and had decided to unilaterally halt their collaboration with her. Noelle furrowed her brows and asked, "What rules did I go against?""Our legal department has received a report stating that the male lead you drew… violates someone's right of publicity."Immediately, she knew the mastermind behind this—Hendrix. Although he never cared about her activities, he wasn't completely clueless about her life.He must've heard what Evelyn told her earlier and eventually made a simple phone call, causing her to lose her job!"I understand." Noelle took a deep breath and hung up.She originally planned to call and confront Hendrix but changed her mind a second before dialing his number. It wasn't because she was in the wrong. She simply knew that she'd better not to take him on, as it would on

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    "Oh, it's nothing. What have you been up to lately? I haven't seen you in months.""Nothing much. I'll be around more often from now on." Noelle smiled at the caregiver.The caregiver casually began chatting with her. At noon, Noelle finally left.To make her trip to the hospital easier, she deliberately rented a place nearby. The distance was short enough that she could effortlessly walk home with a parasol.Surprisingly, Matilda was waiting at her door. She was filled with contempt as she scrutinized her surroundings. With furrowed brows, she covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief.When she saw Noelle, she blurted, "About time you're back."Despite saying she would sever ties with the Swansons, Noelle couldn't help but ask, "Why are you here?""You think I'd be here if you didn't refuse to come home?" Matilda glanced at the rusted door on the side. "I see you've moved to a place like this after the divorce. You've gone nuts, Noelle!""This is my choice, and you should

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    Matilda's words prompted Noelle to descend into utter silence.The already cramped room seemed even more suffocating with her sudden silence. Matilda's heart couldn't help but race when Noelle's calm eyes fixed on her.She knitted her brows and uttered, "I…""Please leave," Noelle stated.Her request stunned Matilda in place. After a while, she questioned in disbelief, "What did you say?""Please leave and never come here again."Noelle spoke confidently, "If I wasn't clear enough, I'll inform the media and make a public statement that I'll sever ties with the Swansons. Therefore, you don't have to worry about me humiliating your family."Matilda sprang up at her words before delivering a harsh slap across Noelle's face. She had done a new set of manicures a few days ago, with diamonds inlaid on her nails.When her long nails slashed across Noelle's cheek, they tore up her flesh before blood slowly emerged from the cuts. However, Noelle barely flinched from the pain. Instead, s

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    Matilda took a deep breath and tried once more to reason with Noelle. "Have you thought about your future? Forget everything else—the medical expenses alone will be enough to crush you! Your father…""No matter what, I won't starve to death," Noelle interrupted bluntly. "This isn't something you should worry about. From now on, just pretend I was never found."Your daughter, Noelle Swanson, died when she got lost at five years old."In the end, Matilda left.Noelle sat on the couch in silence for a while before quietly picking up her racket and walking out the door.At the gym near the high school, Noelle swung her racket with all her strength.The gym had air conditioning, but after such intense exercise, sweat was dripping down her face, soaking her hair. Her vision was starting to blur from the sweat in her eyes.Just as she was waiting for her opponent to serve, a familiar voice broke through the air, "Let me play for a while."Her temporary partner, a college student by th

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