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Chapter 382
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 383
Noelle quickly pushed the feeling down, turned over, and went back to sleep.She didn't know when Hendrix had returned. Half-asleep, she vaguely sensed someone watching her.The curtains were drawn, and the room was completely dark.Even though she had a feeling, she still jumped in fright as soon as she opened her eyes. She let out a sharp gasp and instinctively shrank back.Hendrix hurriedly turned on the lights. "It's me."His voice sounded low and steady.Noelle frowned at him."I just got back. You looked like you were sleeping well, so I didn't wake you," he explained slowly. "Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?"Noelle swallowed back the curse sitting on the tip of her tongue and said, "I'm not hungry.""I got you a cake," Hendrix said suddenly. "But chocolate this time. Want to try some?"As he spoke, he pulled out a box.However, the sight of the cake made Noelle feel queasy because it reminded her of that night. And the moment those memories surfaced, she
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 384
Hendrix's voice was unremarkably calm, as if he were casually telling Noelle to pick up something from the grocery store.Noelle's expression shifted slightly. After a long pause, she finally asked, "Is it… that serious?""Yes." Hendrix nodded. "Besides, didn't he bully you before? Consider this payback."When she didn't respond, he looked at her. "Don't tell me you feel sorry for him?""No." Noelle's voice was steady. "I'm just… a little surprised.""Well, someone like him doesn't deserve sympathy," Hendrix spoke as he opened the cake box. Since Noelle didn't want it, he scooped up a spoonful and put it into his mouth."Not bad." He nodded, then scooped another spoonful and held it out to her. "Want to try?"The smell still made Noelle a little queasy, but in the end, she opened her mouth."Is it good?" Hendrix's smile deepened.To keep herself from gagging, Noelle swallowed it whole, barely tasting anything. But since he had asked, she still answered, "It's okay."Hendrix n
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 385
Hendrix knew this might just be a dream. If possible, he wished it would never end.Time passed quickly.Autumn in Coppersville was always short, and in the blink of an eye, winter arrived. On the first day of winter, Beatrice called Noelle and invited her to dinner at Freeman Manor.Before Noelle could respond, Beatrice said, "By the way, I heard you're pregnant. Ophelia was thrilled when she found out. You two haven't been back in a while."Of course, if you don't want to come, that's fine. I'll just head over to Nivis Villa instead. Either way, I have to make sure Ophelia's sentiments are conveyed."She wasn't giving Noelle any room to refuse.Noelle pressed her lips together, but in the end, she agreed.When Hendrix returned from his meeting, she told him about it.Hendrix frowned. "You said yes?""Yeah.""Alright. Then, we'll go together tonight."Then, he casually handed her an invitation letter. "This just came in. Take a look."Noelle paused briefly but instinctivel
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 386
"Here."Once inside the study, Beatrice handed Noelle an envelope.Noelle was puzzled but took it anyway. When she opened it, she found a check and a small note that contained flight details.A shiver ran down her spine. She looked up sharply. "What…""My private plane," Beatrice said. "The flight's already booked. To Nestville. But once you arrive, you can take a car somewhere else. If you have another place in mind, let me know, and I'll arrange it for you."Her voice was steady, and each word was crystal clear.However, Noelle felt like she couldn't understand what Beatrice was saying."Don't you want to leave?" Beatrice asked. "Elm Group's situation has been settled. Nothing is keeping you here anymore.""But…""Don't worry. I'll take care of Hendrix. He won't stop you."It was only then that Noelle truly understood what she meant. Her voice quavered as she asked, "What are you planning to do?"Beatrice merely smiled.Noelle bit her lip. "I don't know what's going on be
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 387
Beatrice continued, "And all those other Freemans… Why am I supposed to accept Nathan's return? I stayed here all these years—threw away so much of my life—so Hendrix could inherit everything. Then, Ophelia decides Nathan should return, and suddenly, he's here."And I'm supposed to go along with it? Why? My future is ruined, my past erased, and Hendrix had his share in it. You want me to remember I'm his mother, but does he even remember what he's supposed to be to me?"Her eyes burned red, her body shaking uncontrollably.Noelle had always seen Beatrice as the image of refinement—graceful, composed, and distant. It was as if there was a barrier between Beatrice and the world, like a figure sealed inside a glass case—perfect in every way yet unreal.But now, Noelle finally saw the truth—Beatrice wasn't immune to emotion, after all.She walked across the jagged remains of her shattered glass case, closing the distance between her and Noelle. Blood marked her steps, and her face—con
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 388
Once inside the car, Noelle said, "Something's off about Beatrice."Hendrix gave no response.She continued, "And I'm sure Grandma knows more than she's letting on. Nathan's return isn't as simple as it seems."Still, Hendrix didn't react. His cold, detached expression made Noelle frown.A voice in her head told her this wasn't really her problem. She had enough to deal with—maybe it was only fair that Hendrix had his burdens.But Beatrice's look from earlier stuck with her, and the weight in her chest grew heavier. She was about to speak again when Hendrix finally broke his silence.His voice was quiet. "Why didn't you accept it?"The question threw Noelle off.Gripping the steering wheel, Hendrix turned toward her. "She gave you a check and an easy way out. Why didn't you take it?"The past few days had passed in an unsettling quiet, as though all their past conflicts had been nothing more than bad dreams. They hadn't spoken about those two days.Recently, Noelle had become
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 389
"If I really left the way Beatrice planned, wouldn't that be betraying you twice over?" Noelle asked. "And Nathan is still keeping an eye on you. I can't just walk away and leave you to handle all of this alone. So, even if I have to go, it won't be now."She got it all out in one breath, her gaze steady on Hendrix's. Her eyes weren't filled with burning intensity. Rather, they held a quiet resolve and sincerity.Hendrix held her gaze for a beat before suddenly smiling. This time, it was real. His lips curled upward, drawing his cheeks and eyes into a brilliant expression that made his face even more striking.Noelle's eyes flickered involuntarily at the sight.Without warning, Hendrix cupped her chin and leaned in to kiss her. In the closed space of the car, his gentle, lingering kiss made the winter air feel warm and comforting. He meant to kiss her fully.Though they had been on good terms lately, there had been no further intimacy. Noelle's words echoed in his mind, swelling i
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 390
Hendrix sat frozen, his face pale and grim.Noelle couldn't hold back any longer. "What happened?"Hendrix slowly turned to her but said nothing. Instead, he yanked the wheel into a sharp U-turn.The way he tore down the road told Noelle something was very wrong. She tightened her grip on the seatbelt and fixed her eyes ahead.They hadn't gone far from Freeman Manor, but chaos had already erupted. The housekeeper's screams echoed through the house while Ophelia stood in the living room, pounding her chest in fury."What a mess! This is a nightmare!" she yelled. "I said from the very start—someone like her should never have stayed here! She did it once, and now, it's happening again! She won't stop until she drags the Freemans straight to hell!"Noelle stopped in her tracks. But Hendrix didn't. He stormed up the stairs, his movements frantic in a way she had never seen before.Not long after, the doctor and an ambulance arrived. Noelle remained downstairs in the living room.
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 520
Noelle didn't comment on Seline's remark. In truth, she still didn't know who was behind the downfall of the Fisher family. But no matter who it was, she didn't want to ask about it anymore.Once Rosie got off the carousel, the three of them left the arcade together.Rosie was so excited from playing that her face was covered in sweat. Just as Noelle was about to crouch down to wipe it off, Seline suddenly grabbed her arm.Her grip was tight, almost painful. Noelle couldn't help but frown.But Seline seemed oblivious. She pointed ahead and said, "Look! Who's that?"To avoid drawing attention, Seline kept her voice low and didn't point directly.Noelle followed her gaze.They were in a shopping mall, and with summer vacation in full swing, the place was crowded. So, for a moment, Noelle couldn't figure out who Seline was talking about.Seline stomped her foot impatiently. "Right in front of you! The one about to enter the Armani store!"Noelle wasn't wearing her glasses today.
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 519
In the following days, Noelle didn't see Hendrix again. But she didn't dwell on it. After all, he rarely came around before, so she didn't find it particularly unusual.As for who Angela was, it was Seline who filled Noelle in."I heard she used to be an influencer, working as a live streamer," Seline said with a frown.In her eyes, being an influencer or live streamer wasn't exactly a respectable profession. Especially when it came to someone as attractive-looking as Angela.Seline even showed Noelle some of Angela's past live streams. In the video, Angela was wearing a white dress, chatting and smiling with her audience.Noelle nodded and said, "Oh.""That's it?" Seline widened her eyes. "You're not going to say anything about it?""What should I say?" Noelle found it strange. "Oh, she's quite… pretty.""That's just the filter! And didn't you see how much makeup she's wearing?""Well, isn't that how it is in that industry?""Yes, but Hendrix's taste has really gone downhill
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 518
Hendrix remembered the scene from the last night when he stood on the balcony, watching Rosie smile and wave goodbye to Dylan. To be honest, the three of them looked incredibly good together, almost as if they were a real family.At this moment, if he wasn't mistaken, this was the first time Rosie had spoken to him on her own initiative. Yet, what she said was she didn't want to see him.Hendrix wanted to retort that this was his house, so why couldn't he be here? But when he met Rosie's eyes, he swallowed back his words.Then, he simply replied, "Okay."His response was straightforward, but Rosie didn't seem to think much of it. She merely nodded in satisfaction and went downstairs to find Noelle.Hendrix watched her retreating figure, his hands clenching involuntarily.It wasn't until the ache in his chest became unbearable that he finally snapped out of it and slowly made his way downstairs.Beatrice was already in the living room. When she saw him, she immediately called out
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 517
Noelle had initially wanted to explain that their meeting with Dylan had been purely coincidental. But after a pause, she simply said, "Thanks for your concern, but both Rosie and I know the truth of the matter. So, there's no need for you to worry about anything."With that, Noelle walked forward with Rosie in her hand. Rosie naturally followed her, and from the beginning to the end, she never showed Hendrix even the slightest trace of unnecessary emotion.But when Noelle was bathing her later, she suddenly asked, "Mommy, does Daddy hate me?""Of course not," Noelle denied without hesitation."Then, why does he always look like this when he sees me?"As she spoke, she furrowed her brows and pursed her lips.Honestly speaking, the expression she made was very similar to Hendrix's, and Noelle couldn't help but laugh."Trust me. He doesn't," she said, pinching Rosie's nose. "That's just how he is. It has nothing to do with you.""Really? But Mommy, you said before that I was th
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 516
Seline was determined to play the role of a matchmaker to the end. When Rosie had had enough fun, she suddenly claimed she had an urgent matter to attend to and had to leave. Thus, the task of taking Noelle and Rosie home fell to Dylan.Her intentions were far too obvious. To Noelle, her act even seemed a bit clumsy. But Dylan didn't call her out. Instead, he accepted the task graciously and even thanked Seline sincerely.Seline raised an eyebrow at him and whispered a few words to Rosie before leaving.Noelle could tell Seline hadn't taught Rosie anything good, so on the way back, she tried her best to distract Rosie, hoping she'd forget about it.But Rosie was a child with a strong sense of responsibility. Eventually, she seized an opportunity and asked Dylan, "Mr. Pritchett, when you have the time, can I go out with you again?"Her question was very straightforward.She stared intently at Dylan, who was momentarily taken aback. But then, he smiled and said, "Of course."Rosie
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 515
"I didn't expect to run into you here. Small world," Dylan said.Noelle gave him a slight nod in acknowledgment.Beside her, Seline asked excitedly, "You're Dylan Pritchett, the CEO of Dyno Corporation, right?""That's right. Nice to meet you, Ms. Swift."Dylan extended his hand for a brief handshake.Seline nodded repeatedly, then turned to Noelle, her eyes silently questioning her.Noelle ignored her.Unfazed, Seline looked down at Rosie and asked, "Rosie, how do you know Mr. Pritchett?""He came to the hospital to visit me once," Rosie answered seriously, then quickly asked, "Seline, didn't you say you were going to take me to go see the fountains?""Ah, right! Let's go!"Seline immediately caught on to what Rosie was getting at. She quickly grabbed Rosie's hand before turning to say to Noelle, "I'm going to bring Rosie to the fountains. You two have a good chat."With that, she whisked Rosie away.Rosie played along effortlessly. In fact, the two of them took off so qui
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 514
A child's emotions were simple and straightforward—they would instinctively gravitate toward those who were good to them.Beatrice was always kind and warm. Every time she saw Rosie, her face would always light up with a gentle smile, so it was only natural for Rosie to like her.Hendrix, however, was a different story.Their first meeting left a terrible impression on Rosie, and if Noelle remembered correctly, Hendrix had never smiled at Rosie even once.Whenever Rosie saw him, he always had a stern expression. Adding that to their bad first encounter, it was no surprise Rosie disliked him.Seline indeed hadn't seen Rosie in a long time, so they were both especially excited to see each other today.After lunch, Seline took Rosie to the arcade. She was a pro at the claw machines, and by the time they left, they had a pile of stuffed animals. The two of them happily gave away most of their winnings to the kids outside the mall.Rosie loved doing things like that.While she was b
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 513
Rosie adapted well to the new environment. At first, she was a little reserved around Beatrice. But after a few days together, her smiles grew more frequent, and whenever she saw Beatrice, she would call her "Grandma" without prompting.Beatrice bought her plenty of toys. Although Rosie accepted them all, her favorite was still the little lion plushie. She never let it leave her side, even sleeping with it at night.Noelle had once asked if she realized this wasn't her original lion plushie, and Rosie said she knew. She liked the old one, too, but that didn't change how much she liked the new one.Such simple words carried a deeper meaning that resonated with Noelle. But before she could process it, a voice suddenly came from outside, "Mr. Freeman is back."Noelle's expression froze instantly.Rosie, on the other hand, asked her curiously, "Mommy, who's Mr. Freeman?"Noelle was about to explain when the man in question stepped inside, and he wasn't alone. Next to him stood a woma
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 512
"Thank you," Beatrice's voice came from behind just as Noelle was in the kitchen preparing a snack for Rosie. Even though there were household staff and chefs in the villa, Noelle still preferred making Rosie's food herself.Despite being in a new environment, Rosie adapted quickly. Noelle had spent the morning reading to her, and during lunch, she ate quietly without fuss. She even took her medicine without any tears or complaints. Now, she was upstairs sleeping.Beatrice adored her but was careful not to overwhelm her with too much attention. Seeing Noelle take the time to make snacks, she couldn't help but speak up.Noelle froze for a second, then turned to her with a puzzled look, unsure what she meant."You've raised Rosie well," Beatrice said."I'm her mother. That's what I'm supposed to do," Noelle said. "And she's my daughter, so you don't have to thank me for that."The line Noelle drew was clear and firm.Beatrice understood what she was saying right away. She also k
