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Chapter 389

Author: Jean Song
"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
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    Noelle was startled by the touch—Hendrix's hand was ice-cold.If he weren't still sitting beside her, she might have thought he had stopped breathing. Perhaps it was because her own body temperature was too high, but at that moment, Hendrix froze.Then, slowly, he turned his head to look at her."You should head back first. I can stay here," Noelle said."No—" Hendrix had intended to refuse, but just as the words reached his lips, something seemed to cross his mind.He smiled wryly and said, "You're right. If she wakes up and sees me, she probably wouldn't be too happy. Maybe she'd even want to die all over again."Noelle fell silent.But Hendrix quickly made a decision. "Come back with me. You need rest, too.""It's fine. I can rest here. Besides, if we leave only the caregiver behind to take care of her, you won't be able to relax anyway."As soon as Noelle finished speaking, Hendrix fell silent.She smiled at him. "Go on. If anything happens, I'll call you."In the end, H

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    "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

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