"Noelle? Noelle!"It wasn't until Seline called her that Noelle finally snapped out of her thoughts. She looked at her in a daze."What's the matter with you? You look like you're in a trance," Seline said with a frown."I-I'm fine.""And your dark circles are so heavy. Didn't you say you were going home to rest last night? Why do you look worse than when you were staying overnight at the hospital?""I didn't sleep well last night," Noelle said with a forced smile. "Maybe it's because I couldn't see Rosie, so I was worried.""What's there to worry about? There are so many medical staff here. Besides, the doctors said that as long as the transplant surgery goes smoothly, Rosie will be out of here in no time. Speaking of which, when is Hendrix going to sign the surgery consent form?"Noelle felt a stab in her heart at the question, and her expression visibly changed.Seline immediately noticed. "What's wrong? Did Hendrix go back on his word?""No…""Wait. He didn't come to the
"He's doing this just because he's unwilling to let go," Noelle interrupted Seline. "He felt defeated and disappointed because of me, and now, he just wants to make me feel the same way.""But I think—""If he really still loved me, he should know that no matter what, he shouldn't use Rosie as leverage against me," Noelle said. "The only reason I'm doing what he says now is to give Rosie a chance at the surgery."Our relationship isn't one of meaningful connection. So Seline, it's really impossible between me and him."…Night fell quickly once again.To be honest, Noelle was a little afraid of this time of day. She kept looking at her phone, afraid that Hendrix might send her a message but also fearing he wouldn't send anything at all. After all, he still hadn't signed the surgery consent form. But nothing happened that night.The next day, Noelle finally found out why Hendrix hadn't contacted her the day before.There was a news feature of him attending a banquet. In the p
Hendrix's hand remained suspended in midair. When he realized Noelle had no intention of taking the keycard, he immediately frowned.But Noelle acted as if she hadn't noticed and simply pulled out the documents she had prepared. "Rather than that, let's talk about the terms of our deal first."Hendrix didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the papers in her hand."This is the surgery consent form. Please sign it," Noelle continued.Last time, he had claimed he hadn't agreed to her terms, and she had no way to argue. So this time, she came prepared.Hendrix was a businessman, and as a businessman, he valued tangible, signed documents above all else. In addition to the consent form, Noelle had prepared another contact—one outlining the nature of their… relationship.It stated that she would fulfill Hendrix's need, but only during Rosie's recovery period. Once the surgery was successful and Rosie was fully healed, their relationship would end immediately, with no further ties.The terms
But in the next moment, Hendrix turned away again.Seeing this, Noelle instinctively reached out and grabbed his hand. It was a gentle gesture, and she had even prepared herself for him to shake her off, but he didn't.He simply turned his head and looked down at her hand."I'm sorry," Noelle said again. "I shouldn't have thought of you that way last time. I was wrong, but Rosie is innocent. Can you please help her?"She carefully chose her tone, her voice dry and hoarse. If there had been any other choice, she wouldn't have wasted a single second here with him. But she truly had no other way.She also knew that Hendrix wanted to see her like this. He wanted her to beg him and humble herself before him.When she finished speaking, Hendrix was finally willing to look at her. Then, he gently gripped her chin, forcing her to look up at him.Their eyes met.Her eyes were slightly red, her lips trembling. Coupled with her face, which was noticeably thinner from the stress, she looke
Hendrix had held back. After all, back then, he was the one who had been abandoned. For the one who was left behind, chasing after Noelle to ask why felt like admitting defeat.So, since their reunion, Hendrix had never asked her this question. But now, he couldn't hold back any longer because he really wanted to know.Noelle's actions back then had seemed contradictory to him. She said she didn't want to suffer with him, yet she refused to take anything that belonged to him.At the time, he had given her so many things. Just taking one or two would have been enough to ensure her a comfortable life, but she had taken nothing.So, the reason she gave was just an excuse to deceive him. Then, why did she really leave?Hendrix stared at Noelle, desperate for an answer.Noelle stood there, her eyes meeting his for a moment before she softly said, "Because I was pregnant at the time.""What?""Had I not been pregnant then, I might have been able to stay with you. But I had a baby to
"Hating your own child and even wanting to watch her die?" Noelle shouted."Yes, I did say I'd try to be a good father, but it's obvious I can't do it." Hendrix's tone was calm and direct. He was plainly telling Noelle that he had gone back on his word. He simply couldn't do it.But, so what? The hospital required the consent form to be signed in person. The decision was in Hendrix's hands, and as long as he refused, no one could force him to sign it.Honestly speaking, Noelle had never anticipated such an outcome. In her mind, no matter how cruel Hendrix could be, she always believed there was still a shred of humanity in him. So surely, he wouldn't just stand by and watch his own child die, right? But reality proved her wrong. As it turned out, he truly could be that cold-blooded.Suddenly, Noelle found herself at a loss for words. Her mind was completely blank. Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.Finally, she said, "Hendrix Freeman, I will hate you for the rest of my li
After Noelle finished speaking, Seline was visibly stunned. Clearly, her mind was struggling to process what Noelle had just said.After several seconds, she finally asked again, "What did you just say?""Hendrix said he doesn't want to go through with the surgery anymore," Noelle repeated in a hoarse voice.Seline immediately yanked off her headphones. "Has he lost his mind?"Her voice was sharp, loud enough to wake Rosie, who had been sleeping in the hospital bed.Rosie blinked sleepily at them. "Mommy…"Noelle quickly stepped forward and took Rosie's hand. "Did we wake you? I'm sorry."Rosie looked at her, then at Seline. The latter's face was still flushed with anger."Mommy, are you and Seline fighting?" Rosie asked."No, we're just discussing something. It's okay. Go back to sleep, Rosie," Noelle replied while gently stroking Rosie's cheek.Rosie wanted to say more, but Noelle quickly changed the subject. It took a while, but after some coaxing, Rosie eventually drifted
Noelle fell silent. What Seline knew, she knew, too. In fact, she understood it a hundred times more clearly than Seline did.But right now, her mind was completely blank. She knew Hendrix hated her. Whatever he wanted to do to her, Noelle didn't care. Yet, he chose to do nothing. And precisely because he did nothing, he had her completely at his mercy.Noelle knew he was doing this on purpose. Playing with people's emotions and manipulating everyone like puppets were things he excelled at and enjoyed.So, he also knew exactly what would hurt Noelle the most. This time, his strike was precise and devastating.Seline was still talking beside her, but Noelle could no longer hear her. She just stared blankly at Rosie lying in the bed.Rosie was still so young. Her warmth and vitality were still thrumming. But now, it felt like Noelle could only watch helplessly as Rosie slowly moved toward decline."Noelle? Noelle!" Seline called out to her, gripping her shoulder.But Noelle couldn
Hendrix kept moving closer toward Noelle, leaving her no choice but to step back. But soon, her back hit the glass door of the balcony—there was nowhere left to retreat."You're overthinking it," Noelle said. "I didn't say anything because it's none of my business."Hendrix finally stopped moving."That's between you and Ms. Rhett. It's not my place to comment or interfere," she continued. "As for the people around you and what they want, that has nothing to do with me, either. So, can you please move aside now?"By the time Noelle finished speaking, all expression had vanished from Hendrix's face. He stared at her intently, as if trying to find some trace of emotion or crack in her composure. But there was nothing.Noelle stood there calmly, meeting his gaze. Hendrix couldn't help but clench his fists tightly.Seeing that he had nothing more to say, Noelle turned to leave, planning to walk past him. But Hendrix quickly grabbed her arm. "Did I say you could go?""Let go of me.
The sudden noise startled Rosie, and she immediately buried herself in Noelle's arms, her wide eyes fixed on Hendrix.But Hendrix didn't even notice her reaction. His gaze was locked on Noelle as he said, "Come out."As soon as he finished speaking, Rosie grabbed Noelle's hand tightly. "Mommy, don't go."Rosie had always been wary of Hendrix, but this was the first time Noelle sensed genuine fear in her. Her little fingers were gripping Noelle's hand so tightly that they had turned pale.Noelle quickly reassured her, "It's okay. I'll just go see what he wants.""No!" Rosie shook her head without hesitation.Noelle glanced at the door. Hendrix was still standing there, unmoving. The tight set of his lips and his grim expression were nothing short of sharp and severe.Rosie's grip on Noelle's hand tightened even more.Noelle had no choice but to hand Rosie the little lion plushie beside her. "Wait here for me, okay? I'll be right back."Rosie still didn't want to let go, but she
Hendrix moved quickly. As Seline instinctively reached for her phone, her fingers nearly got caught in his car door. But Hendrix didn't even bother to apologize. He simply had Levi start the car and drove off without another word.Seline stood there for a moment, stunned. Then, as if snapping out of it, she shouted at his retreating car, "Hendrix Freeman, what the hell is wrong with you? You emotionally unstable lunatic! Serves you right for being cheated on!"Hendrix didn't respond, of course. In fact, he didn't even bother to listen to what she was saying. The first thing he did when he got into the car was to call Angela.Angela answered the phone quickly. "Hello, Mr. Freeman.""Did you run into Noelle today?" Hendrix asked.It had been a long time since he had mentioned that name. After disappearing from Coppersville for so long, the name "Noelle" was unfamiliar to Angela.But she was quick on her feet. After running through the list of women associated with Hendrix in her mi
After hearing Noelle's response, Hendrix didn't say anything more. He simply left Sienna Villa with his entourage. When he reached the parking lot, he spotted Seline standing there.Because of Noelle, Seline had never been particularly fond of Hendrix. Even though her position technically required her to maintain a good relationship with him, she still refused to do so. In fact, she couldn't even be bothered to put on a front.But today, when Seline saw Hendrix, she seemed to be in an unusually good mood. She even took the initiative to wave at him."Hello, Mr. Freeman," she greeted.Even though Hendrix found this odd, he didn't say anything about it. He simply gave her a slight nod before getting into his car.Like hell Seline was just going to let him leave like that!The situation with Angela was something Seline wanted to blow up into a big scandal, but Noelle had a point, too. On the surface, Seline had no real connection to Hendrix, so whether he was being cheated on or not
"Then why is Seline laughing?" Rosie asked."She just remembered something happy," Noelle answered."Yes, I'm happy. Very happy," Seline echoed, immediately following Noelle's lead. Then, she added, "Let's go, Rosie. I'll send you home.""Oh…" Rosie was clearly still puzzled, but neither of them seemed inclined to explain further, so she didn't press the matter.Seline personally drove them back to Sienna Villa. She was in a good mood the entire way, humming a tune as she gripped the steering wheel. She could hardly wait to call Hendrix and tell him to catch Angela in the act at the hotel.But she held herself back. After all, Hendrix catching Angela red-handed wasn't enough. Seline wanted everyone in their social circle to know so that Hendrix would be completely humiliated."Don't stir up trouble," Noelle said bluntly from the back seat.Seline paused. "I'm not. What did I do?"Noelle didn't believe her. "In any case, it's their business. So, don't meddle in them."Seline po
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.
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
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
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