Chapter 4

Noelle's body stiffened. Her eyes flew open, and she tried to push Hendrix away with all her strength. However, Hendrix acted as if he hadn't heard anything. He gripped her wrists effortlessly and pressed her against the wall. His movements were as forceful as ever.

Noelle wanted to cry out, but she quickly remembered that Sandra was right outside. She bit her tongue and swallowed the helpless whimper that was about to escape her lips just in time.

The sound of the water from the shower continued. With the door between them, Sandra seemed to be unaware of what was happening inside.

She called out again, "Hendrix?"

Noelle turned her head to look at Hendrix. Her face was flushed, possibly due to anger or some other intense emotion. Her eyes were opened wide as she glared at Hendrix. In contrast to her usual quiet and withdrawn demeanor, she looked far more animated at that moment.

Her expression caused Hendrix's movements to become bolder. It was almost as if he were venting. Their bodies moved in perfect sync. Soon, Noelle reached a state of absolute ecstasy.

Sandra was still speaking outside the door, but Noelle couldn't make out a single word she was saying. When Hendrix pressed her down again, she couldn't hold back and let out a soft moan.

Right away, the person outside the bathroom door fell silent.

Upon realizing this, Noelle clenched her hands tightly. Just then, Hendrix bent down and picked her up. With his body lowered, his shoulder came close to her mouth. Without hesitation, she bit down.

Noelle's heart was filled with frustration and resentment. But despite her grievances, she didn't bite hard. After a gentle bite, she let go and looked up.

Hendrix's deep and intent gaze was fixed on her.

Noelle didn't say anything but turned her head to avoid his stare. But in the next second, Hendrix grabbed her chin and kissed her again.

The night passed quickly. Noelle couldn't remember how she made it back to her room. As soon as she collapsed onto the bed, she fell into a deep sleep.

…

The next morning, it was Mabel who came to remind Noelle that she should be heading back to Freeman Manor that day.

Noelle jolted awake immediately.

Mabel continued, "Ms. Sandra was up early and even made breakfast for Mr. Freeman."

There was a distinct note of displeasure in her voice.

Noelle noticed it but chose not to make a fuss about it. She merely grunted in acknowledgment and got out of bed.

"Are you getting ready to go to Freeman Manor?" Sandra approached with a smile as soon as Noelle came downstairs. "Shall I go with you? Grandma Ophelia called me a couple of days ago and asked me to visit her when I had the time."

"Okay," Noelle replied readily. To be more accurate, she responded indifferently because it didn't really matter to her.

Sandra raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, but then her smile deepened. "Please wait for me. I made Grandma Ophelia's favorite crab cakes—they'll be ready soon."

Noelle agreed nonchalantly as usual.

But as Sandra headed back into the kitchen, a thought suddenly crossed Noelle's mind. Sandra was fully capable of making meals, as well as desserts and cakes. Would she be unable to take care of herself?

It was something Matilda hadn't considered, and Hendrix didn't seem to have thought of it, either. But wasn't he supposed to be the smart one? Perhaps he had realized it, but he simply went along with it.

Noelle pushed those thoughts aside and turned to look out the window.

The sky was gray and overcast—it looked like it was about to rain.