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Chapter 657
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The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 658
After Hendrix finished speaking, Noelle remained silent for a long time. Her lips were pressed together, and her expression made it seem like she was almost indifferent to his words.After waiting for a while, Hendrix reached out and pinched her cheek again. "Did you fall asleep?"Noelle couldn't help but frown at his question, but she didn't argue with him. Instead, she asked, "Did Jean really die from an infectious disease?"Hendrix was caught off guard by her question. But then, he quickly smiled and said, "Who knows? At least, that's what Dylan told everyone."Noelle fell silent again, her gaze dropping.After a moment, she suddenly remembered something. "Back then, was it you or Dylan who reported Mr. Fisher?"Hendrix went quiet at her question. His hand, which had been resting on her cheek, slowly moved to play with the hair by her ear. His touch was light, almost ticklish.Noelle couldn't help but squirm slightly. Hendrix smiled and suddenly leaned down to kiss her cheek.
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 659
Hendrix didn't say anything more. He simply held Noelle quietly in his arms.That night, he didn't do anything else to her. Yet, he felt closer to her than ever before.âĶNoelle saw Marla and Marshall again sometime in April.Knowing they didn't want to see her, she made sure to choose a day when she was sure they wouldn't be visiting Seline's grave to drop by. She brought Rosie along with her.By now, Rosie had been attending kindergarten for a month and had adapted well there.But even until now, she still didn't fully understand what death meant. When she saw Seline's photo on the tombstone, she looked confused. It was as if she couldn't comprehend why the person who used to play with her and buy her gifts and dresses was now lying inside that stone.Noelle placed the flowers in front of Seline's tombstone. She had prepared some words to say to Seline. To avoid forgetting, she had even written them all down in a memo and spent days revising it.But now, regardless of how fa
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 660
Noelle stood still, her eyes filled with surprise and confusion as she looked at Marla. It seemed she didn't fully understand the meaning behind Marla's words.After a moment of eye contact, Marla looked away. "What Beatrice said last time was right. Seline's death really wasn't your fault. We're sorry for taking our anger out on you before. I hope you can forgive me."After all, Seline was my only daughter. I raised her with so much care, and now, she's just gone like this. Before she died, she didn't even have a chance to leave me a single word. I just can't accept it."Marla had intended to speak calmly to Noelle, but now, she couldn't hold back her emotions.Noelle's eyes quickly reddened. She bit her lip slowly, and after a moment, she finally found her voice. "I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry," she said with a slight bow. "And I've always wanted to thank you and to thank Seline for saving Rosie. I know I can't repay or make up for it. No matter what I do, Seline's not co
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 661
"I want to take these back to Roselle Court and repot them. Is that okay?" Noelle asked clearly.As she spoke, her eyes remained locked on Hendrix's. She was sincerely seeking his opinion.Hendrix paused. After a moment, he replied, "Sure.""Alright. Then, let's move back in a few days. Rosie will come with us, too. After all, it must be hard for your mother to take care of her all this while, so let's not trouble her anymore," Noelle spoke earnestly. But this time, Hendrix didn't respond. Instead, he just looked at her intently."Why are you looking at me like that?" Noelle asked, puzzled.Finally, Hendrix asked the question that had been on his mind, "Where did you go today?"Noelle's expression stiffened for a moment, which immediately made Hendrix frown."You already know, don't you?" she quickly asked.Hendrix remained silent."I went to the cemetery, and I happened to run into Mr. and Mrs. Swift there," Noelle said softly. "We had a talk.""About what?" Hendrix's voic
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 662
"Noelle."When the voice came from behind, Noelle paused and turned around to see a woman walking up to her.The woman was wearing a loose dress, and her face had filled out compared to before."It really is you! I thought I had mistaken someone else for you," the woman said with a smile.But Noelle had never been close to her, so she simply said calmly, "Ms. Upton, it's been a while.""Yes, indeed." As she spoke, Ruth swept her gaze over Noelle. "I heard you were back, but I haven't seen you at any events. So, I thought it was just a rumor."Noelle didn't know how to respond, so she simply looked at her."So in the end, Hendrix still chose you, huh? Who would've thought? Back then, everyone assumed he was forced into marrying you, but I guess he actually developed feelings for you, after all.""Is there something you need, Ms. Upton?" Noelle had no interest in discussing the past, and they had no shared history to reminisce about, so she cut straight to the point.Ruth's voic
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 663
Adela added, "Besides, today's just a casual tea party. So let's not talk about such serious topics.""Then, can we schedule another time to meet?" Ruth quickly suggested, pulling out her phone. "Can I get your number, please?"Adela frowned, about to refuse, when someone else chimed in, "Hey, we're about to take a photo. What are you two whispering about? You there, you're too tall. You'll block the shot. Move to the back."The "you there" was, of course, referring to Ruth.Ruth felt her smile stiffen, but the others were already urging her, so she had no choice but to get up and move to the back.The group photo was quickly taken.Ruth soon realized that her face was mostly blocked by the person next to her, and her expression looked awkward in the picture. But of course, no one cared.Adela didn't even give her a chance to add her as a contact. As soon as the photo was taken, she left without a word. One by one, the others also filed out.All the words Ruth had carefully pre
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 664
Running into Ruth was the last thing Noelle expected. If Rosie hadn't suddenly spiked a fever at school, forcing her to rush over, she wouldn't have run into her at all.Because of Rosie's past health issues, Noelle was always on edge whenever she got sick. Thankfully, the doctor reassured her that it was just a common cold and nothing serious. Only then did Noelle finally relax.Then, almost immediately, she received a call from Ruth, inviting her out for a meal.Noelle frowned. After all, she and Ruth were hardly on terms where they could casually dine together.But Ruth seemed oblivious to the fact. She quickly added, "I was in the wrong before. I know that now. But it was all because I was deceived by Sandra. It wasn't only until later that I realized I really owed you an apology. So, I wanted to meet and formally apologize to you."Even though Ruth sounded sincere, Noelle couldn't help but smirk."That won't be necessary," she finally said. "I've been very busy lately.""It
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 665
Hendrix ignored Noelle's pointed gaze and simply took the thermometer from her."Hmm, you don't have a fever. It's probably just a mild cold."Despite saying that, Hendrix immediately turned around to call the doctor.Just then, a household staff came upstairs. "Mr. Freeman, there's a guest here to see you."Hendrix frowned and asked, "Who is it?""I don't know her, but she said she's a friend of Mrs. Freeman, and her last name is Upton."Hendrix turned to look at Noelle.Noelle immediately remembered. "Ruth Upton?""Who's that?" Hendrix asked.Noelle stared at him without answering. Her gaze made Hendrix's heart skip a beat. Then, he suddenly rememberedâRuth was Sandra's best friend.Those people had long faded from their lives, and Hendrix never expected them to resurface in this way.Hendrix quickly changed the subject. "What does she want with you?""I don't know.""Then, don't see her," Hendrix said, making the decision for her.He didn't want Noelle to recall the pa
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The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 830
Noelle parked the car and looked up at the name of the complex in front of herâLumos Complex.The complex was located on the outskirts of Coppersville. It wasn't large, but the surrounding transportation was very convenient, and there were also supermarkets and hospitals nearby.As Noelle entered the complex, she noticed several elderly residents exercising and playing chess downstairs. The scene was very lively, but she didn't stop. Because she knew that the person she was looking for wouldn't be among them.Before coming, Hendrix had already shown her the layout of the complex, so she was able to find the unit number quickly. The large door was tightly shut, and the entrance was kept very neatâwith shoes placed in an orderly manner, and the umbrellas were neatly stored.Seeing this, Noelle immediately knew she had found the right place. Without hesitation, she raised her hand and knocked on the door."You can just leave it at the door," a reply came from inside almost immediatel
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 829
"So, I think he's probably partnered with another fund by now." Noelle wasn't sure if she was right since it was just a guess.After all, Dylan might have fallen from grace in the country, but the assets he took with him were substantial. That fortune alone could provide him a comfortable life abroad. So, it wasn't impossible for him to simply vanish.However, Noelle didn't believe Dylan would give up that easily. A person who would stop at nothing to climb to the top wasn't someone who would simply settle for a quiet and stable life. Thus, it was more likely that Dylan would bide his time for revenge to ideally strip Hendrix of everything.But after Noelle finished speaking, Hendrix went quiet. His prolonged silence made Noelle frown. "Did I say something wrong?""No, I just didn't expect you to think this way."Noelle studied him with knitted brows."So, you don't blame me at all?" Hendrix asked."Why should I blame you?"Hendrix didn't answer. But their current location and
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 828
In truth, Hendrix had never intended for Marshall to die. Even the doctors had saidâthe real cause of death was that he had lost all will to live.When someone gave up on life themselves, no amount of medical intervention could bring them back. But to claim Hendrix bore no responsibility wouldn't be entirely true, either.Dylan had always stayed close to the Swift family with ulterior motives, so even without Hendrix's involvement, it was only a matter of time before their assets were completely devoured by Dylan.But the fact remained that Hendrix had indeed helped speed things along. He was the force that hastened the Swift family losing everything.Hendrix was well aware of this. So, when faced with Noelle's question, he didn't know what to say.When his silence stretched on, Noelle finally turned to him with a puzzled look."Are you blaming me now?" Hendrix asked quietly.Before she could answer, he grasped her hand. "I admit I sped things up, but do you really think they'd
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 827
It took a while for Noelle to realize this was the Swift residence. Logically speaking, she shouldn't have had any memories of this place. After all, she had never come here since her return.But the body remembered things the mind could not lie about.Seated behind the wheel, Noelle could almost see glimpses of her past self walking through the gates. Back then, the Swift household must have been filled with laughter. Yet, how much time had passed since then?The desolation before her was jarring. She didn't know how long she had been staring when her phone rang. It was Hendrix."Where are you?" His voice was tight, filled with worry.Noelle paused before answering, "The Swift residence."A heavy silence followed on the other end. Then, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard, he asked again, "What did you say?""The Swift residence," Noelle repeated. "But the villa has been sealed by the court, so I can't go in."This time, Hendrix heard her clearly, and he believed
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 826
"Marla hasn't done anything out of the ordinary. She just sits there all day in a daze, silent and motionless," the doctor said as he led Noelle forward.Even though it was the best psychiatric hospital available, its core nature remained the same. As they walked, Noelle couldn't help but feel a heavy sense of oppression in the air.The corridor was lined with locked doorsânot regular hospital doors, but ones reinforced with metal bars. It looked less like a medical facility and more like a prison.The deeper they went, the more tightly Noelle's brows knit together.Marla was in the room at the very end. She was sitting with her back to the door, staring blankly at the small window above, lost in thought.Just the sight of her silhouette made Noelle feel as if she had been dealt a heavy blow to the chest."Marla," the doctor called her name.But she didn't offer any response.So, he tried again, "Marshall Swift."This was the only name that had elicited any reaction from her r
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 825
"I'll go with you," Hendrix said as he tried to get out of bed, but Noelle quickly pressed him back down."The bathroom is just inside the room. Why are you getting up?" she said with a frown, her tone tinged with displeasure."Oh, right," Hendrid replied. Only then did Noelle release her grip on him and get up.By the time she came back from the bathroom, Hendrix was fast asleep again.Noelle, however, still didn't feel sleepy. After taking a look out of the window at the pitch-black sea, she decided to go to the deck for some fresh air.Hendrix had only shown her the way once, but Noelle remembered it instantly. However, her timing was unfortunate, as someone was already on the deck.A man stood there smoking. The smoke rings left his lips, dissipating in the sea breeze before they could fully form.Noelle stood behind him, and the scent drifted overâpungent and sharp. She couldn't help but sneeze.The man immediately turned around. His body had been tense, his eyes sharp
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 824
"Perfect timing. You can explain things to Noelle," Hendrix said, standing in front of Erwin.Erwin stared at him in disbelief. "What did you say?"He came to settle a score with Hendrix, not to patch up their relationship."You're the one who caused this mess, so don't you think you should help me out here? Or is it that you're happy to see me struggling?" Hendrix asked.Of course, Erwin was happy. After all, he had always been on his own. Moreover, he believed that people like them didn't need a partner. They could have female companions or go on dates, but nothing deeper than that.There wouldn't even be any real emotions involved. What existed between them was merely a transaction. Their inner worlds were something no one could understand, nor did they need anyone to understand.But now, Hendrix was clearly going down a completely different path. Not only was he now bound by those things, but he even expected Erwin to help him out? It was pure insult!"Do you still want your
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 823
"Why are you with these people?" Noelle finally asked.It was the first thing she had said since they entered the room.Hendrix knew his answer was crucial, as it would decide whether she could accept what she had seen and heard. More importantly, it might decide the fate of their future together.So, he didn't hold back. He told her everything about Erwin, those people outside, and his connection to them.As Noelle listened, her brows drew closer and closer together.At the end, Hendrix emphasized, "I really don't hang out with them anymore. Back then, it was because everything in the country felt meaningless. I couldn't really find any real challenges. But now, I have something better to pursue. So, I barely touch those things anymore. And besidesâĶ"He looked at her then. "You already knew about all of this.""I did?""Yeah. You and Erwin know each other, too.""So, I knew you were messing around at their parties?""I never messed around," Hendrix denied without hesitation.
The Sway and Slide of Love   Chapter 822
Noelle had already sensed it earlier. That whole excuse about not letting Hendrix go homeâhe wasn't a child, and Erwin wasn't his father, so why would he stop him from leaving? Unless there was something else going on.So, Hendrix definitely hadn't been alone in that room earlier.Noelle's expression dimmed little by little, and she moved to pull her hand away. But Hendrix had already sensed the shift in her mood, and instead of letting go, he tightened his grip and pulled her straight into his arms.Then, he looked at the man across from them and said, "She's my wife."The man, clearly drunk, was still letting his gaze roam all over Noelle. He completely ignored what Hendrix said. In fact, he even looked upset when he saw Hendrix hold Noelle like that."Hendrix, why are you being so possessive? Aren't we supposed to share everything?""Shut up!" Hendrix cut him off without a second thought, then turned back to Noelle. "Let's go back to the room first."Noelle didn't respond, bu
