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Chapter 77
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 78
Noelle didn't want to cry.She had learned from a young age that tears only worked on people who loved her, and Hendrix clearly didn't fall into that category. Right now, her tears would only disgust him.Quickly, Noelle raised her hand and wiped them away.Hendrix stood across from her, watching her movements. His brows furrowed slightly, but she didn't notice.Instead, she pressed on, "Where were you that night?""What?""The night I miscarried. Where were you?"Hendrix didn't answer.Noelle's voice softened even more, almost a whisper, as she said, "Sandra told me you were at an auction. Buying her a birthday present. Is that true?""She'd mentioned wanting it before. As for what happened to you… It was an accident," Hendrix explained.He said it as if that could even be called an explanation.Noelle couldn't help but laugh. It was as if she had just heard the punchline to the cruelest joke. Her body trembled with laughter, and her eyes were red-rimmed. However, not a sin
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 79
"Noelle, let me remind you," Hendrix said, his tone cold and resolute. "The power to decide whether our relationship continues or ends has always been in my hands. Even back then, if I hadn't agreed, do you really think you could've divorced me so easily?"Noelle's hand, which had been braced to push him away, slowly dropped to her side.Her eyes, which had flickered with traces of anger and sadness, went completely blank as she stared at him.He wasn't wrong. What power did she ever have? In his eyes, she was nothing more than an object.Once, she had been his wife and was expected to bear his children. Now, she was just a tool for his gratification.Her quiet, detached demeanor was something Hendrix knew all too well. His brows furrowed again as he watched her. After a pause, he gripped her chin and abruptly leaned down, capturing her lips in a forceful kiss.The moment their lips met, tears slipped down Noelle's cheek.The cold touch of her tears sent a shiver through Hendrix
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 80
In the quiet, empty room, the sound of Noelle's stomach growling was impossibly loud.Even Hendrix froze in place.For the first time, Noelle caught a flicker of something unexpected in his gaze—surprise. Her jaw clenched tightly, and she turned her face away, refusing to look at him.Hendrix didn't continue walking. Instead, he released her and stood up."What do you want to eat?" he asked.Noelle didn't answer him.Hendrix waited for a while, then shrugged and left the room.Noelle stayed motionless on the bed. It wasn't until his footsteps faded away that she reached up and covered her eyes with her hand. She wasn't sure how much time passed, but Hendrix eventually returned."Come and eat," he said.Noelle had no intention of entertaining him. However, she hadn't eaten in nearly an entire day. The dizziness behind her eyes was growing unbearable, and her empty stomach churned uncomfortably.Eventually, she gave in to her body's demands.Hendrix had brought back a spread o
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 81
For the next few days, Hendrix didn't reach out to her, but Noelle kept receiving cakes from different dessert shops every day. And not just one cake at a time.At first, Noelle tried to refuse them, but the delivery people wouldn't even give her the chance. They would simply tell her their task was to deliver the cake, and whatever she chose to do with it was up to her.With no other choice, Noelle reluctantly accepted the cakes.After days of eating them, she finally couldn't take it anymore. She called Hendrix. "Stop sending me cakes.""Why? I thought you liked them." Hendrix sounded unusually cheerful, with a laugh barely contained in his voice.Noelle felt like he was doing it on purpose.She liked them, right? So, he would just keep sending them until she threw up.Noelle didn't respond and just hung up the phone.Hendrix had intended to say more, but he was taken aback for a moment when he heard the click of the call ending. He checked the phone, confirming she had act
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 82
In the end, Noelle picked a buffalo wings bar. The fiery, finger-staining spicy wings were clearly an odd match for Hendrix in his sharp suit.However, Noelle didn't care.Truthfully, she wasn't sure what Hendrix was trying to do. Was he just treating her like a tool? But the way he was acting now didn't really seem to fit that.Even when they were still married, they rarely ate out alone. He would give her jewelry and accessories, but never did he send over cakes like this.Now, his behavior made Noelle feel like he was... trying to please her.The thought flashed in her mind, but she immediately pushed it aside."Do you like this?" Hendrix asked, clearly unfazed as he sat down across from her after they reached their seats."Yeah." Noelle nodded. "I grew up in Creston City. I can't live without spicy food."But after she moved back to the Swanson family, they wouldn't let her eat anything like this.In their eyes, food also seemed to be ranked—spicy food was out of the quest
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 83
Ophelia seemed to be in high spirits. When Hendrix walked in, he overheard her excitedly chatting with someone, her hearty laughter filling the room.Grant was the first to notice him. He smiled and said, "Mr. Freeman is back."Hendrix gave a brief nod in acknowledgment, then turned his attention to Ophelia.Ophelia waved enthusiastically at him. "Come and take a look at this.""What is it?"Hendrix's smile remained for a moment, but it faded slightly when his eyes landed on the tablet screen."What do you think of this one? She's the Johnson family's daughter. Last time, she was at…""Why are you looking at these things?" Hendrix asked as he straightened up, clearly uninterested."What are you saying? Naturally, I'm looking for a potential granddaughter-in-law. Look. I was saying—""I'm not thinking about that for now," Hendrix cut her off."I didn't say you had to get married now! I'm just asking you to take a look. And if there's someone suitable, you can get to know them
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 84
Two days later, it was Hendrix's birthday.He had never really cared much about birthdays, but when his family insisted on throwing him a party this year, he didn't refuse. Noelle, of course, wasn't going to attend the event. Instead, Hendrix sent her a message in the evening, asking her to wait for him at Percy Gardens.The party was a success. Nearly everyone who mattered in the social circles had shown up. While the event wasn't open to the public, a few minor celebrities had managed to sneak in.Since Hendrix's divorce had become public knowledge, more people seemed eager to get close to him. Their motives were more obvious now—straightforward, even.Over the course of the night, Hendrix had his clothes ruined three times. By the time the last person spilled a drink on him, he didn't even bother to change. He simply pushed away the hand that tried to touch him."Mr. Freeman, why don't you let me clean that up for you?" The woman, wearing a strapless gown, looked at him with
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 85
But eventually, Noelle couldn't hold out any longer. Since she couldn't go to the room directly, she just collapsed onto the couch to catch a brief nap.When she woke up, the first thing she felt was the weight of a figure pressing down on her.Noelle gasped in shock and instinctively opened her mouth to scream, but Hendrix quickly covered her mouth with his hand.It was only when his palm pressed down on her that Noelle realized who it was. Her body, which had been rigid with tension, relaxed at once.Hendrix noticed the change and pressed his weight into her even more without hesitation, lowering his head to kiss her lips.Noelle could smell the alcohol on him. Just as she was about to pull away, he gripped her chin firmly and bit her lip.The taste of champagne mingled with the kiss.Combined with the overzealous energy Hendrix was showing, Noelle couldn't help but make a soft protest. She instinctively pushed against his chest, trying to create some distance.But Hendrix qu
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The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 792
The banquet continued.Once the crowd confirmed the man before them was indeed Hendrix, they swarmed him with questions and concern."Where have you been all this time?""Why was there no news of you at all?""I knew those reporters were unreliable! But it's such a relief you're safe.""What are your plans now, Mr. Freeman?"In reality, Amity Group's current situation wasn't optimistic. But some people were simply born with a presence—no matter what circumstances they were in or what challenges they faced, they remained composed. And in doing so, they inspired confidence in everyone around them.Dylan stood there, watching him coldly. Then, something occurred to him. He turned away and dialed a number."When did Hendrix return? And did he come back alone?"If Hendrix was back, what about Noelle? Something about Hendrix's demeanor felt off to Dylan. Before his disappearance, Hendrix had been outright hostile toward him. Yet tonight, he'd greeted him willingly, and he hadn't men
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 791
Anton was the first to frown. At first, he thought someone had come to cause trouble.He was about to signal his bodyguards to check on the situation when he saw someone walking straight toward him.The man was dressed in a black suit with a white dress shirt underneath. There seemed to be an injury on his arm, so his jacket was draped over his jacket instead.His hair was neatly combed back, revealing a strikingly handsome and chiseled face. His perfect features and commanding presence instantly overshadowed everything else in the banquet.And along with the fading colors of the scene, Dylan's face also paled. Everyone else was shocked, but he was the only one who was truly panicked.What was going on? Hendrix was still alive? No, that was impossible. If he were still alive, why hadn't the people Dylan sent out reported back at all?No, that didn't make sense. If Hendrix had really been alive all this time, how could he have remained completely silent while Dylan made all those
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 790
Night fell, and the city lights flickered to life.The banquet was being held at Anton's private vineyard. By the time Dylan arrived, it was already in full swing.The front courtyard was packed with luxury cars, and the moment he stepped into the hall, the crisp scent of champagne hit him.The room was filled with men and women in lavish attire, a scene of pure indulgence and decadence."Mr. Pritchett, you made it!"A year ago, Dylan would've been ignored at an event like this. But now, the second he appeared, someone was already slinging an arm around his shoulders, striking up a conversation."These spineless hypocrites," thought Dylan with disdain. But on the surface, he effortlessly slipped into a practiced smile as he exchanged pleasantries with the other guests, making his way toward Anton."Good evening, Mr. Sherman."Anton turned at the sound of his voice, eyes skimming over Dylan before recognition flickered. "Oh, it's you, Mr. Pritchett."A few older men stood aroun
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 789
After a pause, Leah suddenly realized something. "Right. If it had really been Noelle, you wouldn't have hurt her to the point of needing to go to the hospital."Dylan didn't respond. Clearly, he wasn't interested in what she had to say."But that makes it even worse! If it wasn't here, why cause such trouble? If this gets out, do you know how people will ta—"Dylan cut her off impatiently, "So, you dragged me here just to say all this?"His tone made Leah freeze. After a moment, she stammered, "I-I'm just worried about you. You've worked so hard to get to where you are, and if the others used this to bring you down, then—""You're overthinking it," Dylan interrupted her again with a cold smirk. "No one would dare to make a fuss over something this small. What you're really upset about is that I refused to go on the blind dates you've arranged for me, isn't it?"Leah fell silent. Seeing her stunned expression, Dylan knew he'd guessed right."Sorry, but I won't be meeting those w
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 788
A family of scholars—that was how people described Dylan's family.Dylan had grown up hearing such words. Because of this reputation, he had been raised with strict self-discipline, honesty, and grace.At one point, he had even taken pride in his family. Even though he carried a lot of pressure, he still believed it was worth it. After all, from childhood, he had enjoyed privileges others didn't.Until the day he discovered his father's and grandfather's dealings. Only then did he realize it was all a facade for outsiders. Beneath that refined, respectable exterior lay something utterly rotten.Of course, he couldn't accept it. He had even had a big fight with his family over it—and was slapped for it. Then, they called him rigid and stupid.But they were the ones who had taught him to be upright and honest in the first place. If they thought those values were outdated and foolish, then what was the point of teaching him all that?Later, they not only silenced his desire to expos
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 787
The force was so brutal that it felt like the woman's scalp was being ripped off.The woman let out a sharp scream."What are you screaming for?" Dylan frowned with annoyance.The icy glare he fixed on her sent a jolt through her. She immediately swallowed whatever words she had been about to say."Mr. Pritchett, I was wrong," she said, holding back the pain. "I'm sorry.""What are you sorry for?""I-I don't know. But it's my fault for upsetting you," she admitted without hesitation.Dylan studied her for a long moment before suddenly smiling. "You're quick to learn."Hearing the praise, the woman immediately brightened, her face twisting into an eager, sycophantic grin."But she would never smile at me like that."As soon as the words left Dylan's lips, the woman's smile faltered. At the same time, every trace of expression vanished from Dylan's face. His eyes were dark and bloodthirsty.Only then did the woman realize something was terribly wrong. She immediately tried to
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 786
The last time Dylan saw Noelle was at the Swift family residence. She had tried to threaten him with a phone recording, and of course, Dylan wasn't going to let her have her way. He had every intention to talk things out with her properly. But unfortunately, Noelle wouldn't listen.During the struggle over the phone, she fell down the stairs. By the time the Swift family found her, blood had already pooled on the ground. But they didn't call the police. Instead, they helped Dylan load Noelle into a car.Dylan had planned to hide her away somewhere. In fact, he had already arranged everything in advance. Even if Noelle hadn't been unconscious, he would have taken her away that night.Once in the car, he transferred her to another vehicle in a spot out of the surveillance cameras' view. That car's destination was Leah's hometown. There, he had already arranged for someone to take care of Noelle.He had everything perfectly planned, and by the time Hendrix returned to Coppersville, it
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 785
"Of course, if you ever get tired of the city and want to come back for a visit, I'll keep that room ready for you," Irene said.With that, she stood up.Hendrix watched her leave and quietly said, "Thank you."Irene paused in her tracks for just a second but didn't say anything else.She was gone, yet Hendrix remained seated, unmoving. He tilted his head back, staring at the dark sky.Compared to Coppersville, the economy and development here were certainly not worth mentioning. But the air here was clean. In Coppersville, looking up only showed endless skyscrapers—even the moonlight seemed hazy. Here, though, the moon shone bright and clear.After staring for a long time, Hendrix finally stood up and slowly walked toward the house across from him. What he didn't know was that while he was talking to Irene, someone had been secretly standing behind the door the whole time.Noelle had heard every word of their conversation. She didn't say anything, but her cheeks were cold, al
The Sway and Slide of Love Chapter 784
Irene had never been well-liked in the village. The other women claimed she'd brought misfortune to her husband, and in her younger days, they accused her of seducing their husbands.After earning her reputation as a shrew, no one would even speak to her.Truthfully, she held no attachment to this village. She had stayed at first to wait for her husband and later to wait for Nelly.But after that, none of it mattered anymore. Yet tonight, for the first time, she found someone to tell these things to.Hendrix sat quietly and listened. He'd never been good at comforting people, so after a long silence, he finally said, "When I thanked you earlier, it wasn't just for saving Noelle. It was also because you gave her things she's always wanted."Irene looked at him, puzzled.Even with her limited understanding of the outside world, she could tell Hendrix was wealthy. Which meant that everything he gave Noelle must have been the best. And what could she possibly offer Noelle?"When s
