Hendrix had rushed back because Rosie was crying—loudly and heartbreakingly so. Since the day he first met her, this was the first time he had ever seen her cry like this.Earlier, Rosie had been overjoyed to see Noelle, clinging to her and refusing to let go.But now, Noelle stood beside her, completely at a loss.Hendrix took one look and immediately knew what was going on. He crouched in front of Rosie. "Don't cry."Rosie glanced at him, only to wail even harder.Hendrix frowned and turned to Noelle. "Did you say something to her?""Not much." Noelle twisted the hem of her shirt. "She mentioned her birthday is coming up, and I said I forgot."Of course. Hendrix wasn't surprised. He grabbed a tissue, wiped Rosie's tears, and picked her up.Noelle moved to follow, but Hendrix quickly turned his head around and said, "Go back to your room first. I'll come find you later."Noelle stopped in her tracks, her eyes lingering on them until Hendrix shut Rosie's bedroom door behind hi
"Rosie's fine. I already calmed her down," Hendrix replied.But Noelle didn't relax at his words. She continued to peek worriedly into Rosie's room."Don't worry. She's already asleep," Hendrix assured her, putting his arm around her shoulders. "You've had a long day too. Go get some sleep."Noelle didn't say anything, but the disappointment in her downcast eyes was unmistakable. "There's an event at her kindergarten this Friday," Hendrix suddenly said. "You should go."Her head snapped up in surprise."You were the one who always attended before. And if you go, Rosie will definitely be happy."After a brief hesitation, Noelle nodded."Come on. Let's get some sleep."As Hendrix led her to bed, Noelle suddenly asked him, "Can you tell me about my past?"The question caught Hendrix off guard. "What?""Anything that happened in the past," Noelle said. "About Rosie or anything from before her."Hendrix went quiet. His mind raced through their shared history. Then, he realized
"You go ahead and sleep. I'll take a shower first," Hendrix said."Okay," Noelle replied, turning away immediately.Though she had accepted her identity, she was still clearly uncomfortable being close to Hendrix. The tips of her ears burned red as she faced the other direction.Hendrix was about to tease her when his phone rang. The name on the screen wiped the smile from his face.After glancing at Noelle, he stepped out to answer."We just got word—the Swift family has pulled their funds together," the person on the other end reported. "Seems they've heard you're back and decided to pause their plans."Amity Group was too massive to target. It would take months to fully dismantle it.Dylan had gotten this far as he did not because Hendrix's absence left the company in chaos but also because of the Swift family's backing. Now that Hendrix had returned, they knew things wouldn't be so simple.And without a swift victory, prolonged financial strain would become a problem—even f
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Dylan hadn't slept a wink.He didn't even step foot into his bedroom. Instead, he'd spent the entire night in his study, staring at streams of data on his computer.He had expected Hendrix to make a move. After all, how could he possibly do nothing now that he was back?And yet, there was nothing. Or was it that Dylan couldn't see it yet?No. That wasn't right. A sudden thought struck Dylan—Hendrix had told everyone that he had been on a vacation.And earlier today, Dylan had seen for himself that aside from the injury on Hendrix's arm, there wasn't a single mark on him. Which meant Hendrix had been conscious this entire time. But if he had been conscious, why had he taken no precautions against Dylan's moves?Unless this was all a trap. A hole was dug in advance, just waiting for Dylan to step right in.A cold sweat broke across his back at the thought of that. He immediately began tearing through the files, cross-referencing data with
"How is it that Hendrix could find Noelle, but you idiots still couldn't dig up a single clue after months? Useless! Every last one of you!" Dylan's voice burned with fury. He barely held back from erupting completely.He knew it. He freaking knew it!The way Hendrix had looked at him last night—that gaze had been telling him everything. Not only was he back, but he had brought Noelle with him.So what now? What the hell was all Dylan's effort for? After everything he had done, was he still supposed to slink away in defeat? Meanwhile, they got to live happily ever after? Why the hell should things turn out like that?"Where is she now?" Dylan asked.The question stunned the person on the other end. "W-What did you say?""I asked you—where is Noelle right now?""S-She's on her way to the hospital?""The hospital?""Yeah, we're tailing their car. It looks like she's going to see her adoptive mother at the hospital."Dylan stopped listening. He hung up and stormed forward. He fo
Dylan had imagined a thousand ways Noelle might respond to him, but he had never expected her to ask, "Who are you?"He stood frozen in place, momentarily questioning whether he had misheard her. Or had he mistaken someone else for her?"I should know you, right?" Before he could react, Noelle spoke again, "But I'm sorry, I can't remember who you are."She couldn't remember? Dylan almost laughed. And then he did.What was this? Was she trying to tell him that she no longer had any feelings for him? That now, she had even forgotten who he was?His jaw clenched, his gaze locking onto her.Noelle sensed his anger. Realizing she might have misspoken, she quickly explained, "I'm sorry. I was injured before, so I forgot some things. If I said something wrong, please forgive me."At that, Dylan loosened his fists. Then, he looked at her in disbelief. "What did you just say?""I said I forgot some things, so—"Noelle wasn't even sure if she should know him. But the way Dylan was looki
Dylan went on, "Later, we got together. We were going to get married. But then Hendrix used underhanded tactics to target my company, and you chose to go back to him because you didn't want to drag me down."And I don't think he even loves you. The only reason he's so obsessed with keeping you is because he can't stand losing. It's just possessiveness. He—"Dylan never got to finish. Someone slammed into him from behind, shoving him hard enough that he staggered back several steps before crashing to the floor.But he barely registered the pain. Slowly, he lifted his head.Hendrix stood shielding Noelle, his expression thunderous.Instead of responding with anger, Dylan laughed softly. "There's no need to get so worked up, Mr. Freeman. I was just so happy to see Noelle that I might have let something slip out of excitement. Or are you feeling guilty about something?"Hendrix didn't dignify that with a response. He didn't even spare Dylan another glance. Instead, he just grabbed No
"Why?" Noelle asked."What do you mean why?" Hendrix's voice carried an edge of irritation. "How would I know he's not a good person?"Noelle shook his head. "What I mean is, if he's not a good person, why was I going to marry him in the first place? And he mentioned I lived in Stormridge before. Were we divorced then?"Now that the questions had started, she might as well get everything out in the open.The moment she finished speaking, Hendrix's expression darkened further.Noelle wasn't in a rush. She simply waited, watching him expectantly."Yes," Hendrix finally answered her. "You almost did marry him. But then he betrayed you, so you broke it off.""Betrayed?""Yes. To secure an investment, he slept with his ex-wife. And that ex-wife ended up dead overseas because of him. You even suspected he was involved. Because the moment she died, Dylan inherited her money. His company was saved overnight. And you don't remember this, but his ex-wife—""Hold up." Hendrix had said to
When Hendrix returned, Noelle was still engrossed in the files on her computer—so much so she didn't even notice he had come back."What are you looking at?" Hendrix whispered into her ear.Startled, she instinctively moved to block the screen before turning to ask, "How do you walk without making any sound?"Hendrix glanced at her computer screen. There was nothing scandalous—just some of her past work, things he had already seen.He had even bought all of her published works. For a while, anyone entering his office would spot, amid stacks of documents, a few brightly colored comic books on his desk.The covers featured intimate poses between a man and a woman. Normally, this wouldn't be noteworthy, but paired with Hendrix's image, the contrast was jarring.He knew what people whispered behind his back, but he simply ignored them.Now, with just one look at her screen, he could pinpoint exactly where the story had progressed. Oh, the male lead was about to kneel in the rain to
"At the time, Hendrix actually had no reason to target you and Mr. Swift," Noelle said.Marla froze for a moment. "W-what?""Isn't that true?" Noelle looked at her with genuine confusion in her eyes. "The only reason Hendrix dragged you and Mr. Swift into this was because you helped Dylan.""If you truly wanted me to live well, as you claim, you would never have let him take me away like that. That's why Hendrix came after you. And when you realized I was still alive, this was the outcome."Marla had no rebuttal."I already found out about what happened to Seline, and I'm grateful she saved Rosie. If possible, I'd gladly take her place in caring for you both. But ultimately, Rosie and I owe Seline, not you or Mr. Swift. In fact, the connection is faint at best."The moment you became Dylan's accomplice, whatever shred of obligation I owed toward you and Mr. Swift was paid in full. As for your current situation, I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do."Marla had arrived brimming
Marla hadn't held back, and Noelle's cheek immediately flushed red.The household staff standing nearby paled at the sight and rushed forward to block Marla."Get out of my way!" Marla snarled through clenched teeth. "Noelle, you're nothing but an ungrateful bitch! After everything Seline did for you—if it weren't for her, you'd be long dead!"Back then, you lived worse than a stray dog left out in the cold. Seline helped you so much—she even died saving Rosie! And this is how you repay us, her parents?"Marla was hysterical.The household staff tried to shield Noelle while calling Hendrix. But Noelle stopped them. Then, she stepped forward to face Marla directly."Mrs. Freeman." The household staff looked worried, but Noelle ignored them.She stood before Marla and asked, "I have a question for you.""What is it? You—"Noelle cut her off, "Did you have anything to do with my disappearance and injury?"The softly spoken question instantly silenced Marla. The fury that had bee
"But didn't Noelle lose her memories?" Marla asked."Who knows if she's truly forgotten or just pretending? But that doesn't matter because even if she has, the fact remains that Seline died saving Rosie, no?""That's true.""Yet, she's now working with Hendrix to take you and Mr. Swift down. Don't you think it's wrong of her to do that?"Marla didn't respond."So, will you talk to her?" Dylan pressed.Marla frowned at him."It's chaotic outside now. The shareholders are screaming for Mr. Swift to take responsibility, but how could you bear to drag him into this mess when he's still lying unconscious?"His words snapped Marla out of her daze. "You're right.""Don't worry. I'll take care of Mr. Swift. Right now, the priority is stopping Hendrix as soon as possible."Marla glanced at Dylan, then at the man lying in bed—Marshall still hadn't woken up.The doctor said Marshall was out of danger, but no one could say when he would regain consciousness. Honestly speaking, Marla di
Hendrix's prediction was correct.That very night, Marshall was indeed rushed to the hospital. In all honesty, he should have anticipated their plan's failure. But what truly shattered him was Dylan's betrayal.Everyone close to him knew just how much trust he had placed in Dylan. He had even secretly discussed with Marla that it might not be a bad idea to leave their fortune to Dylan after their passing.After all, if not for Dylan, the two of them might not have survived the grief that followed Seline's death. In their eyes, he was no different from a son.Yet, Marshall never imagined that the person he trusted so deeply would ultimately stab him in the back.As he lay unconscious in the hospital bed, Marla unleashed all her fury and resentment toward Dylan."How could you do this? After all the trust we placed in you! Do you even have any humanity left?" She was practically screaming at the top of her lungs.At this point, there was nothing she could do. The situation of the
"You barely ate anything back there, so I'm taking you for buffalo wings," Hendrix said."Buffalo wings?" Noelle turned to him in surprise.Hendrix caught her hand. "Yeah. You used to love it. Do you want to go?"A soft smile played on his lips now—a stark contrast to the cold expression he had worn earlier when discussing Dylan and the Swifts.Yet, this version of him felt strangely familiar to Noelle. Just as she studied him, Hendrix turned to look at her. "Well?"Only then did she realize he had asked her a question. After a brief hesitation, she finally nodded. "Okay."The car smoothly changed lanes, eventually pulling up in front of a shopping mall.It was a weekend, so the place was crowded. When Hendrix led her to the buffalo wings restaurant, they were even told that there was a waitlist.Hendrix instantly frowned. He turned to ask if Noelle wanted to go somewhere else, only to find her staring fixed ahead at a warmly lit bakery, its entrance adorned with a row of cotto
A sharp pain shot through Dylan, forcing him to his knees. Gritting his teeth, he looked up, only to see Hendrix already standing and shielding Noelle behind him.Hendrix locked his gaze onto Dylan. His eyes were full of disdain, like Dylan was beneath him."You should be explaining yourself to Mr. Swift right now. Why don't you tell me what really happened?"As he spoke, his eyes flicked toward Marshall.By then, Marshall's expression had already turned ashen, and his chest was rising and falling violently. He looked as if he might pass out any second.But Hendrix didn't care. He just grabbed Noelle's hand and walked out.Noelle glanced back at Dylan one last time.He was staring straight at her.That look felt strangely familiar to Noelle, like she'd seen it somewhere before. She tried to catch a glimpse of Marla and Marshall, but before she could, Hendrix yanked her out of the private room.Noelle couldn't help but ask, "Will they be okay in there?""Relax. I told the staf
After taking another sip of wine, Hendrix turned to Marshall. "Mr. Swift, you didn't invite us here today just to exchange pleasantries, did you?"His words made Marshall pause. He then slowly pressed his lips together."I'm well aware of Amity Group's current situation," Hendrix continued. "We all know survival of the fittest is the law in the world of business. But have you ever considered whether your business partners are truly reliable?"Dylan's expression darkened instantly. But then, he quickly scoffed and said, "Mr. Freeman, are you trying to drive a wedge between me and Mr. Swift?""Drive a wedge?" Hendrix's smile deepened. "You flatter yourself too much. After everything you've done, do I really need to do that?"Dylan clenched his fists.Just as he was about to retort, Hendrix shifted his attention back to Marshall. "Mr. Swift, you must be confused at what I'm talking about right now, but tomorrow's headlines will make it clear. The Amity Group shares you've acquired a
Hendrix's attitude was uncharacteristically deferential—enough to arouse suspicion and anxiety.But Marshall remained far calmer than Marla. He raised his glass without hesitation and said, "No need for apologies. What matters is that Noelle's been found.""Thank you for your concern, Mr. Swift," Hendrix replied.The two men conversed pleasantly, and after downing his drink in one gulp, Hendrix turned to look at Noelle.Noelle was frowning at the Swift couple, as if something had just occurred to her—or perhaps she was simply trying to recall a memory.But even that small action was enough to make Marla visibly uneasy.Clutching her wine glass, Marla hesitated for a moment before asking Noelle, "But why was there no news from you during that time? You have no idea how frantic Mr. Freeman was searching for you here. Were you unreachable, or was there another reason?"Marla probed carefully, her eyes fixed on Noelle, searching for something in her expression.Though she had alrea