Chapter 345
+25 BONUS
After all, Noelle already knew.
In a way, it was better this way. Everyone else only saw Hendrix’s gentle, polished facade, but Noelle was the only one who knew this side of him.
And that was how it should be. After all, she was his wife the only person in the world who had the right to grow old with him.
Letting her see this “true self” was only fitting. It was just that Hendrix hadn’t anticipated it happening in this way, under these circumstances.
After a night that teetered on the edge of madness, Hendrix woke up. He had only slept for two hours, but his energy was surprisingly intact.
Noelle was still sound asleep beside him. Her eyelids were slightly swollen, and her body below the neck was covered in mottled marks, with even a bite mark on her shoulder that he had left.
As for when he’d bitten her, Hendrix couldn’t remember, nor did he care.
While getting dressed, he called the hotel front desk to have ointment delivered to the room, then personally applied it to Noelle’s skin.
The process was anything but smooth. Noelle woke up mid–way and, realizing he was near her, startled and instinctively tried to kick him.
It wasn’t until later that she realized he was only applying the ointment for her. Although she voiced her reluctance, she eventually let him continue.
After applying the ointment, Hendrix placed the breakfast delivered by the hotel on the bedside table, then stood. and left the room. But not before locking the door behind him.
Even though he had already taken her passport, he knew Noelle’s temperament well enough to realize she might still find a way to escape. Especially after what happened last night, he came to a realization–using those previous conditions to threaten her was no longer enough.
He needed a new bargaining chip. Fortunately, obtaining one wasn’t difficult. In fact, it might already be on its way. Until then, he needed patfence. For now, Noelle’s freedom would have to be temporarily restricted, even if it meant making her endure a bit of discomfort.
Soon, the car pulled up in front of the villa.
A sign reading “No Visitors Allowed” still hung at the entrance, and as Hendrix got out of the car, he could see uniformed security guards patrolling the area. But he had been here many times before, and the guards had long since learned to ignore his presence.
The parking lot still held many cars, their flashy designs and vibrant colors reflecting the wild, indulgent personality of their owners.
Hendrix had left in a hurry last night, missing the later parts of the evening’s events. But it was precisely because he knew what was to come that he had chosen to leave early
As he stepped into the villa, a strong, unmistakable scent reminiscent of photinia flowers wafted through the air. The living room was an absolute mess.
Despite the late hour, many of those sprawled across the furniture were still fast asleep. The sight of arms and legs tangled together made Hendrix feel nauseated.
Chapter 345
+25 BONUS
Thankfully, Erwin was already awake. He was out in the garden, a cigar between his fingers, lost in the quiet reflection of his so–called “sage time“.
Hendrix had known he would be there.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, Erwin didn’t bother turning around and instead said, “It’s a shame you left early last night. That idiot Alan Conley put on quite the show, dragging two women onstage for an impromptu performance.”
Hendrix stopped beside him and replied calmly, “What’s so fun about that?”
His indifference caught Erwin off guard, and he raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. After a moment’s thought, he nodded “You’re right–nothing special about it.”
But soon, Erwin’s gaze landed on the faint scratches on Hendrix’s neck.
“Did your wife do that?”
