Chapter 427
Noelle knew that Hendrix was doing this to prove her innocence.
When they entered the private dining room, she wasn’t surprised to see that it was filled entirely with men.
Noelle had rarely been seen in public lately. In the past, she would occasionally accompany Hendrix to public events, but she didn’t even attend those now.
In fact, the last time she had appeared in public was at their own wedding. But the wedding was disrupted midway, so no one had had the chance to speak with her.
Now that they saw her, they immediately began offering toasts with smiles on their faces.
“My wife has been wanting to chat with you. She’s hosting a tea party at home for two days–you should join if you have time.”
“I heard you enjoy painting, right? I saw a piece at an auction recently.”
Noelle hated dealing with situations like this. Back when she worked at Elm Group, she had no choice but to put up with it. But now, she didn’t want to entertain a single word.
Fortunately, Hendrix noticed her discomfort, so he reached out to take the wine glass from her.
“She can’t have any wine right now, so I’ll drink on her behalf.”
Given Hendrix’s status, he could have easily refused the drink and taken her away. But he didn’t. Instead, he drank the glass of wine right in front of everyone.
The smiles around them instantly turned teasing.
“Mr. Freeman, you sure are protective of your wife.”
“Mrs. Freeman, you’re so lucky! You two look really happy together.”
Noelle remained silent, but seeing that Hendrix was about to drink a second glass, she reached out to stop him.
“Are you trying to kill yourself? You just got out of the hospital.”
Her voice was low, but her actions were clear as day to everyone in the room.
The teasing grew even louder.
Noelle ignored them, frowning at Hendrix instead.
He chuckled and set the glass down. “Alright. I won’t drink anymore.”
Then, he turned to the others. “My wife has always been a strict one. I won’t be able to join you for the next round, but please enjoy yourself. And put everything on my tab.”
After a round of polite farewells, the two of them finally left the private dining room.
Once they were in the car, Noelle asked Hendrix, “Did you do that on purpose?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Do what on purpose?”
Noelle didn’t answer. She just stared at him.
“I just didn’t want to join them for the next round of drinks” Hendrix admitted readily. “But I couldn’t say that directly, so I used you as an excuse.”
Chapter 427
+25
BONUS
Even though Hendrix said it matter–of–factly, Noelle felt there was more to it. Still, she didn’t press further. Instead, she turned to look out the car window.
It was then her eyes met someone’s gaze outside.
Olivia had been standing there for who knew how long. Snowflakes had settled on her eyelashes, and her once- round face seemed to have thinned.
At that moment, she was staring straight at them.
Noelle frowned slightly.
Hendrix, however, seemed oblivious. He simply took Noelle’s hand and toyed with it in his palm.
Noelle paid him no mind.
They drove off without pause, gliding past Olivia without a second glance.
Noelle pursed her lips. Finally, unable to hold back, she asked, “Did you run into Dr. Garnet today?”
“Who?”
“Dr. Garnet.”
Hendrix still looked confused, so Noelle clarified, “Olivia Garnet. Dr. Garnet. What’s your relationship with her?”
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