“hapter 359
+25 BONUS
Noelle rarely was called by her nickname, especially by someone who bore such a striking resemblance to Hendrix.
Nathan was wearing a white shirt today and no tie, with the sleeves casually rolled up. On his wrist was a watch of an unknown brand, clearly aged, with the leather strap showing signs of wear and cracking
He was smiling gently as always. “I saw you just now but wasn’t sure it was you. What are you doing here all alone?”
“L…uh… came down for a walk.”
This was their second meeting.
Noelle still vividly remembered the awkward scene at Freeman Manor last time, but Nathan seemed entirely unbothered by it. He nodded earnestly at her response.
“Is that so? Have you had dinner yet? Hendrix has been in meetings nonstop since he got back to the office. I’m guessing he hasn’t had time to look after you?”
Noelle had intended to lie, but before she could say anything, her stomach growled audibly.
Nathan clearly heard it, too, and his smile broadened instantly.
Noelle suddenly found herself at a loss for words.
Nathan quickly stopped smiling. “How about I take you out to dinner? I know a pretty good restaurant nearby.”
“No, it’s okay,” Noelle rejected him without a second thought. “I can just grab something simply on my own.
With that, she turned and walked away.
Nathan didn’t press the matter. He simply remained standing where he was as he watched her leave.
Even without looking back, Noelle could still feel his gaze following her, causing her to frown. But when she finally stopped and turned around to check, she found that bo one was there.
It seemed it had only been her imagination.
In the end, Noelle settled for a quick meal at a nearby convenience store. Since Hendrix hadn’t called her, it meant his meetings were still ongoing. Even if she returned to his office now, she would still be alone.
If she went back to Nivis Villa, the only thing she could do was sleep–but she’d already napped enough in the afternoon. So, after finishing her meal, she decided to wander around the area for a while.
It was undeniable that this area was the heart of Coppersville’s elite business district. Even though it was nearly 10:00 pm, the surrounding skyscrapers were still brightly lit. On the streets, the few people who passed by were hurrying along, their faces etched with visible exhaustion.
As Noelle slowly made her way back to Amity Group, the fountain in front of her suddenly lit up. The abrupt movement startled her, and just as the water jets seemed poised to drench her, someone suddenly yanked her away from behind.
Noelle couldn’t help but stumble slightly, but the other hand of the person landed firmly on her waist. In that instant, she found herself encircled in his arms. A faintly familiar scent infiltrated her nostrils, but for a moment,
she couldn’t recall where she had smelled it before.
She suddenly lifted her head, only to be met with the person’s gaze. Those deep, familiar eyes left her
+25 BONUS
Chapter 359
momentarily dazed.
But before she could fully process the moment, another voice rang out, “Noelle!”
The voice was loud, cutting through the expanse of the square and striking directly at her heart. Her expression shifted noticeably, and she instinctively turned her head.
Across from the fountain stood Hendrix! His eyes were locked onto her with an intensity that felt like he was trying to year her apart with his gaze alone.
