Perhaps out of guilt or nerves, Noelle found herself frowning when Hendrix didn't respond for a while. Just as she was about to ask again, he casually gave her the verification code and the password. He didn't even bother to ask what she needed the computer for.

She froze for a moment, but she didn't dwell on it. After a dirt acknowledgment, she promptly hung up the call. Then, she quickly entered the number he had given her. The password was unfamiliar to her, and she had no idea what it signified, but she didn't ask, either.

The computer unlocked quickly. And there, staring back at her from the desktop, was the wallpaper of their wedding photo.

Noelle was momentarily stunned, but then, she thought about his dealing with Julio and the way he always presented himself with such calculated tenderness. The contrast struck her as utterly laughable. So, before even attempting to locate the files she was after, she took a moment to replace his wallpaper. Now, staring at one of the system's default scenic wallpapers, she found her mood had lightened just a bit. But she quickly discovered another problem-Hendrix had encrypted all the files.

Asking him for the computer password could be explained as needing to use it, but there was no way she could ask him for the folder passwords.

Noelle tried entering a few guesses, but they were all incorrect. In the end, she had no choice but to give up.

There was nothing on the desk, and the bookshelf behind her was even less promising. Noelle searched through most of it without finding anything remotely relevant. In the end, she had no choice but to give up.

By then, night had already fallen.

Hendrix still hadn't returned, and while Noelle didn't feel like eating, she also had no desire to go to the master bedroom. As she stepped out of the study, her gaze instinctively drifted to the room at the corner of the hallway. The door was closed, but even so, she could easily picture the scene and layout behind it- if it was still the same as when she had last been there.

Still, Noelle didn't go inside.

After staring at the door for a moment, she simply turned and headed downstairs. Finally, she collapsed onto the couch and shut her eyes.

Noelle didn't know when Hendrix had returned. Before opening her eyes, the first thing she became aware of was the hand resting gently against her cheek. She tensed up instantly and quickly opened her eyes.

Hendrix's face appeared in front of her, and Noelle instinctively tried to slap him. This time, Hendrix was faster. He grabbed her hand before it could land.

He didn't seem angry, though. Instead, he smiled and said, "My face has already drawn enough attention today. That red mark finally faded, and now, you want to add another?"

Noelle scoffed. "Serves you right. Who told you to scare me?"

"Who told you to sleep here?"noveldrama

"What? Am I not allowed to? Fine. If that's the case, I'll just go back to the hotel instead."

As soon as she finished speaking, Noelle stood up to leave, but Hendrix quickly grabbed her arm again.

His smile deepened. "Why are you in such a rush? I was just worried you might catch a cold sleeping here."

Chanter

Noelle didn't respond. She simply pried his hand off her wrist with an expressionless face.

Hendrix continued, "You haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll have something sent over."

Noelle was about to decline, but a thought struck her, and her voice grew tense as she asked, "How do you know I haven't eaten?"

Hendrix's hand, mid-dialing the phone, paused.

But after a moment, he gave her a small smile. "Oh, I forgot to mention this house? There's actually surveillance cameras installed in every room."