Naturally, Hendrix didn't believe Noelle. After all, just half an hour ago, they had been wrapped in each other's warmth, and now, Noelle was calmly telling him to leave.noveldrama

He stared at her for a long moment before letting out a short laugh. "You're joking, right? Noelle, you- Hendrix had just removed his gloves, intending to pull her into his arms, but Noelle quickly dodged him and asked, "What deal did you make with Javier?"

Her serious expression made his hand freeze midair. In the end, he had no choice but to slowly withdraw

it.

Although he couldn't quite understand how this related to her sudden request, Hendrix still answered, "He had some trouble with assets abroad, and I helped him resolve

Noelle nodded. "Oh, that explains it."

Hendrix frowned. "What's wrong? Did something happen?

"No, on the contrary, thanks to your help, our project has been progressing smoothly, and the funds were disbursed today. Otherwise, it might have taken a month to get results.'

Hendrix listened but couldn't quite piece it together. If everything went so smoothly, then why....

As if anticipating his confusion, Noelle quickly added, "So, you're no longer of any use to me, Hendrix." The moment those words left her mouth, Hendrix's expression gradually faded. Then, in a tense voice, he asked, What did you just say?"

"I think what I just said is clear enough, isn't it?" Noelle said seriously. "I've firmly established myself here now, so you're no longer of any use to me. More importantly, I've already discussed it with Dylan. We're planning to get married next month.

"If our relationship were purely superficial, it wouldn't matter. But since marriage involves much greater stakes and interests, continuing to maintain this kind of relationship with you is obviously inappropriate. So-

Before Noelle could finish speaking, Hendrix grabbed her hand in a vise-like grip. His strength was overwhelming, as if he intended to crush her hand. Noelle winced in pain, her brows furrowing instinctively.

"What are you doing?"

"Are you playing me?" Hendrix asked through gritted teetly

Noelle smiled. "Mr. Freeman, aren't you taking this too seriously? Didn't we agree from the beginning that this was just done out of mutual benefit?

"And if I remember correctly, didn't you once say you were willing to let me use you? It hasn't been that long since you said it-have you forgotten already? I haven't."

She paused, her smile growing more pointed. "But I never said I wouldn't ever end things. So, what do you propose? After I marry Dylan, the three of us live together? And you be my hidden lover that no one's supposed to know about?"

The corners of her lips lifted into a smile, and her bright eyes reflected the light, making her appear even more charming and captivating. But it also reminded Hendrix of something-poppies, though beautiful, are poisonous.

Her grip on her hand tightened further, his voice growing pale and strained. "When did you and Dylan decide to get married? Why are you getting married? And what was all that between us just now? Why were you being so good to me just now?"

Hendrix felt like he was on the vergs peak of happiness, only to be ruthlessly

sing his mind. In just a few short hours, he felt like he had reached the

ought down the moment he got close to what he desired the most.

Beside him, Noelle was still watching him with a smirk.

He should have stopped talking.