Hendrix's negotiations went smoothly.

However, as expected, David was unwilling to give up so easily. After signing the contract, he insisted on having dinner with Hendrix, during which he tirelessly introduced his daughter. Even after Hendrix mentioned that he was married, David remained undeterred, saying it didn't matter.

David went on to emphasize how obedient his daughter was, adding that she could stay here while Hendrix visited her whenever he had the time. Of course, Hendrix didn't take any of it seriously.

After some back-and-forth, it was past midnight by the time Hendrix boarded his flight. Once he landed, he immediately headed back to the hotel.

During this time, Noelle had called him twice. The first call came while he was in a meeting, and the second while he was on the plane, so he hadn't been able to answer either.

Hendrix called Noelle back, but this time, she didn't answer. He knew she was likely angry-after all, he had locked her in the hotel room for an entire day.

After a moment's thought, he called the hotel and asked them to prepare a cake for him. Though he doubted the cake would be enough to soothe her anger, it was at least a gesture of sincerity on his part. Hendrix quickly used his room key to unlock the door. The room was dark and silent, just as he'd expected, so he wasn't surprised. Carrying the cake, he stepped inside. Passing through the living area, he soon reached the bedroom.

The weather tonight was surprisingly pleasant. The open curtains allowed the moonlight to pour in, illuminating everything in the room clearly. But Hendrix froze the moment he stepped inside, standing motionless as if rooted to the spot.noveldrama

For a moment, he thought he must have been mistaken. He quickly raised his hand and rubbed his eyes. There was indeed no one in the room.

After confirming this, a surge of anger hit him, but it was quickly overtaken by an overwhelming sense of panic.

This wasn't home. Where could Noelle possibly have gone on her own at such a late hour? Didn't she know how dangerous it was outside? What if someone had taken her?

He had specifically locked the door before leaving and had even informed the hotel in advance to follow his instructions. So, how could this have happened?

As these thoughts raced through his mind, a name quickly surfaced.

In a place like this, the only person capable of making the hotel ignore his orders and take her away was him. Hendrix's expression darkened to the extreme as the realization hit him. Then, without hesitation, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room.

Hendrix had been to Erwin's place many times before, and the people outside didn't stop him. But when he entered, he didn't find Noelle anywhere-not even Erwin. He called Erwin's phone, but there was no answer. Hendrix's hands began to tremble uncontrollably. He had known. The moment Erwin insisted he handle the negotiations today, something had felt off. But they had been friends for years, and Hendrix hadn't thought too much about it at the time.

Now, it was clear-he had overestimated Erwin. The so-called "a friend's wife was off-limits" thing was nothing but empty words to Erwin.

It was already the early hours of the morning. hendrix knew that by the time he arrived, whatever was going to happen had likely happened. His only hope now was that Noelle wouldn't be hurt, for Erwin was far from a gentle

person.

No, he wasn't even human.

If Hendrix had known things would turn out this way, he would never have brought Noelle along, let alone introduced her to Erwin.

Soon, Hendrix arrived at another of Erwin's villas.

Though he had been here a few times before, he wasn't as familiar with this place.

The guards here treated unfamiliar faces with equal vigilance. When they saw Hendrix blatantly ignoring their attempts to stop him, they even raised their guns in warning