Finally, Noelle sank onto the couch, wrapping her arms tightly around herself.

Just then, the same unknown number flashed on her phone again.

She hadn't saved the number, but after seeing it just once the previous night, it was already seared into her memory. Without hesitation, she grabbed the phone and hurled it to the floor.

At Nivis Villa, Mabel stood on the other side of the ornate iron gate, her sharp gaze fixed on the scruffy man in front of her. "And who are you supposed to be?"

"I'm William Kaplan, I'm Luna's... I mean, Noelle's father, William said, baring a grin that revealed yellowed teeth. "I know she's staying here. Tell her to come out and see me.

It was common knowledge in Coppersville that Noelle had been missing as a child and had spent over a decade in the countryside. One glance at the man, and Mabel instantly recognized who he was. Her lips curled in disdain as her gaze swept over him.

"Ms. Noelle has moved out."

"She moved out? How is that possible? Isn't she-"

"She and Mr. Freeman are divorced," Mabel interrupted, her tone laced with irritation. "If you're looking for her, go bother the Swanson family. Now, get lost.!! "Divorced?"

William never expected that answer. He had only recently learned from the news that Noelle had married Hendrix, the wealthiest man in Coppersville. Just the thought of having a connection to someone so powerful had been enough to send him into fits of excitement.

He never expected Noelle and Hendrix to be divorced!

"That's right. They've been divorced for a while now. So scram before I call security!"

Mabel couldn't hide her disgust. She didn't even want to look at William again. Rolling her eyes, she turned and walked away.

When Mabel returned inside, she found Hendrix coming down the stairs. He was adjusting the cuffs of his shirt as he asked, "Who was outside?"

"Just someone at the wrong door," Mabel replied quickly.

But Hendrix lifted his gaze, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. Even though Mabel had practically raised him and was a good 20 years his senior, that look sent a jolt through her.

She hesitated for only a moment before confessing, "That man said he was Mrs. Freeman's... I mean, Ms. Noelle's father. He wanted to see her."

"Her father?" Hendrix's brows furrowed slightly.

"It wasn't Mr. Swanson," Mabel added hurriedly, immediately sensing Hendrix's misunderstanding. "It's probably her adoptive father. You could tell just by looking at him that he's from some rural area. Strange, though

why didn't he come looking for her before?"

Hendrix gave no response, his expression unreadable as he took a seat at the dining table.

"Should we... do something?" Mabel ventured cautiously.

"If he's gone, leave it," Hendrix said flatly, as if the man had just been an unrelated stranger to him. And in fact, William was a complete stranger to Hendrix.

Mabel exhaled in relief and nodded. Changing the subject, she added, "By the way, do you have any free evenings this week, Mr. Freeman?"

Hendrix glanced up, his brow arched.

"Well, your birthday is coming up," Mabel said, forcing a bright tone. "Ms. Sandra called earlier-she would like to throw you a small celebration. She was wondering when you might be available-"

"You're overstepping," Hendrix interrupted, his voice light but pointed.

That single comment made Mabel's face pale.

For a moment, she could only fumble for a response, but Hendrix didn't wait for one. He calmly set his newspaper down, dabbed the corner of his mouth with a napkin, and stood to leave.noveldrama