Hendrix explained, "Now, I realize I was wrong. If it was the wrong choice, then I should do everything I can to fix it. That's exactly what I'm doing now.

"To be honest, I used to think people who were controlled by their emotions were foolish. But when it happened to me, I realized it's not such a bad feeling. The profits in business have always been meaningless numbers to me. But if those numbers were tied to you, they'd actually make me happy." The plane had already taken off. Hendrix powered off his tablet, his unwavering gaze locked on Noelle. In the depths of his eyes burned an undeniable sincerity and longing.

Noelle met his gaze, then suddenly laughed. "Honestly, if I'd heard you say this in the past, I'd probably be overjoyed."

"And now?" Hendrix asked.

"It's too late," she said, her voice calm.

Hendrix's eyes narrowed slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "You're going to say it's because you have a boyfriend, right? I already know about you and Dylan, You're just in a contractual relationship with him. There's no real emotion there, is there?"

Noelle's expression flickered, but she quickly calmed down "So what if that's true?"

"That means you don't love Dylan."

"You're right. I don't love him," Noelle admitted with a slight nod. "But I don't love you, either."

"That doesn't matter. Like I said, that's your choice. What I do is my own."noveldrama

Noelle fell silent, but her eyes remained locked on his. After a moment, she broke into a faint smile. "What exactly do you want to do? Isn't giving me the Continental Reach partnership enough?

"What else do you want? If I have it, it's yours," Hendrix replied without hesitation

This caught Noelle off guard. For a moment, it truly felt as if he would give anything she asked to her.

She instinctively clenched her hands, but her voice remained steady. "Aren't you afraid that once I've used you, I'll just toss you aside?"

"That's your choice, too. I'll accept it."

Noelle didn't respond this time. Instead, her gaze slowly dropped, her thoughtful expression giving

Hendrix pause. For a moment, he simply watched her with undisguised longing.

Noelle was dressed casually tonight, wearing a simple white T-shirt paired with beige pants. Her hair had slipped loose from behind her ears, and her long, thick lashes cast soft shadows over her eyes, partially veiling the gentle clarity within them.

Hendrix was staring at her intently when Noelle suddenly lifted her gaze. It snapped him out of his trance, but he didn't look away. Instead, he remained seated, his eyes fixed steadily on hers.

"I need some time to think," she said at least.

"What?" uttered Hendrix in disbelief.

"About you and me," Noelle clarified. "But until then, I want you to keep your distance from me."

The look in Hendrix's eyes shifted noticeably. An indescribable joy surged through his chest. He couldn't -

remember the last time he had felt this kind of pure happiness. Never had he imagined that his emotions could change so easily.

He couldn't help but break into a smile, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he replied, "Alright. But how long will you need? You'll have to give me an answer eventually."