Maxwell said without waiting for Noelle to respond, "Have you heard about it? I'm getting engaged to the Swanson family."

Noelle had just picked up her fork and taken a bite of the cake. She slowly set her fork down at his words and nodded.

"To Sandra," she replied. "I know."

"I heard you've severed ties with the Swansons" Maxwell lowered his gaze and said, "We would have been engaged now if that didn't happen."

He laughed this time, though the smile never reached his eyes no matter how hard he tried. The corners of his lips carried an endless bitterness.

Noelle paused momentarily before saying. "You can talk to them if you don't want to...

He shook his head. "They brought me back just to squeeze every ounce of value out of me. I've met over a dozen people in just over 20 days."

"Value?" She frowned. "Wouldn't a successful marriage alliance be a threat to them? Why would they... He cut her off, "You don't know, do you? Gabriel's crippled after the last car accident. It means he can't have children of his own. Do you understand the value I was talking about now?"

She was at a loss for words.

The private room slowly fell into a heavy silence.

"This will probably be the last time we could have a meal together." Maxwell raised his wineglass. "I want to congratulate you, though it's a bit late. You're finally free from them and no longer under their control." Noelle said nothing more. She simply raised her glass and clinked it against his. "Thank you."

11

Meanwhile, Sandra was also at a restaurant. It was already 8:30 pm, but the seat across from her remained empty.

Sandra could no longer contain her unease when the waiter came in for the third time to reheat the dishes. She intended to call Hendrix again.

However, the door to the private room opened once more before she could dial.

Her eyes immediately lit up when she saw Hendrix. "Rix!"

Hendrix responded faintly, sidestepping her attempt to take his hand as he pulled out a chair and sat down.

"What do you need?" His tone was rather indifferent.

Sandra was momentarily stunned before she quickly said,... I just thought it had been a while since we last met. I just wanted to have dinner with you..."

He didn't reply and merely lifted his head to look at her.

She thought he must have just come from a business negotiation. Otherwise, why would he look at her with such Intensity?

"1..." Sandra suddenly felt diffident and tightened her grip on the coffee cup before continuing, "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask your opinion on."

"What is it?"noveldrama

"It's about my... engagement with Maxwell." Her voice faltered. "You probably already know about it, don't you? Honestly, I don't want to get married so soon. I'm only 22 years old!"

Her words brought a memory to his mind. Noelle was also at that age when she married him.

Sandra lowered her gaze before she continued, "And I know... Maxwell doesn't love me."

"Oh?" Hendrix remained unfazed. "Then, who does he love?!

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