Chapter 213 That Day Was Just a Fleeting Moment Whitney hadn't expected to run into Noel here

He seemed to have just finished giving his statement. A middle-aged man in a police uniform walked him to the station's entrance.

ly to the man

As Whitney's gaze shifted toward him, Noel noticed her too. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before he quickly looked away, speaking politely to beside him "Mr. Suidlalt, there's no need to walk me out.

"It's no trouble at all, Mr. Howard," the man replied warmly. "Thank you for coming down in person. I'll treat you and your father to a meal sometime soon."

"You're too land, Mr. Sinclair," Noel said. "It's my responsibility to cooperate witli your linvestigation. As for the meal, there's no need-1 just got out of the hospital, and my lather is also still recovering hut Lappreciate your thoughtfulim

Travis Sinclair, the middle-aged man, nodded, not pressing further. Atter shaking Noel's hand, he turned and headed back into the building.

By then, Whitney and yvette had reached the station's entrance as well.

Noel's daik, unreadable eyes briefly locked onto hers. It was only when her gaze dropped to the hand casually resting on his arm-belonging to the woman besid lum that she felt a sharp, wrenching palin herchest

"Noel, do you know

The woman's voi

's voter was smooth and slightly curious, her eyes fitting between Whitney and Noel.

Whitney didn't need to guess. This had to be Lilian.

She was stunning- a bold, dazzling beauty who commanded attention like a shooting star. Her chestnut hair tell in loose waves, and she wore a partially open. brown coat. Inside, she had on a black lace blouse paired with a wine-red leather start that barely reached mid-thigh, showing off her long, slender legs. A pair of sleek black stilettos completed the look, the heels thin and impossibly high.

She looked radiant and unrestrained.

Noel didn't respond right away, but his deep, penetrating gaze lingered on Whitney

Whitney laughed bitterly on the mide, Forget it. It would be better not to make things harder for him.

"Hello, Noel. I see you're here to give a statement too

Whitney's tone was light, as if their connection was nothing more than acquaintances at best

Aftera pause, Noel finally answered, his voice low. "Yes, I just finished."

His words followed her lead, but his tone was distant, a stark contrast to the waith he lud shown in the hospital that day.

So, they weren't anything to each other. That day in the hospital? it was just a fleeting moment. Nothing more.

Muttery tell as though tiny needles were stabbing her heart, each one stealing her breath.

Llooked at Whitney in surprise. "You're addressing him in such a familiar way. Are you Noel's cousin?-

Whitney's throat tightened. It was impossible to respond.

"No, the used in be Damian's lancer," Noel answered for Whitney

tiani was aware of the Howard family's recent turmoil. After all, it was the reason she had returned to the country earlier than planned, Her expression turned complicated. She wasn't sure whether to comfort Whitney or congratulate her. adar simply settled on, "So, you're the one Noel saved."

jltury swallowed the

Aller saying that, die fürürd to Nurl, a

irst, forcing herself to maintain composure. "I haven't had the chance to thank him."

ungful look in her eyes. "Thanks for saving ine,

was deliberate. It was a clear signal to him and herself that she wasn't going to hold on to what wasn't hers to claim.

bet taped no emotion. He simply nodded, las tone impassive. "It was the right thing to du."

Taratening to escapenoveldrama

larte atty hunger, so slar said, "I'll lead inside now

daissaient for posi, would you stop by the Howard residence? Mi. Howard Sendor would like to see you,

15

son für argument. "huneed to bundle Ms. Jerulig!

212

Upon saying that, he tumed and walked off with Lilian

Whitney couldn't understand what Noel was thinking. He had chosen Lilian, and Whitney had made it clear she wouldn't pester him. Why did he insist on making things harder for her?

"Are you okay?" Yvette asked, concern evident in her voice.

Whitney shookherbrad

As Yvette walked beside her into the building, she said, "You know, he really does care about you. When you went missing, I called him for help. He didn't even hesitate and went straight to find Damian. Later, when I told him you had called me but hung up before saying much, he went out alone to look for you again. But now, the way he's acting toward you..."

Her words trailed off, besitating before she doubtfully added, "Could the rumors about the Howard family arranging an engagement with the Reid family really be