Noelle had just returned to her flat on Serene Street when she received a call from Beatrice.

"Are you free?" Beatrice's tone was as clear and decisive as ever. Leite meet."

Noelle knew she couldn't avoid this meeting. And, truth be old, there were things she wanted to ask as well. So, she didn't hesitate to agree.

Beatrice suggested meeting at an exclusive café, and by the time Noelle arrived, she was already settled in a private room.

Beatrice was wearing a white dress as usual with her hair elegantly styled up. The passing of time

seemed to have left no mark on her face-it was still as smooth and flawless as ever.

As Noelle entered the private room, Beatrice smiled and gently set a cup of coffee in front of her. "Try this.

It' new batch of Blue Mountain for this year. I remember you've always liked it."

Noelle thanked Beatrice. She picked up the cup and took a sip of the hot coffee.

"So, when did you and Hendrix get back together?" Beatrice's question came out of the blue.

Noelle's fingers stilled for a moment. Then, she slowly lifted her gaze.

"I had a feeling, actually," Beatrice continued, her expression calm. "Didn't the two of you have an

argument before? The palm print on his face had the entire company gossiping for days."

Noelle had completely forgotten about that incident. Hearing Beatrice mention it so casually made her

cheeks flush. She opened her mouth to say something, but she didn't know what to say.

a

"At first, I thought he had a new girlfriend. It wasn't until saw him buy Mr. York's painting that I realized it was you. If I'm not mistaken, that painting was for you, right?"

Painting? Noelle had no idea what Beatrice was talking about. But she quickly regained her composure. "I don't think so. I've never seen the painting.

"That just means he hasn't had the chance to give it to you yet," Beatrice said with certainty. "Still, I'm pretty sure that painting was meant for you."

"No, there must be some misunderstanding. I-"

Beatrice interrupted her smoothly, "You've always been fond of Mr. York's paintings, right? I heard you even wanted to study under him, but for some reason, it never worked out. You know, Hendrix has always kept that in mind."

"But how did he know?"

"Of course he knows!" Beatrice chuckled softly. "In fact, he's been keeping an eye on you ever since you started. university. Perhaps it was because he became curious about you after I told him about the marriage we parents arranged for the two of you.

"In any case, he often visited your university during that time. It was actually why I insisted that you two o get married after graduation. I honestly thought you'd be happy together. But now, it seems I

overestimated him. He doesn't understand anything, least of all his own feelings."

Noelle had never heard any of this before, nor could she picture Hendrix acting in such a way. And that was exactly why she was so shocked.

"Well, at least he's realized a thing or two now," Beatrice said with a quick smile. "You two... seem to be doing

well now?"

"Uh... Things between us aren't exactly the way you think they are.

0

Beatrice laughed gently. "Whatever they are, I think it's enough for now."

"You don't mind?"

"Mind what?":

"The recent rumors about me."noveldrama