Noelle slowly rose to her feet. However, she didn't rush to leave. Instead, her gaze lingered on the wound on William's abdomen before slowly drifting downward.

William sensed that something was wrong. But before he could do anything, Noelle suddenly lifted her foot and stomped down hard on his family jewel.

"It's best if this thing rots away!" said Noelle vehemently.

That was the last thing William heard before the searing pain overtook him, plunging him into unconsciousness.

Noelle didn't spare him another glance. When she stepped out, she collided head-on with someone. "What the hell, you-" scolded Helen Myrtle, the woman next door.

She had been spying on Noelle for a month and had noticed that Noelle's "boyfriend" hadn't shown up during that time. Naturally, she felt no fear toward Noelle-who had clearly been dumped.

Just as Helen was about to lash out at Noelle, she noticed the bloodstains on Noelle's clothes, her disheveled hair, and the hollow look in her eyes.

"Holy shit! What happened to you?" Helen couldn't help but exclaim.

Noelle didn't respond. She didn't even glance at Helen. Instead, she simply walked forward, as if lost in her own thoughts.

Helen watched her retreating figure and realized that Noelle had left the door wide open-something she never did. Normally, Noelle would make sure the door was securely shut. Now that the opportunity presented itself, Helen didn't hesitate at all.

But when she walked in, she was shocked to find a man lying in the bedroom-covered in blood.

Noelle's steps faltered for a moment when she heard Helen's scream coming from behind. But she didn't turn around. She simply continued walking downstairs. She appeared calm on the surface, but as she stepped outside, she realized her legs were shaking uncontrollably.

At first, she had intended to turn herself in at the police station. But at that moment, it felt as though every ounce of strength had drained from her body. She couldn't take another step forward.

Finally, she pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling as the dialed a number.

"Hello, I... I want to turn myself in."

Hendrix had been abroad for the past few days.

Amity Group's stock had been plummeting recently, but it was all under his control. He had used this opportunity to purge some unnecessary individuals from the company.

Throughout this period, he had been preoccupied with managing the situation, and by the time he returned to

persville, it was just around the Christmas season

The Christmas season travel rush was in full swing, and the airport was crowded with people. Dan came to pick him up. After helping Hendrix with his suitcase, Dan began briefing him on the company's recent events.

Hendrix listened while walking forward. As the report came to an end, Dan suddenly grew silent. Hendrix glanced at him. "Is there something else?"

"It's about Ms. Swanson," replied Dan hesitantly.

Hendrix's pace faltered for a moment, and his lips tightened into a thin line. He had initially wanted to dismiss the matter, but the words still slipped out. "What happened to her?"

"Ms. Swanson has been arrested."

Hendrix, who had been walking briskly, suddenly stopped in his tracks. He then turned to look at Dan. "What did you just say?

Dan couldn't tell if it was his imagination, but he could almost hear Hendrix's voice tremble.noveldrama

Before Dan could respond, Hendrix, impatient and angry, asked again, "What did you say?"

"Ms. Swanson was arrested a few days ago for stabbing someone. The news has been all over Coppersville recently.