Noelle and Clark's negotiation went smoothly. In fact, they went ahead with their second dance instead of leaving, the dance floot even when the first song had ended.

"I don't think I've got your name yet," Clark couldn't resist asking her.

Raising an eyebrow, she replied, "It's a masquerade ball, 1't see a need for us to exchange names,"

"But you already know who I am. Isn't that a little unfair for me?"

"There are plenty of people who are aware of your identity here. There's nothing I can do about it when you're so famous. "There was a tinge of resignation in her tone.

However, Clark didn't appear the slightest bit angry, Instead, he simply asked, "Does that mean that I won't get the chance to take you out for a meal after tonight?"

"Oh, you can still take me out." Noelle nodded earnestly as she continued, "When the time comes, you can bring your father along, and I'll come with Mr. Quinlans. Wouldn't it be nice if we had a meal together?"

So, it turns out you're Brandon's subordinate all this time. Are you his secretary? Or perhaps his

assistant? Could you be one of the talents under his company?" He made his guesses one after another.

But instead of giving him an answer, Noelle simply asked, So, what do you say about the meal, Mr. Townsend?"

"Well, I'll definitely accept it if you'll be there."

"Alright," Noelle agreed without hesitation.

Clark stared at her for a while before he spoke up, "You're not pulling any tricks, are you? I've remembered you tonight. All it takes is a glance, and I'll know if Brandon finds someone else to replace you.'

Noelle only smiled in response.noveldrama

"What, don't you believe me?" he asked.

"I do," she replied with a serious nod. "Thank you for your favor, Mr. Townsend. Rest assured, I'll be there as promised. As for whether you can recognize me... well, that depend on how sharp your eyes are."

"I'm starting to get more curious about your identity." Using; the dance steps to his advantage, Clark took a long stride toward Noelle as he spoke,

Startled, she was just about to step back when someone suddenly reached their leg out and stepped on Clark's foot. Infuriated, Clark immediately raised his head and snapped "Who-"

The chandelier overhead suddenly flickered just as his words fell. The next moment, all the lights in the banquet hall went out. A few startled screams instantly rang out in the venue.

A frown crossed Clark's face. He was just about to grab Noelle's hand when someone suddenly bumped into him from behind. In the end, he only managed to grasp at thin afr.

It didn't take long for the lights in the banquet hall to come back on. The incident only happened within a span of several seconds. But by the time Clark looked over, he realized that the person before him had

changed.

At the same time, a woman who was dressed in a black gown stared back at him in shock.

Noelle had no idea who had dragged her away. She wanted to struggle, but the person quickly covered her mouth

Chapter De

with his hand.

The fear of the unknown only caused her panic to grow amid the darkness. Her mask fell to the ground when she struggled to break free.

The man slid his hand down her waist as his palm pressed against her bare skin. Memories of that haunting nightmare instantly resurfaced in her mind as her struggles to break free grew even more intense.

She was just about to scream when the man grabbed her chin and moved in to kiss her.

Seizing the opportunity, Noelle immediately landed a kick at his crotch.

The man let out a groan and released his grip on her hands.

Just then, the lights overhead came back.

"Noelle," the man gritted out coldly.