Hendrix had indeed drunk quite a bit. After leaving Noelle's place, he had gone straight to the bar, and he couldn't remember exactly how much he had drunk. But when Lana appeared in front of him, he suddenly became incredibly clear-headed.

So, he called Dan, asking him to handle things with Lana. He had already wrapped up the Amity Group matter. Thus he no longer needed Lana as a cover.

Moreover, when he looked into Lana's eyes, he suddenly became painfully clear about one thing she wasn't Noelle, nor could she ever replace Noelle. So, he went back to Noelle's place.

Noelle said he was crazy. In truth, Hendrix felt that way too Because if he wasn't crazy, how could he have agreed to her conditions?

He knew full well she was degrading him, but at that moment, he suddenly wondered maybe she was just trying to force him to leave in this way? And why would she do that?

Maybe it was because she still had feelings for him, and she was afraid she would fall for him again if she were to see him? This thought did surface, but even Hendrix himself found it absurd and ridiculous.noveldrama

But he knew he was sober. He could even clearly hear a part of himself telling him he shouldn't be doing this. Then, another part of him answered. He knew, but he couldn't control it, nor did he want to.

He didn't know how much time had passed before he slowly opened his eyes. The air conditioner in the room was set a bit too low, making him feel a chill. But Hendrix quickly realized the real reason he was cold-he was the only one in the bed.

He immediately got up from the bed, not even bothering to put on his slippers as he walked out barefoot Then, he saw her-standing on the balcony, smoking.

The sky was beginning to lighten. She wore a loose jacket, her hair falling lazily around her shoulders, with her cigarette glowing between her fingers.

Before she could even exhale the smoke, Hendrix had taken a few steps forward and snuffed out her cigarette. The sudden movement made Noelle frown and look at him.

Hendrix didn't say a word. He just pressed down on the cigarette, as if it were the devil itself.

Noelle stared at his hand for a moment before saying, "Hendrix, it's not too late to back out now." Hendrix didn't answer. He simply stared at her.

Noelle smiled at him. "I'm not the Noelle I used to be. I'm a businesswoman now-someone who smokes, drinks, and uses methods that are exactly respectable. As some people have said, I'm like a socialite. Noelle wasn't expecting an answer from him anyway, so she turned away. "You can leave now," She had planned to walk away, but before she could take a step, Hendrix grabbed her hand. "Quit smoking," he said.

The Noelle you wanted-no, the Noelle you're looking for is gone. So, you're bound to lose in this deal." The climate in Vinton City was a bit milder compared to Coppersville. At this moment, the morning breeze still carried a hint of chill. After Noelle finished speaking, she found her fingertips trembling involuntarily. Hendrix remained silent.

he said.

The sudden statement caught Noelle off guard. Then, she smiled and said, "What difference would it make if I quit? Do you think quitting will make me turn back into the person I once was? Besides, I can't even think of

1 anything good about the old Noelle?"

She was dull and boring, no?

And useless, too. She was a total pushover whom others could easily manipulate.