Javier inquired, "You think it's pretty goou,, huh? That's the charm of Vinton City's landscape. If this were in Coppersville, it definitely wouldn't be the same.

"Try this chicken soup. It's on a completely different level compared to the usual stuff out there. The restaurant's still in its soft opening phase, but give it some time, and it sure to make waves in the

scene...

Javier launched into an enthusiastic monologue.

It wasn't until later that Noelle found out that Javier had a stake in the restaurant. That explained a lot. Noelle sat quietly, listening as Javier rambled on about the restaurant's future plans. After a while, she finally couldn't take it anymore, so she stood and said, "Excuse me I need to use the restroom."

Javier glanced at her but didn't bother to respond. He was simply too engrossed in his conversation with Hendrix. Not minding it in the slightest, Noelle smiled and walked out of the private dining room. The restaurant was massive, and it seemed they were the only customers that evening. She strolled along the hallway until she finally found the restroom.

She had to admit, a lot of thought had gone into the place's decor. Even the restroom was outfitted with crystal chandeliers, and the oversized floor-to-ceiling mirrors stretched across several yards, making the space feel more like an upscale gym than a restroom.

Noelle adjusted her outfit and stepped out of the stall. Just as she was about to touch up her makeup, someone else walked in. Seeing who it was, Noelle didn't reach much She simply continued applying her lipstick

Sandra stopped beside her.

"Noelle, you're really something," Sandra said. "Even after coming all the way to Vinton City, you still cling to Hendrix like some stubborn leech. How do you even manage it?"noveldrama

Noelle finished evening out her lipstick before turning to face her. "Aren't you pregnant? What are you doing here with Mr. Mueller?"

"Ha! What does that have to do with you?

"Then, what I do has nothing to do with you, either, does it?"

Noelle's calm retort made Sandra's expression freeze.

Noelle dropped her lipstick into her bag and turned to leave But just as she reached the door, something seemed to occur to her, so she turned to Sandra again.

"Oh, and one more thing-you've got it wrong. The one acting like a leech isn't me, but Hendrix."

"Why you-"Sandra seemed like she had more to say, but Noelle couldn't be bothered to listen.

She tossed her used paper towel into the bin and walked out without a backward glance.

Inside the private room, the conversation between the two men had shifted to the development and future prospect of Vinton City.

Hendrix avoided mentioning Elm Group directly but framed the discussion around their current

partnership, giving Javier a clear picture of their present circumstances. As for the finer details, those were for Javier to consider on his own.

Javier simply smiled and didn't respond. However, the fact that he hadn't interrupted Hendrix was, in itself, the

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biggest shift in his attitude all eve

Eventually, the three of them raised tu glasses for a toast

"Ms. Swanson, water instead of wine, I assume?" Hendrix said, smoothly swapping out her glass.

"Wouldn't want to cause trouble. This place isn't exactly easy to negotiate with."

Hendrix's gesture made Javier raise an eyebrow as his gaze flicked between the two of them.

But before Hendrix could say anything, Noelle casually pushed his hand away. She then smiled at Javier,

saying, Since it's our first time meeting, and we've had such a pleasant conversation, it only makes sense to share a drink.

"How about this, Mr. Mueller? I'll drink first as a sign of respect."

With that, Noelle tilted her head back and drained her glass in one smooth motion.

Hendrix's gaze darkened slightly, but Javier merely glanced at him before breaking into a grin.

"Well said! Ms. Swanson, you're certainly a straightforward person. I'll drink to that!"