At last, Noelle returned to her rental apartment. She prepared to remove her makeup when the editor-in- chief of her online publisher called.

They claimed that her work did not meet the site's rules and had decided to unilaterally halt their collaboration with her.

Noelle furrowed her brows and asked, "What rules did I go against?

"Our legal department has received a report stating that the male lead you drew... violates someone's right of publicity."

Immediately, she knew the mastermind behind this-Hendrix. Although he never cared about her activities, he wasn't completely clueless about her life.

He must've heard what Evelyn told her earlier and eventually made a simple phone call, causing her to lose her job!

"I understand." Noelle took a deep breath and hung up.

She originally planned to call and confront Hendrix but changed her mind a second before dialing his number. It wasn't because she was in the wrong. She simply knew that she'd better not to take him on, as it would only bring her harm.

Take her current circumstance as an example-a comic character had somehow violated his right of publicity. Obviously, the absurdity of the accusation couldn't stop him.

At that moment, she received a call from the hospital, telling her to settle the medical fees from the last period." We've just contacted Mr. Swanson, and he told us that you foot the bill for Ms. Wilson from now on."

"Okay, I'll be at the hospital tomorrow." Noelle's response was utterly calm, yet her grip reflexively tightened on the phone when she put it away.

She had no choice but to look through her bank account's information.

Though she had been employed for years, she rarely used the credit card Hendrix gave her, leaving her with modest savings. At that point, her savings were only enough to cover one cycle of medical

expenses.

Noelle switched off her phone and leaned against the couch slowly closing her eyes. At one point, she felt like she was standing on a cliff, where everyone around her desperately wanted to push her off.

The Swansons acted at the perfect timing this time, hadn't they?noveldrama

The next day, Noelfe went to the hospital and settled the medical bill. The butler at the Swanson residence, Alfred Morgan, called and informed her that Matilda wanted to see her at home.

In response, Noelle decisively replied, "I won't return"

Alfred sighed. "Ms. Noelle, what's the point of this? No matter what, you're Mr. and Mrs. Swanson's daughter. If you continue holding a grudge against them-"

"I'm not holding a grudge against them," Noelle interrupted him. "Also, my mind is clear."

"But

"If that's all, goodbye." She disconnected the call immediately after that.

Her gaze slowly landed on the patient in the ward, who was still deep asleep after eight years. Even if the doctor said this would be permanent, Noelle refused to give up on her.

She caressed the woman's cheek and softly uttered, "Hi, Mom."

However, Cynthia Wilson, her adoptive mother, could neither respond nor protect her anymore. The last

time she protected Noelle was when she stopped that brute eight years ago.

That... was also the last time Noelle felt a mother's love.

A caregiver entered the room, surprised to see Noelle. "Ms Swanson? It's been a while."

"Hey. Thank you for all your hard work."