Besides the essential glass of water, Noelle noticed there was also a variety of food on the table. It v bread-the kind that could be stored for an entire day.

almost all

A sudden realization struck her, and she quickly moved toward the door. As expected, it was locked from the outside.noveldrama

Furious, Noelle pounded hard on the door. "Let me out!"

No response came.

She then tried calling Hendrix, but his phone was turned off.

Noelle then called the hotel front desk, but they informed her that they didn't have the authority to unlock the door for her. Even after repeatedly threatening to file a complaint, it proved futile.

Left with no other choice, she returned to the room. She assumed she would be stuck there for the entire

day. But as evening approached, the sound of the door unlocking suddenly echoed from outside.

At first, Noelle thought Hendrix had returned. She had no intention of giving him a warm welcome. Grabbing the ashtray from the table, she prepared to hurl it at him the moment he walked in.

But to her surprise, it wasn't him.

Robert stood there, looking at her with a respectful express on. "Good evening, Mrs. Freeman." Noelle glanced at him, her grip on the ashtray loosening as her brows furrowed. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here under Mr. Lawson's instructions to escort you to dinner," Robert replied.

"Where's Hendrix?" Noelle asked.

Robert merely smiled in response.

Noelle figured Hendrix was probably with Erwin. But she had no interest in any dinner and was about to refuse when Rober added, "Mrs. Freeman, please, this way. Mr. Lawson is a very busy man." Noelle closed her eyes briefly and finally stood up.

Given the weather, Hendrix had only brought her strappy dresses, but with the marks on her body, wearing them now was out of the question. She had no choice but to throw on a white sheer cover-up over her dress. She left her hair down, letting it casually fall over her shoulders.

Robert escorted her to another villa.

This villa was located right next to the island's famous ancient forest. To blend with its surroundings, the exterior was designed in wood tones, making it look like a quaint ca in straight out of a fairytale. But that resemblance was purely superficial.

Upon entering the villa, Noelle realized it was even more luxurious than the last one. The oil paintings adorning the walls, if genuine, would be worth over a hundred million dollars back home. Considering Erwin's status, there was a good chance the paintings were authentic.

After leading her inside, Robert quietly disappeared.

Noelle didn't see any sign of Hendrix. She called out a few times, but no one responded. In the end, she could only stand in front of one of the paintings, studying it in silence.

Although Noelle had never studied oil painting formally, she could still appreciate the artwork. Besides, if not for

being here, she'd likely only see simila.. ks in a muse

museum

As she stood staring at the painting, a hand suddenly slid around her waist.

"Do you like it?" A man's voice followed.

Startled, Noelle immediately stepped back several paces, her eyes widening as she looked at the person before her.

Erwin stood there, smiling. "What's the matter? Did I scare you?"

Noelle frowned, glancing around the room. Still seeing no sign of Hendrix, she asked, "Where's Hendrix?"

"Oh, he's not here," Erwin replied calmly before turning his attention back to the painting. "It's just the two of us tonight"