Chapter

82

In the end, Noelle picked a buffalo wings bar. The fiery, finger-staining spicy wings were clearly an odd match for Hendrix in his sharp suit.

However, Noelle didn't care.

Truthfully, she wasn't sure what Hendrix was trying to do. Was he just treating her like a tool? But the way he was acting now didn't really seem to fit that.

Even when they were still married, they rarely ate out alone He would give her jewelry and accessories, but never did he send over cakes like this.

Now, his behavior made Noelle feel like he was... trying to please her.

The thought flashed in her mind, but she immediately pushed it aside.

"Do you like this?" Hendrix asked, clearly unfazed as he sat down across from her after they reached their seats.

"Yeah." Noelle nodded. "I grew up in Creston City. I can't live without spicy food."

But after she moved back to the Swanson family, they wouldn't let her eat anything like this.

In their eyes, food also seemed to be ranked-spicy food was out of the question. It would make their lips

swell, cause tears and runny noses, and the taste lingered for hours. So, spicy food was unacceptable at the Swansons' dinner table.

Naturally, it was the same for the Freeman family.noveldrama

Honestly, Noelle didn't care much for food in general. Right now, she was simply curious to see Hendrix's reaction

But he seemed completely indifferent. His calmness left her feeling bored.

Still, she didn't say anything else. She just focused on eating her meal.

"Look at this," Hendrix suddenly said, handing her an invitation he had been holding.

Noelle was surprised, but she froze when she saw the name on the card. "What is this?" she asked.

"It's a charity auction," he replied. "Do you want to go?"

Noelle pursed her lips and stayed silent, but that reaction was enough for Hendrix to get his answer. He didn't hesitate. "We'll go together next month."

Noelle clenched her fists. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why take me?" Noelle couldn't help but ask. "Mr. Freeman, don't you think you're overstepping?"

As soon as she spoke, she saw his gaze shift ever so slightly

She pushed the invitation back toward him. "And even if I did go,

it wouldn't matter. I don

have the money to bid.

Hendrix fell silent.

Noelle didn't look at him anymore and focused on her food

SANOU SE +

Then, out of nowhere, Hendrix chuckled. "Do whatever you want."

With that, he stood up and left.

The invitation stayed right where it was

It wasn't until he had walked far enough away that Noelle slowly lifted her head, her eyes fixed on the card.

It was just a flimsy piece of paper, but at that moment, it felt so... heavy.

The waiter continued bringing her more dishes. Just as the plate was about to be placed atop the invitation, Noelle quickly reached out and grabbed it.

"Sorry. I didn't see it," the waiter apologized hastily.

Noelle shook her head in response.

"Actually, ma'am, we have a birthday month promotion today. If it's your birthday this month, showing your ID will get you a complimentary side dish."

"I'm not..."

Noelle started to decline, but then suddenly remembered something.

In a couple of days, it would be Hendrix's birthday.

The next day, Hendrix drove himself to Freeman Manor.

Beatrice had gone abroad for a jewelry exhibition, leaving only Ophelia at the manor.