Noelle's relationship with Matilda was detached, but it was worse with Craig. It was so distant that calling it" distant" didn't even seem enough.

As the head of the family and chairman of the company, Craig naturally carried his work habits into his personal life-authoritative, commanding, and never to be questioned.

If Matilda made Noelle feel like she was endlessly favoring Sandra, Craig made her feel nothing at all— just cold indifference.

He was rarely home, and in Noelle's memories, he had never once fulfilled his role as a father. But what

he did do was maintain the authority of "the head of the family", and no one was allowed to challenge it. Despite having been back for years, this was Noelle's first time eating alone with him.

When she arrived, he was already waiting in the private room. He was looking at his wrist impatiently to check the time.

"Sorry that I'm late," Noelle said.

Craig didn't seem angry. He just gave her a brief glance and then gestured to the seat next to him. "Have a seat."

Noelle didn't move. Her eyes drifted to the other settings on the table-including hers and Craig's, there were five sets of utensils.

"Someone else will be joining us soon," Craig remarked, noticing her hesitation.

Noelle's mind quickly raced, and her voice tightened. "People from the Hawthorne family?"

"Oh, you know about them?" Craig replied, remarkably calm. "Did your mother tell you? That's even better. Mr. Hawthorne has some free time these days, so you and his son can meet first..."

"I don't want to meet him," Noelle interrupted firmly. "I'm here today to make something clear-please stop interfering in my life. I have nothing to do with any of you anymore. So, please don't do such ridiculous things. again."

Noelle was about to turn and leave when Craig suddenly let out a soft laugh. "Noelle, the one being ridiculous here Is you.

"Do you really think you can sever ties with the Swanson family just because you want to? Don't kid yourself into thinking paying those medical bills is enough.

"The moment I speak up, that woman will be transferred to another hospital. And I can guarantee you, there won't be another hospital in all of Coppersville willing to take her."

A weakness-everyone had one.

Love, family, friendship, or any number of other ties.

But Noel never imagined that her own father would use her weakness as leverage against her one day. Her hands clenched involuntarily, and she ground her teeth together in frustration.

"If you don't want to watch that woman die, then sit down and behave," Craig said. "Besides, it's just a meal. You're divorced. The man might not even be interested in you."

"And if he's not?" Noelle shot back, her voice sharp. "You plan to keep setting me up with men, finding someone who'll buy into me, bleed me dry of whatever little value I have left?"

By now, Noelle didn't bother speaking respectfully. She knew full well that the Swanson family had never cared about her happiness when they refused to let her divorce Hendrix.

It was all about... benefits.

After all, the Freeman family was wealthy and influential. The Swanson family only needed to cling to that one family connection. Her own well-being? That wasn't even on their radar.

"Noelle, watch your tone," Craig warned, his brows furrowing. "You chose this path for yourself. Look around at all of Coppersville-who could possibly compare to Hendrix? You gave up the best option

available to you!"

Craig was about to say more, but before he could, the door to the private room opened again.noveldrama

Upon seeing who had entered, he immediately swallowed his words, and a smile quickly spread across his face." Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne."

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