The dinner passed quietly in the end.

Noelle didn't return with Craig. She asked the driver to take her back to her apartment instead.

The driver glanced at Craig for confirmation. When Craig didn't object, he switched on his turn signal and took a different route.

Noelle wasn't in the mood to talk to Craig. She turned her head, staring out the car window.

But a moment later, her phone vibrated. She didn't look at it

However, Craig spoke up, "That's Liam, isn't it?"

His words sounded like a reminder, but the underlying tone was clearly one of warning

ma finall

unlocked her phone. Sure enough, the message was from Liam.

"It was a pleasure meeting you. I have two tickets to a concert tomorrow. I was wondering if you'd like to

join me? Of course, I completely understand if you're busy."

Liam's invitation wasn't exactly abrupt, but his intentions were clear.

Noelle pursed her lips and replied, "Sure."

After sending the message, she turned her phone toward Craig "Satisfied?"

Craig didn't respond.

Noelle didn't want to look at him anymore. She said flatly, Pull over here. I'll walk the rest of the way." The driver didn't answer, nor did he dare to stop.

Noelle glanced at Craig.

His brows were still furrowed, but he finally said, "Pull over."

Only then did Noelle turn away from him.

Before Noelle could even push open the car door, Craig's voice came from behind her, "Liam's a good match. Though there are some problems with his leg, his overall prospects are promising. Do you understand?'

Noelle chuckled. "If he's so great, why don't you have Sandra marry him instead?"

Her words left Craig speechless.

Without waiting for a reply, Noelle simply closed the car door firmly and began walking away.

It was nearly 9:00 pm, but in this bustling city, the nightlife was just beginning. The neon lights flickered,

and the streets buzzed with an endless stream of cars. Everything about it spoke to the city's boundless energy.

However, Noelle felt like a detached observer-someone who didn't belong. She knew all too well that none of this belonged to her. In this vast city, there wasn't a single place she could call home,noveldrama

The next day, she arrived on time for Liam's invitation. The concert he'd mentioned wasn't by any famous orchestra. Probably because it was a workday, it wasn't very crowded.

Liam had arrived early and was waiting for her at the entrance.

Noelle approached him. "Sorry. I'm late."

"It's fine. I just got here myself." Liam smiled at her..

Noelle avoided his gaze. "Shall we go in?"

"Sure."

She wasn't in the mood to talk, so Liam kept a respectful distance.

As they entered, Liam's leg issue became more apparent. His uneven gait made Noelle unconsciously adjust her pace to match his.

Just as they were about to take their seats, a surprised voice called out, "Noelle?"

The familiar voice made Noelle's body stiffen for moment She spun around, only to see Beatrice standing a few feet away.

Beatrice was holding a concert ticket, her gaze first sweeping over Liam, then slowly turning to Noelle. Noelle took a deep breath and gave her a small smile. "Hello, Beatrice."

That evening, Hendrix received a call from Beatrice, asking him to come to Freeman Manor for dinner. The meeting ran later than expected, and by the time he arrived at the house, Ophelia had already finished eating and retired upstairs.