Noelle was wearing a long black dress. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, the ends slightly curled. There was a gentle smile at the corners of her lips, and she looked incredibly serene.

Liam must have said something to her because her smile deepened, and then she lifted her eyes to look at him. Her gaze shimmered, like a glimmering lake under the sun.

Hendrix realized he had never seen her smile like that before. In his memories, Noelle had always been quiet and dull

But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, another memory surfaced.

It was from the last time in the car, when she had kissed him suddenly-an impulsive kiss that landed on his lips. while they fought over the sketchbook.

That had been Noelle's first kiss to him. And it seemed it would also be the last.

As Hendrix lingered on that thought, ahead of him, Liam had taken a few steps forward. He turned and said. something else to Noelle, who smiled and shook her head.

Liam didn't say anything more. He just opened the door and got into the car.

Noelle remained where she stood without moving. The night wind tousled her hair, and she reached up to

push it back. Then, she waved goodbye to Liam, who was already inside the car.

The vehicle slowly rolled away, and Noelle's smile gradually faded. Her eyes were cast downward, and she seemed lost in thought.

Hendrix didn't hesitate. He pressed the gas pedal and drove right up to her.

The black Maserati was a model Noelle knew all too well. At first, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. It wasn't until he lowered the window that she realized it was real.

"Get in." Hendrix's voice was as cold and calm as always.

"No need." Noelle was stunned, but she quickly regained her composure. "I'll take the subway."

Once she finished speaking, Noelle started to walk around his car. However, Hendrix quickly reversed and blocked. her path.

He didn't say a word, but the message was clear.

Noelle pressed her lips into a tight line. Her hand, which had been resting at her side, briefly tugged at the fabric of her dress before she finally opened the car door.

She didn't sit in the passenger seat.

Once inside, she asked directly, "What do you want to say, Mr. Freeman?"

Hendrix didn't answer. His expression remained as neutral as ever as he started the car.

He accelerated abruptly, and Noelle was thrown forward, nearly hitting her head against the seat in front

of her. She quickly grabbed the handrail beside her and frowned at him.

Hendrix seemed completely unaware of her discomfort, continuing to drive without a change in

demeanor.

"Hendrix." Noelle couldn't hold back. "What do you want from me?"

Hendrix lightly pressed the gas pedal, slowing the car down before saying, "The Hawthorne family is focused on

Chapter

developing new energy. They've made significant progress, but no one can predict how things will go in the future. You're all rushing into things. Be careful, or you might capsize."

Noelle hadn't expected him to bring this

1. up.

After a brief pause, she replied, "This has nothing to do with you, does it?"

Hendrix chuckled. "Noelle, it's been less than half a month since we got divorced. Don't you think you're moving on a little too quickly?"

Noelle met his gaze through the rearview mirror.

After a moment, she smiled. "Oh, are you jealous, Mr. Freeman?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Hendrix's brows furrowed deeply.

"Do you think that's possible?" he retorted, his voice cold and sharp.

Clearly, he didn't appreciate the joke. There was unmistakable distaste in his words.noveldrama

Noelle knew it was impossible for him to be jealous.

He simply didn't want to be tied to her anymore. He didn't want anyone talking about how quickly she had moved on after their divorce.