Thanks to Mabel's reminder, Hendrix remembered that his birthday was approaching.noveldrama

Once he got into the car, he instinctively pulled out the lighter he always carried. It was black and gold, unadorned except for his initials engraved in the lower corner.

It was a simple, unremarkable gift.

en him.

However, it was the only gift Noelle had ever given

The second year...

Because he hadn't bothered to show up at their anniversary party, Noelle hadn't even sent him a perfunctory gift for his birthday last year.

And this year...

Hendrix cut the thought short, slipping the lighter back into his pocket before opening the tablet in front of him.

But before he could focus, the car lurched to a sudden stop. The jarring motion made his brows furrow sharply, and his eyes were stern.

Levi hurriedly explained, "Apologies, Mr. Freeman, but up ahead...

Before the man could finish, someone who had been blocking the car moved to Hendrix's window and began banging on it. The man appeared to be in his 50s, with his hair cropped short and a grin revealing yellowed teeth as he peered in.

Hendrix's first instinct was to ignore him, but then Mabel's earlier words surfaced in his mind. Pursing his lips, he rolled down the window.

"Mr. Freeman, right? Hello! Wow, Mr. Freeman, you're even more striking in person than in the newspapers! Truly impressive!"

Hendrix remained calm. "And you are?"

"Me? Oh, I'm Luna-uh, no, I mean Noelle's father! I just arrived in Coppersville. I was actually looking for her, but I couldn't find her. I never expected to run into you! What a coincidence!"

"Is there something you need?" Hendrix asked directly.

"No, nothing at all!" William quickly waved his hands. "It's just that I haven't seen her in such a long time. I've been worried about how she's doing, but that br-I mean, that child won't even answer my calls. So, I had no choice but to come look for you. Do you know—"

"I don't know where she is right now, either," Hendrix cut him off.

"You two really divorced?"

"Yes."

"But... how could you just divorce like that? Did you two have an argument? Come on. Don't be so hasty with this. Marriage is a big deal..."

Hendrix wasn't interested in entertaining William's ramblings. He glanced at Levi, who immediately got the message and pulled the man away.

Hendrix rolled the window up and turned back to the table in his hands. Even as Levi started the car again, William's voice could still be heard, mumbling and grumbling in the background.

Hendrix furrowed his brow slightly, then looked over at the spot beside him where William had touched. He turned to Levi. "Take the car to get washed later."

"Yes, sir," Levi replied immediately.

Hendrix hesitated for a moment before asking, "Where's Noelle now?"

Levi was caught off guard by the question. But with only the two of them in the car, it was clear Hendrix was speaking to him. Though Levi didn't know, he could only respond as best he could. "I'm not really sure, sir."

Hendrix didn't say anything further.

After a beat, Levi ventured, "Should I have someone check?

"No П

need," Hendrix said, his voice dropping a little.

Levi fell silent, not daring to speak further.

Hendrix turned his attention to the tablet, pushing the encounter with William from his mind. He didn't expect to

see William that same evening. But this time, William clearly wasn't looking for him.