"No thanks. I'll get a taxi," said Noelle as she exited the car.Quentin glanced around. He felt reassured by the area's surveillance and the frequent passing of taxis."Take care," Quentin said. His tone was unusually gentle."I will," Noelle replied before closing the car door.Quentin watched as she stood on the roadside while trying to hail a taxi. She looked skinny. After that, Quentin drove off.Noelle waited for a taxi, but a car without license plates pulled up instead. It seemed like it had been waiting for the perfect opportunity. The unlicensed car stopped abruptly before Noelle as Quentin's car disappeared from view. Several thugs emerged from the car and surrounded her."What are you guys doing?" Noelle exclaimed in shock.One of the thugs, Andy, grinned at her and joked, "What do you think we're doing? What do you think a bunch of guys and a lady would be doing?"The rest of them laughed as if it was a big joke. Noelle quickly reached for her phone in her handbag
Quentin's heart started racing, and he felt lightheaded. His phone slipped from his hand and fell to the floor.Xyla, who had been sleeping, was suddenly jolted awake. She asked, "What's going on?"Quentin picked up his phone and said, "Elle's in trouble!" Then, he rushed out of the ward and left Xyla frozen.It was then that her phone rang. Gloria handed the phone to Xyla to answer. After a few moments, Xyla yelled into the phone, "Useless!"Meanwhile, Quentin was speeding through the streets in his car and running several red lights. All he could think about was that he might have caused Noelle's death.Police tape surrounded the crime scene on South Bay Street, and a swarm of police cars arrived. Quentin quickly parked his Maybach and hurried toward the scene. He nearly stumbled over the uneven street, but a police officer caught him."Sir, I'm sorry for your loss," said the officer.Quentin shoved the officer's hand away from him. He couldn't believe that Noelle was gone.H
Yvette watched as John entered the black Mercedes and drove away. She was confused when he nodded at her because she didn't know him. Afterward, Yvette went upstairs and knocked on Noelle's apartment door.When Noelle opened the door, Yvette asked, "Noelle, what happened to you? Did Quentin hurt you?"Noelle had scrapes on her arms and face. Though she had put ointment on them, they were still noticeable. She shook her head, and replied, "No, I ran into some bad guys on my way back."She had just learned that shortly after she left, there was another robbery and murder at the same place. Noelle was trembling with fear. The more she dwelled on it, the more terrified she became."Why were you there by yourself? Where's Quentin?" Yvette asked with concern.Noelle avoided eye contact and replied, "He went to meet Xyla.""Ugh! That bitch again!" Yvette exclaimed angrily. "I'm calling Aunt Janet. Quentin is way out of bounds. How could he leave you there all by yourself? What if someth
Noelle pulled her hand back. "Mr. Lowe, next time, please shower before you come over." She went to the bathroom to wash her hands.Quentin sensed her disgust toward him. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the ringing of his phone. He frowned when he saw it was Janet calling.Just as he answered the phone, Janet's angry voice came through. "Quentin, get over here immediately!"Quentin's ears were ringing. He thought Yvette must have told Janet what happened tonight. As soon as Quentin hung up, Noelle's phone rang.She picked up her phone and heard Janet's soft voice. "Elle, come over here with that jerk now. I'll help you sort things out!"Noelle's heart sank. She glanced at Quentin, who pursed his lips in displeasure.…An hour later, Noelle and Quentin arrived at Lowe Mansion. The huge mansion was brightly lit at midnight, and the maids seemed tense.Fred sat in the center of the living room, surrounded by other Lowe family members, including Quentin's cousins."Quentin,
Quentin got to his feet. When he saw the whip mark on Noelle's arm, he gasped and asked, "Does it hurt?"Noelle frowned a bit and said, "Just a little."Quentin sighed, then lifted her and took her upstairs. Noelle's heart skipped a beat. She sensed Quentin's tension and could almost hear his fast-beating heart. Her mind drifted.He placed her on the bed in the upstairs bedroom. Then, he quickly grabbed the first aid kit Robert had given him and helped Noelle treat her wound.As he was a man, Quentin could endure being whipped with relative ease, but Noelle was different. Her skin was sensitive and prone to bruising even from minor bumps. He couldn't fathom the pain she must be experiencing.As Quentin applied the ointment, he asked, "Does it hurt? If it does, you can pinch me!"Noelle's heart skipped a beat once more. She pondered whether his concern meant he still had feelings for her. Yet, later, she considered that perhaps it stemmed from his guilt over her suffering for his
Xyla seemed understanding."All right," Quentin replied.After Xyla hung up, she flung her phone in anger. Her words had ended up benefiting Quentin and Noelle.Quentin received a call from Martin shortly after. "Mr. Lowe, those folks are currently at the police station. Do you want to deal with them?""I'll be on my way!" Quentin responded. His expression turned serious right away. He swiftly dressed and left. When Noelle emerged from the bathroom, she found Quentin had already left the bedroom.Suddenly, Noelle got a WhatsApp message from Michael. He had been out of contact with her for three years."I need your help to arrange a meeting with your mom. She's in Dragfort," the message read.Noelle paused for a moment. Since she hadn't been in touch with Emmie, she assumed she had already left. As she held her phone close to her chest, she felt bitterness swell within her, and tears threatened to spill over.She pursed her lips and texted, "Sorry, Mr. Xanthos. I can't help you
Quentin was at a loss for words. He didn't find Xyla to be particularly attractive or pitiful, but he did have a strong urge to comfort Noelle.Without thinking much, he leaned in and suggested, "Maybe you could let out a little cry so I can hear you?"He hoped to see her look at him with a pitiful expression as she cried out in pain. He would hold her close and offer her solace. Noelle was stunned at what he said."Mr. Lowe, it's almost dawn. Remember what you promised me," Noelle reminded him. He seemed to have forgotten, and she felt the need to jog his memory.Quentin's mood soured at once. He lay back on the bed and ignored her completely. A heavy knot of emotions tightened in his chest. Her constant mentions of divorce made him feel like she was eager to move on with John. He refused to give in to her wishes.The room fell into silence, and before they realized it, dawn had arrived. Consumed by thoughts of the divorce, Noelle had barely slept all night. Dark circles hung hea
Noelle looked at Quentin in surprise. She couldn't understand why he would thank John in such a strange manner.Quentin met her gaze. His expression was inscrutable but certainly not friendly. Noelle felt a wave of anger rise within her.John, who was sitting across from them, was also surprised. He spoke uncomfortably. "Mr. Lowe, I appreciate your gratitude. You don't have to feel indebted, because anyone would have helped in such a situation. Being your brother is an honor I don't think I deserve."He raised his glass, downed the contents quickly, then got up and added, "I have some business to attend to. I'll be leaving now."After nodding to Noelle and Quentin, John left without eating anything. He thought there might be hidden reasons for the lunch invite, but he went to be polite. He also made sure to be well-mannered throughout.Noelle's anger boiled over after John left. She glowered at Quentin. "You did that on purpose!"She realized that Quentin couldn't truly intend to