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

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

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

Quentin was kissing Noelle when a car pulled up in front of them. It was a black Mercedes with an unfamiliar license plate.As the rear window rolled down, Michael's handsome face appeared. Noelle was momentarily distracted by the sight. Quentin let go of Noelle and turned around. When he saw Michael, he gently took Noelle's hand, which felt cold."Get in touch with Emmie. She won't show up unless you do," Michael said casually. It had been more than three years since Noelle last saw Michael.She remembered how Michael held her hand, played with her, and carried her on his shoulders. He treated her like she was the most important person in his life. Everything changed when he met Lia.Noelle tightened her fist and responded, "Mr. Xanthos, you're giving me too much credit. I would've done it ten years ago if I could've persuaded her to stay. You wouldn't still be playing this game of hide and seek with her now, would you?"She knew Michael had come for Emmie. For years, it had been

Just as Noelle was about to fall, someone caught her just in time. Noelle looked up and saw the worried look on John's face."Noelle?" John said. He was the owner of the Luminous Grand Hotel and he was there for an inspection."Mr. Xenos..." Noelle blinked back her tears.John noticed blood on his hands when he let go of her. He questioned, "Are you hurt? Did they hurt you?"Noelle shook her head as she replied, "No."Without hesitation, John took her hand and said, "Come on, let's get you to the hospital!"…Janet had arranged for the best medicine for Noelle and Quentin through a friend, but she couldn't reach them on their phones. So, she called Martin directly. "Have you seen Quentin and Elle?"Martin was at the hospital. Quentin had stayed behind after Xyla was taken there, and Martin hadn't left either. He had even been sleeping in the car."Mrs. Lowe, Madam Noelle has been taken away by her father," Martin replied.After a pause, Janet asked, "What about Quentin?"Mar