“The finance department will handle your settlements,” he stated dismissively before turning and striding away.
Jordyn watched his retreating figure, releasing a relieved sigh. But then a thought struck her. Sadie was once Noah’s secretary. His evident concern seemed unusual. Why would he care so much? Suddenly, Jordyn remembered a rumor she had once heard-that Sadie had been involved with Noah. Could there be any truth to that?
Meanwhile, Noah got into his car and pulled out his phone to dial Sadie’s number.
“Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable…”
Frustrated, Noah tossed the phone onto the passenger seat and slammed his hand against the steering wheel.
That damn woman!
The image of Sadie’s pale, distressed face lingered in his mind.
Inside the car, the air conditioning blasted cold air, yet it failed to cool the heat radiating from Sadie’s feverish body. She shifted uncomfortably, her mind wavering between confusion and moments of clarity. The world outside blurred past her.
Only the image of that chiseled face-sometimes sharp, sometimes fading into obscurity-dominated her fevered thoughts.
“Noah… it’s so hot…” Sadie murmured, fumbling with her shirt, struggling unsuccessfully to loosen it.
Her fingertips accidentally brushed against warm skin, a sensation both unfamiliar and comforting.
Alex gripped the steering wheel tighter, his knuckles whitening with the effort. He forced his gaze to remain fixed on the road ahead, though the rapidly passing scenery seemed to stand still. The heat of Sadie’s breath filled the confined space of the car, intensifying the tension that already strained his nerves.
A tumult of emotions swirled within Alex. He felt deep pity for Sadie’s plight, yet he couldn’t deny the burgeoning feelings he harbored for her.
“Noah… water…” Sadie’s voice was soft, weak, almost affectionate. Alex’s heart skipped a beat, as he realized that in her delirium, Sadie mistook him for Noah.
Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Alex spoke with deliberate calmness. “Sadie, hold on. I’m taking you to the hospital right now.”
But Sadie seemed not to hear him. She attempted to move closer, continuously murmuring Noah’s name.
Her flushed cheek rested against Alex’s arm, her skin scorching where it touched him.
Alex’s breathing hastened, as he felt a heat rising within him, threatening to overwhelm his senses.
He clenched his jaw, determined to maintain his composure. He knew he couldn’t exploit Sadie’s vulnerable state. He couldn’t betray the trust she placed in him, even in her delirium.
He sped up, driving directly to the nearest hospital.
The hospital’s emergency room was brightly lit, bustling with activity. Alex carried Sadie in his arms, hurrying her into the examination room. The medical team quickly sprang into action, assessing her condition.
“She’s been drugged,” one of the doctors announced gravely.
Alex’s expression turned grim immediately. His fists clenched tightly, knuckles whitening with rage. He silently vowed retribution for whoever was responsible for harming Sadie.
Sadie lay on the hospital bed, her face contorted with discomfort, brows knitted together in distress. Alex remained by her side, his watchful eyes softening with concern. He gently stroked her hair and whispered reassuringly, “Sadie, don’t worry. I’m here with you.”
The sterile scent of disinfectant permeated the room. Gradually, Sadie’s eyelashes fluttered as she began to emerge from the drug-induced fog. She felt a comforting warmth as a hand enveloped hers, instilling a profound sense of security amidst her confusion.
Watching Sadie slowly regain her natural color, Alex finally allowed his tense muscles to relax slightly.
Suddenly, the door to the room burst open with a loud bang. A tall frame filled the doorway, his presence charged with cold fury.
Noah had arrived. His eyes, red and intense, scanned the room until they landed on Sadie. He moved purposefully towards the bed.
“Don’t touch her!” Alex exclaimed, standing quickly to shield Sadie from Noah.
Noah’s eyes narrowed menacingly at the sight of Alex’s hand gripping Sadie’s. His face darkened with anger, setting the stage for a confrontation.
He yanked at Alex’s hand. “Who do you think you are, blocking me?”
Unfazed, Alex held Noah’s challenging gaze. “I’m her friend-the one who stayed by her side when she needed help the most.”
Noah sneered. “Friend? Ha, I think you have ulterior motives!” He tried to reach for Sadie, but Alex stood firm, blocking him once more.
“That’s enough, Noah!” Alex’s voice carried a warning tone. “What Sadie needs right now is rest, not your complications.”
Noah’s patience snapped, his anger flaring as his voice dropped to a dangerous timbre. “Sadie is still my wife.”
The escalating argument startled Sadie awake. She slowly opened her eyes, the sight of the two men at odds over her leaving her bewildered. As Noah noticed Sadie’s awakening, his eyes narrowed further. Her gaze flicked between Noah and Alex, the air thick with their mutual hostility.
She tried to piece together her fragmented memories-karaoke bar, forced drinking, her escape…
She remembered.
Why would Noah appear here so suddenly? Could it be that… he orchestrated all of this?
A chill ran through her.
Propping herself up, Sadie forced a weak smile. “Did you enjoy the show, Mr. Wall?”
Noah’s expression darkened, his lips pressed tightly together in silence. Sadie continued, her voice gaining strength. “If you’re done here, then please leave. As for the design drafts for ‘Timeless Love,’ I will complete them as soon as possible and conclude our cooperation.”
Noah’s gaze sharpened, the intensity directed solely at Sadie, rendering the air in the hospital room thick and stifling.
He swallowed hard, the tension palpable. But ultimately, he remained silent, turned, and left the room abruptly.
Alex watched Noah’s retreating figure, then shifted his gaze to Sadie, whose face was pale and drawn, a complex mix of emotions flickering across his features.
Sadie closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, attempting to steady the tumult within her. It was over between her and Noah. She harbored no desire to entangle herself further with him. It was time to move forward for her sake and that of her child.
Noah strode quickly from the room, the harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor casting stark shadows across his determined face. He pulled out his phone and dialed Samuel’s number.
“Alex has been too idle lately,” he said, his voice low, carrying a subtle chill.
Samuel, understanding the implication, responded promptly, “Understood.”
“Good,” Noah said, his tone firm. “Don’t leave any traces.”
He ended the call, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes. Despite his actions, Noah wrestled with conflicting emotions. He didn’t want Sadie to find happiness, nor did he want her close to any danger. This paradoxical sentiment left him feeling restless and even agitated.
The next day, the design department was notably quiet, with only the sporadic sounds of keyboards clattering breaking the silence. Dressed in a sharp black suit, Sadie sat outside Jordyn’s office, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, her demeanor composed.
Jordyn arrived late, her high heels clicking on the floor as she rushed in, projecting confidence.
Her makeup was impeccable, and there was a trace of smugness in her eyes, as if the previous day’s events had been entirely forgotten.
“Sadie? What are you doing here?” Jordyn feigned surprise, her voice tinged with impatience.
Sadie rose slowly, a cold smile playing on her lips. “I’m here to have a proper talk with you.”
Jordyn’s heart skipped a beat. She glanced at the coffee in Sadie’s hand and felt an inexplicable surge of unease. Though she had managed to cover up the chaos from the karaoke bar, a nagging feeling remained.
Forcing herself to appear calm, Jordyn pushed open the door to her office. “If you have something to say, let’s talk inside.”
Sadie followed her in and quietly shut the door behind them, the sound echoing sharply in the room.
Just as Jordyn was about to speak, Sadie preempted her, splashing the coffee from her cup onto Jordyn’s meticulously chosen light-colored suit.
“Ah!” Jordyn screamed, jumping up both in shock and anger. The hot coffee drenched her expensive silk blouse, staining it instantly. Sadie watched, her expression unreadable, as Jordyn reacted.
“I’ll be at Wall Group for at most half a month. During this time, you’d better stay out of my way,” Sadie stated. Her voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable edge of warning.
Jordyn, stunned and momentarily cowed, stood frozen, at a loss for words.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
Leave a Reply