Chapter 269
After the test ended, Brandon left to speak with the institute’s director, leaving Noelle behind to rest.
The other researchers, as usual, had prepared a feast for her. One had even brought in a professional chef to cook something fresh and nourishing
“Noelle, try this spicy dish–it’s really good.”
“No, don’t give digestion,”
her spicy food. She just finished testing. Her stomach’s probably sensitive. Let her have some steamed fish to settle her
“Exactly. Something light first. Noelle, I had the chef make a special broth just for you. It’s packed with nutrients–drink it while it’s hot. Poor thing, your face is completely pale… it’s heartbreaking.”
Normally, Noelle would’ve been thrilled by their kindness,
But after several days of increasingly intense experiments, even her enhanced resilience was reaching its limit. Her head buzzed like a hive, and though the food smelled great, her appetite had vanished.
Still, she forced a smile. “Thanks, everyone. Fll eat in a little bit, just need to rest first.”
y should eat while it’s hot…
“You really
They tried to coax her, but just then Bennett walked in.
“Noelle.”
She looked up. “Bennett?”
He turned to the others and asked to speak to her privately. Everyone took the hint and filed out of the room.
Once they were alone, Bennett sat beside her, gently placing his hand on her clammy forehead.
You still feeling sick?”
Noelle blinked at him, surprised by the tenderness s in his voice. Ever since Brandon showed up, Bennett had been acting… different. Nicer. Was it just her imagination?
Had she, somehow, managed to win him over?
Eyes lighting up, she smiled sweetly and replied, “I’m fine.”
“Tell the truth, Bennett said flatly, calling her bluff.
Caught off guard by his seriousness, Noelle pursed her lips and confessed, “My head sull hurts. It’s throbbing, and my ears are ringing.
Bennett’s gaze darkened.
Noelle’s healing abilities were
the charts. A wound that would take others a week to recover from would disappear from her skin in hours–yet even with that, she still hadn’t bounced back.
That meant the damage from the test was severe.
What’s wrong?” Noelle asked, noticing his expression grow stormy
yourself.
Bennett frowned, eyes fixed on her pale face “Noelle, next time if you can’t take it, just say so. Don’t force y
“Hut I made it through, didn’t I she replied, trying to smile.
“Even if you can endure it,” Bennett said sharply. “you still have the right to say it’s too much”
Because if she didn’t. Brandon would keep pushing—no matter the cost.
ant that simple Brandon had made it clear she was to endure everything. Between tations, she had no real chata a
wanting to upart her brother, she tried to
2:24 PM
Chapter 269
“I wonder if Nicolas called me. Let me check my phone.
She pulled it out and immediately saw a missed call.
“Nicolas called earlier,” she told Bennett. “I’ll call him back now.
But before she could dial, a familiar voice interrupted from behind.
“Noelle.” The soft, almost cheerful voice sent a chill down her spine.
She turned slowly and saw Brandon approaching, his usual calm smile on his face.
“Brandon, you’re back.”
He nodded. “How are you feeling? Can you move around?”
“I… I’m okay,” she replied quietly, heart starting to race.
nning another test today.”
Then came the words she dreaded. “Change of plans. We’re running
“What?” Noelle blinked, stunned. “Again??
Usually, she only had one test per day. The rest of the time was for recovery. Why the sudden change?
Bennett stood up immediately, frowning. “That’s enough for today. She’s not ready.”
“Oh?” Brandon tilted his head with a mild smile. “But she just said she’s okay to move.”
“Being able to stand doesn’t mean she’s ready for more testing Bennett snapped, barely containing his anger.
If he were strong enough, he’d have punched Brandon right then and there.
But Brandon remained unfazed, still focused on Noelle. “Noelle, you’re fine with it, right?”
“Noelle, if you’re not up p for it, say so,” Bennett urged, voice firm,
Noelle looked down, lips pressed together. She was clearly struggling.
Then slowly, she pushed herself up, bracing against the table for balance
She met Brandon’s gaze, her voice soft but steady.
“I’m fine. Let’s do it”
