Chapter 246
“Not even a little bit.”
Noelle’s answer came swift and sure–without a trace of hesitation.
Nicolas couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
He leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her smooth, radiant forehead, his voice teasing as he murmured.
Really not even a little scared? My face minst’ve looked pretty terrifying just now. Why were you staring at me so hard then, hmm?”
But Noelle, ever the logical little genius, tilted her head and countered,
“Well, if I were actually scared, wouldn’t I not be able to look at your Why would I keep staring if I was frightened
“Could it be,” Nicolas mused with a faux–serious tone, “that maybe you’re just not quite normal?“
“Huh? I’m not normal!!” Noelle puffed up immediately, her cheeks flushing with indignation.
Seeing her turn into a little angry pufferfish. Nicolas couldn’t help himself—he kissed her again, this time on the cheek, and laughed..
“Okay, okay I was joking, baby. Don’t take it seriously.”
“I was staring at you” she said, “because I thought that side of you was kind of fascinating
“Fascinating Nicolas raised an eyebrow.
Noelle nodded seriously
“You’re always so gentle and kind with me. That’s the side of you I know best. But I also know that’s not all of you. And I want to know all of you- every part. The good and the bad. So when I got to see this side of you for once.……. honestly, I was really happy. It feels like I understand you just a
little more now.
Her words were simple, but they hit hins straight in the heart.
Nicolas had been weighed down by the darkness stirred up from thinking about his mother. But now, hearing Noelle speak so honestly, that heaviness seemed to lift.
He pulled her into a tighter embrace, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His shoulders trembled slightly as he laughed low and quiet.
“Baby, where did you learn to say stuff like that? Who taught you such sweet lines! Tell me the truth,” be teased softly against her skin.
Noelle blinked. “No one taught me,” she said, utterly serious. “That’s just really how I feel
Nicolas was quiet for a beat.
Then he lifted his head, looking at her with a s
a soft smile tugging at his lips.
“I can see it,” he said gently. “You really do love me”
Even among couples who’d been together for years, it was rare to find someone who could say–and mean–that they accept everything about their partner. The light and the dark. Strengths and flaws
But Noelle, sweet, straightforward Noelle, who still didn’t fully understand the complexities of love, had said it so naturally.
How could be not be moved
He used to think he could endure anything alone. That he didn’t need anyone.
But now he couldn’t imagine life without her.
If she were ever taken from him–he wart sure he’d survive it,
Meanwhile, just as Nicolas husl promised he let the Sawyer family enjoy their brief moment of triumph.
At the Sawyer estate, the entire family had gathered to celebrate the return of the 30% stake in the Sawyer Group.
1/3
Chapter 216
Itraiden looked like he might cry tears of joy. “Finally. Those shures are back where they belong”
Marshall was equally thrilled. “It’s been over a decade. We finally reclaimed what’s ours
No more working under Nicolas. That bastard never did a damn thing and still made more than us every year. I’ve hated him for
Luciano scowled. “No
so long”
Now that the shares are back.” Braiden declared, we focus on expanding the group. No more distractions”
“Yes, sir.” Marshall and Luciano echoed in unison.
Marissa, glowing with satisfaction, leaned in toward her husband. “Braiden, now that we’ve got the shares, what about… that plan?”
She was, of course, referring to the plan to eliminate Nicolas.
They’d given him a fortune–just to get the shares back. And she wasn’t about to let him enjoy a cent of it,
Braiden grinned slyly and gave her a wink “Don’t worry, Marissa. I know how much you hate that bastard. I promise, you won’t have to see his face much longer
“Good. Let him rot with that dead mother of his,” she spat coldly.
Just as the Sawyers
were basking in their imagined victory, Marshall’s phone rang.
He glanced at the screen–his assistant
He picked up
Moments later, Marshall shot up
p from his seat, his expression tightening, color draining from his face.
“What did you say?!”
“What’s going on?” Braiden frowned.
Everyone turned to look at Marshall, puzzled by his reaction.
Marshall didn’t answer. He unlocked his phone and opened Twitter. The top pinned post was all it took–his face darkened as he hissed,
“Damn it No. This can’t be happening”
“What is it Braiden asked, his tone turning urgent.
Marshall wiped a hand down his face, his voice grim. “Dad, we have a problem.”
“What kind of problem”
Just look at your phones. You’ll
Everyone pulled out their phones and opened the trending news,
There it was
A headline dominating every major platform–The Truth Behind the Sawyer Family’s Dirty Past.
Evidence alter evidence spilled out: the lies, the traps they set for Amelie, the staged death, the embezzlement of her wealth. It was all there, laid out for the world to see.
The internet exploded. What was once a golden, respected family was now being crucified.
“Who did this! Marissa shrieked, her whole body shaking
“Who leaked this garbage!! They’re trying to ruin us!”
“Who else?” Marshall growled. “It’s Nicolas. That bastard was never going to let this go. He played us. Sold us the shares just so he could turn around and burn everything down”
“I told you he was no good! And we
e gave him all th
money—now he’s using it to buy
uy headlines:
and smear us!” Marissa screamed, beyond livid. Even her fake death had been revealed–and the comments were tearing her to pieces. The ‘noble matriarch‘ image she’d cultivated for years was shauered in a moment.
2/3
Chapter 216
Braiden stared at the article, his face a storm of fury
That damin brat. He wasn’t just trying to ruin Amelie’s name he was going for the whole family.
“Marshall, call the PR team. Get this headline buried on every platform. I don’t care what it costs,
“On it Marshall nodded, grabbing his phone.
But just as he reached for it-
A housekeeper burst through the door, panicked “Mr. Sawyer–it’s the police. They’re here!”
