Noah noticed her little gestures and softened his voice, gently coaxing, "What's wrong? Did Joseph bully you again?"
Chloe paused. A hint of emotion flickered across her fair face. She hesitated for a moment, knowing deep down that Noah was the one who treated her well. She then took out the blueprints and handed them to him. "Actually, it's nothing. He just gave me this."
Noah walked over and examined the blueprints. He quickly recognized them as the structural plans of the hospital where the fire had taken place.
Chloe stared into Noah's eyes and said, "Joseph told me that your rescuing me was premeditated."
Noah looked up. His eyes looked clear and honest. "Do you believe that?"
"I don't," she replied decisively. Some individuals and situations were known only to oneself, and she had a clear opinion in her heart.
Noah calmly continued. "I've been aware of the unique design of this hospital for quite some time. The architect behind it is the father of one of my high school classmates. We used to spend time together, and I came across the designs by chance. The secret passage was in use back then, but as time passed, with fewer emergency situations and changes in leadership, fewer people came to know about it."
"I see." Chloe picked up a glass and took a sip of water, her smile retaining its warmth. "I knew I could trust you not to lie to me. Joseph just can't stand to see others doing well."
Noah gazed at her radiant smile and flexed his fingertips. He then looked away, saying, "He's just concerned about your well-being and is afraid that you might be tricked."
Chloe let out a tired yawn. "Don't defend him."
If he really cared about her, why had he waited until now to show it?
"Okay, okay. You must be tired so get some rest. You have to go to work tomorrow."
"Mhm, goodnight then."
Noah chuckled softly as he helped turn off the lights. "Goodnight."
*
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