Noah gazed at her, his eyes flickering with sadness as he sighed, "Don't you trust me?"
Chloe shook her head. "It's not that. I just find it too coincidental."
Both sides held their ground. Under normal circumstances, she would not even entertain the thought of doubting Noah. To her, Michael was an insignificant figure. Noah was different. He had been a constant pillar of support, rescuing her from the most difficult of situations. She was not sure if she could have made it through that tough period without him. But having endured numerous hardships, from an unfortunate family background to an ill-fated relationship, Chloe had become increasingly sensitive to such matters.
The atmosphere was delicate, akin to thin ice on the verge of shattering with the slightest touch.
"Coco…" Noah gently held her shoulders, his eyes showing a hint of restrained bitterness. "Rumors are dreadful. After all this time we've spent together, don't you know what kind of person I am?"
Chloe met his gaze, her heart trembling as she saw a glimpse of her past self. There was a time when she too, was distrusted by Joseph this way. Feeling deeply troubled, she lowered her eyes before responding, "I know what kind of person you are, and I believe in you."
Besides Noah, who else could she trust? Joseph? Michael? The former was indecisive and responsible for shattering a once-happy family. The latter was just an acquaintance with minimal connection.
"We trust each other, so let's not be influenced by outsiders," Noah consoled softly, "I know people in the media. If you want to help Michael, we can try to assist him."
Chloe shook her head resolutely. "No need. It's not my concern." Having decided to place her trust in Noah, she would no longer have any contact with Michael.
The deep hue in Noah's eyes gradually faded as he twirled the pen between his fingers, lost in thought. 'Michael, huh? Fearlessly dropping accusations. How bold.'
*
A few days later, Michael received a notice from his agent, informing him that the company had arranged for him to participate in a wilderness survival show.
"Oh my. Why did they invite Michael when all the other participants are professionals?"
"Maybe it's to heighten his publicity? After all, there was a big commotion surrounding him recently..."
"Hahaha, to showcase his manliness?"
"I don't know if he'll be able to showcase it or not. But one thing's for sure—he'll be exhausted to the bone."
Chloe was not familiar with the details of the survival program, but she knew it was a popular show. She naively assumed Michael had successfully overcome his difficulties.
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