Chapter 283
“You’re too kind. Mr. Rhodes.” Noelle offered a soft, radiant smile, completely warm and
approachable.
She didn’t show a hint of the annoyance she’d felt over his relentless harassment these past months.
Seeing her stunning, generous smile, Martin felt his heart skip a beat.
Noelle had always exuded this untouchable, elite aura-like a goddess hidden behind a veil, mysterious and hard to approach. But once engaged, she was incredibly charming and tactful, never making anyone feel awkward or embarrassed. Talking to a woman like her was a breath of fresh air. What man wouldn’t be captivated?
They sat across from each other, separated by candlelight and white roses. A waiter arrived with their steaks and wine.
Noelle had high emotional intelligence. Backed by her professional status and the power of the Sanders family, handling a wealthy heir like Martin was effortlessly easy. She played him perfectly.
Martin was talkative and eager to impress. From business to hobbies, philosophy to history, Noelle smoothly kept up with every topic he threw out. She even offered insightful perspectives that made Martin feel truly heard and understood. He quickly fell under the illusion that Noelle was his perfect match, the one woman who truly got him. He vowed to lock her down.
Internally, Noelle was bored to tears. But to maintain her perfect image, she kept a flawless smile plastered on her face and responded with impeccable grace.
When lunch ended, Martin invited her to a quiet lounge owned by a friend. Noelle politely declined, using work as an excuse.
Disappointed but eager for more, Martin agreed to call it a day.
On the third day, Noelle took the initiative and invited Martin out. Her only reason was to ensure Josephine heard that she was actively pursuing this relationship.
Martin was absolutely ecstatic when he received the invitation.
This time, they met at a high-end sushi restaurant.
Martin arrived early. Outside the window, the stunning city skyline sparkled against the dark river, boats passing like drifting stars.
“I can’t believe you asked me out. I’m thrilled.” Martin poured her a cup of sake. “Ever since our last date, I’ve been wondering when I’d see you again. I hope I didn’t come on too strong.”
Noelle looked at him with innocent, earnest eyes. “You’re overthinking it. It’s an honor to spend time with such an exceptional man. But I’ll pass on the alcohol-I drove here.”
Seeing her push the sake aside for tea, Martin’s admiration for her only grew.
“Spend time as… friends?” Martin caught the nuance in her words. He offered a self-deprecating smile. “I’ve sent you so many gifts over the last six months, and you returned every single one. Noelle, I want to ask you directly: do you have any romantic feelings for me at all?”
09:46
Chapter 293
Noelle froze. She lowered her gaze, looking heartbreakingly sad and lonely
Seeing his goddess look so vulnerable, Martin immediately panicked and backtracked. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have been so blunt. Did I make you uncomfortable? I apologize.”
Noelle’s eyes glistened slightly before she offered a fragile smile. “I just think matters of the heart can’t be rushed. It takes time to connect and build something real. Are you in a hurry, Mr. Rhodes?”
“No, not at all! I can follow your pace. I’m not the kind of guy who treats love like a game. I’m completely serious about us.” Martin felt a rush of protective warmth. Her reaction only proved his instincts were right-she was exactly the kind of high-value woman worth bringing home. She didn’t treat relationships lightly.
“Yes.” Noelle lowered her lashes again. “I know you’re a good man. I’ve heard wonderful things about you. That’s exactly why I’m open to seeing where things go, starting as friends…”
“Really?” Martin’s eyes lit up like fireworks.
“Yes, But right now, most of my energy is focused on my career. I also haven’t fully moved on from my previous marriage…”
“I know.” Martin suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand. “I know everything you’ve been through. I won’t rush you, and I won’t pressure you.”
Noelle stared at his hand enveloping hers and swiftly pulled away.
Looking away, she said softly, “Mr. Rhodes, I hope we can continue this as friends. Please…”
“I’m sorry,” Martin quickly scratched the back of his head, laughing awkwardly. “That was out of line.” Noelle allowed her smile to return. “No need to apologize. I understand. But I hope you can respect my boundaries.”
“I’m willing to wait,” Martin declared passionately. “I don’t care how long it takes.”
Noelle looked at him and gave a soft chuckle. “Alright. Let’s eat.”
Late that night, Noelle drove back to her apartment.
Mrs. Wagner treated her like family. Seeing Noelle walk in looking completely drained, she immediately brought her slippers and brewed a cup of soothing chamomile tea.
“Noelle, Ava mentioned you’ve been going on blind dates? Is it true?” Noelle dragged her feet to the sofa, collapsing into the cushions and rubbing her temples. “You heard?”
6th in ya dyer the farger’s d
Ang plurther side her a choice and
Ny cannot be the one to tell him.
*Harga trukeauty when you tubs way to let it slips
*** WAN lyhdyt A spring has to be compressed all the way
Mas Happy Non of the metaphor, but she knew Noelle wasn’t a pawn who
Myymph tranne might kink she was controlling the board, but Noelle
### ***Nyd days had begun Brynlee was out of school and staying with ********/ they missed their granddaughter and wanted her around.
*** Why van Yg Red’s WEARY PArilled, but she didn’t argue either. Taking care of a IWA TENANG MAKE way, staty trane was obsessed with playing mahjong with her
**Man
me for me, letting Kaia’s parents take over made sense-after
Whether
as had significantly more breathing room. Today, she needed to
#harveyser toneryfate a partnership.
wwwth has was & critical task, so Kaia personally led her team to inspect the
Hero Motoring really supplied Aethelstan Biopharma, and this time, they were picting Vendan as well the focus was high-end, premium raw materials.
Yain was greed with
enthusiasm and VIP treatment upon arrival.
br Christ, some! We hope this leads to a very fruitful partnership.” The plant manager rushed by together After exchanging polite pleasantries, Kaia got straight to business.
the manager led Vala and her team directly to their main warehouse.
the moment she stepped through the doors, the rich, earthy scent of medicinal herbs washed over her, instantly bringing a sense of cal
the bent dam to wamine the bays of sliced herbs, occasionally picking one up to smell it while an expert explained the aging and origin of the crops.
the batch of Estragalus is three years old. Look at the texture here…
09:46 爆上
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Whats She Overheard in Her Own Marriage