When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian) novel Chapter 41

Whitney watched as Noel's car merged into traffic, slowly fading from view.

Only then did she recognize a strange feeling stirring within her. Why had she been so angry when Noel defended Rachel? Her anger was even stronger than it had been when she first discovered Damian's betrayal.

And beneath that anger lay a confusing sense of disappointment as if an answer lingered just beyond her grasp. She forced herself to stop overthinking it.

…

The next day, Helena called, and they agreed to meet directly at the hotel entrance.

Whitney had taken a few days off work, with Damian's approval. He knew her reasons, and even if he hadn't agreed, she wouldn't have gone to the office anyway.

When she met Helena at the hotel, Whitney relayed Noel's suggestions exactly as he had described them.

"Noel's lucky he didn't become a lawyer. Otherwise, there'd be no work left for me," Helena quipped.

They approached the lobby manager, and Helena introduced herself as a lawyer, explaining the purpose of their visit. The manager led them to the general manager's office.

Eugene Hill, the hotel's general manager, was a man in his early 40s with a receding hairline.

After listening to the lobby manager's summary, Eugene looked troubled. "It's not that we don't want to cooperate, but questioning each of our staff would take a lot of time. We're extremely busy right now, and even a brief interruption could lead to guest complaints."

Helena smiled. "It's just a few quick questions. It won't take long, Mr. Hill. If you could do us this favor…"

But despite her gentle persistence, Helena lacked the authority to compel questioning without a warrant.

Eugene chuckled politely, his refusal firm. "I'm sorry. If you come back with a warrant or bring the police along, we'll be happy to cooperate."

With that, they were escorted out of the hotel.

"That Mr. Hill is a slippery one," Helena muttered in frustration.

Without surveillance footage or witnesses, their investigation was looking increasingly difficult.

"Noel!"

Just as their spirits were sinking, Whitney heard Helena call out into the lobby. She looked up and saw Noel emerging from the hotel elevator.

Noel was dressed in a dark suit and silver-framed glasses. His sharp jaw turned slightly as he spoke with someone by his side.

Hearing someone call his name, Noel looked over, exchanged a few more words with his companion, and then headed toward them.

"Noel, what are you doing here?" Helena asked.