When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian) novel Chapter 83

Helena was in Noel's office discussing legal contracts when Whitney's call came through.

It was already 8:30 pm, and everyone at the Seabourke Architectural Institute had long since left for the night.

The office was silent, making Whitney's voice sound even clearer over the phone.

After ending the call, Helena stood up urgently. "Noel, I have to go. Let's pick this up tomorrow."

Noel hesitated briefly before speaking. "The contract signing is the day after tomorrow, and we still have many terms to finalize. If this delays our progress, your firm might lose the deal."

"But, Noel, you heard what just happened. Whitney's been locked up by her dad, and I have to go help her!" Helena replied anxiously, baffled by Noel's sudden lack of understanding.

"You really think you can just show up and convince Westley to let her go? Do you think he'd release her just because you asked him to?" Noel challenged.

Helena paused. She knew that he was right. There was no guarantee she could get Whitney out.

The Howards had influence, but Westley was no easy opponent, no matter how powerful her family was.

Still, she couldn't just abandon her best friend.

"Noel…" Whitney whispered, her voice barely audible as she looked up at him, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes.

"I'll go, and you continue your work here." Noel cut her off abruptly.

"Huh?" Helena's eyes widened in surprise.

Noel was already standing up, slipping into his black coat. "I'll bring her out. You stay here and finish your work. Remember, time is precious."

As he reached the door, Helena finally regained her senses. "Noel, Whitney wants to break off her engagement with Damian. Aren't you even a little surprised?"

His reaction was as if he'd already known. Noel glanced at her, then at her phone on the desk. He said, "You have a message."

…

Back in Noel's G-Wagon, Noel glanced at the person in the passenger seat, noticing her dazed expression and the way her wide eyes reflected the streetlights outside.

His clear voice broke the silence in the car. "Helena had an important contract to review tonight. She had to get it done, so she called me."

"Helena called you?" Whitney asked, confused. She couldn't imagine Helena, unaware of her history with Noel, would ask him to come pick her up.

Keeping his gaze on the road, Noel replied calmly, "If you don't believe me, you can call her to check. But remember, she can't be distracted. If there's any issue with the contract, her firm could face a significant penalty."

Noel let out a soft chuckle, then opened the car door. "I don't need anyone's gratitude. Come on out. We're here."

Whitney turned to look out the window. They were parked in front of a hotel.

She felt a flicker of confusion.

Noel was already outside. Seeing her hesitation, he opened her door and said, "Staying at the hotel means your father won't find you right away."

If she went straight back to Coaska Heights, her father would undoubtedly come for her the very next day. He might even force her to go back.

Whitney got out of the car and followed Noel into the hotel.

She thought he was going to check her in, but instead, he guided her straight to the elevator.

The elevator was bright, casting a warm, golden glow.

Suddenly, she remembered the last time they'd gone to a hotel together, and the memory of what happened afterward made her face flush.

Then, all at once, she felt his hand gently turn her face toward him.