The Sway and Slide of Love

"And I believe that even without the company, even if I have to start over from scratch, I can still live a good life. And even if I don't, I won't blame anyone, least of all you," Dylan said.

After he finished speaking, Noelle finally felt herself relaxing.

"So, that's what you've been doing all day? Worrying and overthinking about this whole thing?"

"Yeah," Noelle replied, then suddenly thought of something. "And you shouldn't pick a fight with your mother over this. She was just looking out for you."

"Don't worry. I won't," Dylan responded without hesitation.

But to Noelle, it almost sounded like he was brushing her off. This caused her to frown slightly.

As if he could read her mind, Dylan quickly added, "I was upset earlier because I thought you were going to give up on me. But now I see it was just a misunderstanding. So, don't worry. I won't fight with my mother."

Only then did Noelle feel reassured. "Okay. Where are you now?"

"I'm still at the office, but I'm about to head home."

"Alright. Get some rest when you're back."

"You, too. You should get some sleep now," Dylan said softly.

"Okay. Bye," Noelle replied before hanging up the phone.

Meanwhile, Dylan was getting ready to leave his office building. But as he walked into the parking garage, a strange sensation crept over him-like someone was watching him from behind.

The feeling made his brows knit together, and he abruptly turned around. But the vast, empty garage was completely devoid of anyone, except for him.

Dylan stood still for a moment, scanning the area to make sure he hadn't missed anything. Then, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. He figured he was just exhausted, and that was why he was starting to imagine things.

He didn't dwell on it any further. After closing his car door, he drove off.

What Dylan didn't know was that after he left, & figure slowly emerged from behind a pillar. She wore a faded dress, and her cropped hai was tucked beneath a brown baseball cap. The brim hid most of her face, revealing only her dry, chapped lips.

Below that, her hands were clenched into tight fists.

...

When Dan knocked and entered Hendrix's office, there was a hint of hesitation on

his face. "Mr. Freeman, there's someone outside who wants to see you."

The entire company had been under

a cloud of tension these past few days. Even as the chief assistant, Dan had to tread carefully around Hendrix, his voice cautious_O whenever speaking to him.

Hendrix looked up, his expression unreadable.

"It's Ms. Jean Fisher," Dan quickly added.

Hendrix frowned. After a couple of seconds, he finally remembered who she was.

After a moment of thought, he said, "Let her in."

Dan immediately complied and turned to lead Jean in.noveldrama

Jean was dressed in old, cheap clothing with a cap over her hair. Her face, which was completely free of makeup, looked almost skeletal from how thin she had become.

When she saw Hendrix, she quickly smiled and said, "Hello, Mr. Freeman."

"When did you get out of prison, Ms. Fisher?" Hendrix asked casually, his expression as blank as ever.

ét

"Not too long, really. About a week ago," Jean replied. "I have to say, appreciate you agreeing to see me. For a moment there, I thought I was about to get tossed out."