to!”
Chapter 17
Noelle and Christian sat across from each other underneath a large parasol by Harvale’s beach. They watched Ian build sandcastles with other children.
“Thanks, Christian.” Noelle retracted her gaze and smiled at Christian. “Ian’s become a lot more cheerful recently, and it’s all because of you.”
“I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do, Noelle.” He looked at her gently, his eyes gleaming like the sunlight reflecting off the sea.
“I just want to make one thing clear.” She looked away, her ears turning red. “I’m going to resign from Hartman Group. Thanks for all the help you’ve given me lately.”
“What? Why?” Christian was shocked. “Your superior told me that you’ve adapted to the job quickly. They also said you’re good at what you do and willing to put in the hard work.”
“I know what really happened, Christian.” Noelle shook her head. “Among the candidates who attended the interview on the same day as me, many others were much better than I in terms of education level, experience, and capabilities. You hired me right after interviewing me, making them lose their chance to shine.
“I’m sorry. I know how you feel about me, and I’m grateful.” She met his gaze, her eyes brimming with gratitude.
“Noelle, I-” Christian was about to tell her how he felt when a roar interrupted him.
“Noelle! You and Ian are coming home with me right now!” Hector stomped over to them, his shadow looming over them.
Noelle stiffened and slowly looked up. Hector stood there, his suit rumpled. His hair was damp from his sweat. He said hoarsely, “I was wrong, Noelle. Come home with me, please.”
Her fingers trembled, and she bit her lip hard to calm herself down. She sneered and asked, “What are you doing here? Didn’t you see the divorce certificate? You can finally marry the woman you love!”
His breathing hitched, and guilt overwhelmed him. “I’m sorry, Noelle. She doesn’t love me at all—she was only in it for my money. “You’re the only one who would treat me so well…”
He stepped forward and grabbed Noelle’s hand. “Give me another chance! I swear I’ll treat you and Ian well!”
Noelle froze like she’d been struck. Her old wounds were torn open again, and pain surged in her. She smiled, but tears filled her eyes. “So, you do know about everything I’ve done for you over the years…”
She shook him off roughly. “To think Ian and I had to dance before you and Lindsey in those stupid mascot costumes just to make ends meet at home!” Hector’s heart clenched with every word she said. It was only when she aired all her grievances and suffering that he realized the hell she and Ian had lived while with him…
“You know how young Ian is. Other kids his age could happily go to kindergarten, but what about him? He could only pick up trash because he wanted to help repay your so–called debt!
“He admired you wholeheartedly, yet you put his life on the line for someone else’s son! You didn’t even bother finding out the truth when he was injured and assumed he was at fault! You didn’t care that he was hurt!” she shouted.
Hector swallowed and cried, “I know about everything you’ve been through, Noelle. I investigated everything–Lindsey was behind it all! She put on an act, and she forged Micah’s medical reports. She even bribed a doctor to lie to me! Even the kidnapping was her doing! I would never have abandoned you guys if I’d known the truth!”
“She forged it all?” Noelle staggered backward in disbelief and fell into Christian’s arms. Tears streamed down her face as she grimaced. “So, lan’s and my lives are nothing but pawns in your and Lindsey’s game…”
She curled her lip mockingly, “I won’t ever forgive you, Hector. I’ll only hate you for the rest of my life! I wish I could make you have a taste of your own medicine, and I wish the pain is a hundred times worse!”
Hector turned pale, and his eyes reddened. “I’m sorry, Noelle! I swear I’ll make it up to you and Ian; I’ll deal with Lindsey, too!”
He stepped forward to hold Noelle’s hand again, but Christian pulled her behind him and stood before her protectively. He looked at Hector icily. “That’s enough! Are you still going to harass them after mistreating them for so many years, Hector? Is that what you Yarrows are like? You make me sick!”
The pain in Hector’s eyes was instantly replaced by malice as he stared at Christian. “You’re Christian Hartman of Hartman Group, right? You and Noelle have only known each other for a few days. Why bother acting like this? Get out of my way, and I’ll give you 50% of all of Yarrow Group’s projects‘ profits!”
