?Chapter 96:


    As he disappeared through the doorway, Sadie watched the door swing shut, her hand unconsciously clenching into a fist.


    Despair overwhelmed her. She had hoped that her hard work would free her from Noah’s control and grant her independence. Yet, here she was, still bound by his influence.


    What was her next move? Was escape from Noah’s grasp ever possible? Her hand rested on her belly, protectively guarding the growing life inside her. If she failed to leave Noah before her pregnancy became obvious, he might never allow the child to be born.


    The memory of Noah’s cold expression and harsh words haunted her.


    Taking a deep breath, Sadie resolved not to give up.


    She had to leave, for the sake of her unborn child.


    Alex approached, his concern evident. “Sadie, stay calm. I’ll speak with Mr. Dominguez. Given the long-standing rtionship between our families, he might change his mind.” His voice was gentle and reassuring.


    With those words, Alex hurried off, urgency in his stride.


    Sadie wanted to call out to him, but the opportunity slipped away. Amidst the elegantly dressed crowd in the banquet hall, Sadie feltpletely out of ce. She turned and walked away.


    The night air outside was refreshingly cool. Her phone buzzed—it was Alex calling.


    “Sadie, Mr. Dominguez has agreed.” Alex’s voice buzzed with excitement. “He’s set up an independent project for you, one that doesn’t involve Noah’s oversight. What do you think?”


    Clutching her phone, Sadie realized this was a more favorable oue than she had hoped for. Without Noah’s knowledge, there would be no chance for him to interfere.


    “Alex, I’m so grateful,” Sadie responded earnestly. “How can I ever thank you enough for this?”


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    “Marry Alex, and you’ll be even,” a cold, sarcastic voice cut through.


    Startled, Sadie looked up sharply.


    Noah stood a short distance away, impably dressed in a sharp suit. His handsome face showed no warmth, and his deep, cold eyes were fixed on her.


    A heavy feeling settled in Sadie’s chest.


    Had he overheard their entire conversation?


    “What, are you feeling guilty?” Noah stepped closer, his voice cold. “You promisedst night there was nothing between you and Alex, yet here I find you together. What excuse can you offer now?” His voice was tinged with derision.


    Sadie’s expression darkened as Alex’s worried voice filled her ear through the phone. “Sadie? What’s happening there? I can hear Noah— is he causing trouble? Tell me where you are, I’ll be right there!” Sadie’s heart sank. She dreaded another confrontation between Alex and Noah.


    “Alex, listen—”


    But before she could finish, Noah snatched the phone from her hand. With a swift motion, he ended the call and threw the phone into the nearbyke. The phone hit the water with a ssh.


    Despair gripped Sadie’s heart. Her eyes snapped to Noah, filled with anger. “Noah, have you lost your mind?!”


    Noah’s eyes flickered with a chilling resolve as he gripped her wrist. “I can’t stand watching you talk to Alex!” he eximed, his words dripping with fury.


    The pressure on her wrist was painful, but Sadie stood her ground, defiant. “We’re just friends!”


    With a sneer, Noah taunted, “Don’t overestimate yourself, Sadie! Just because Alex introduced you to his family doesn’t mean you’re free. You’re still my wife, and until I sign those divorce papers, you’re not going anywhere!”


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