?Chapter 146:


    Alex’s brow furrowed deeply. “What was she after this time?”


    “Just her usual drama, trying to stir things up,” Sadie responded, her tone even, almost indifferent, yet a subtle strain hinted at the annoyance simmering beneath the surface. “Alex, do you think she’ll tell Noah about me?”


    Alex gave her a reassuring look. “She probably won’t. She’s not that reckless. But I do think K could be a real threat. I have a hunch she was involved in that car ident three years ago. Remember, aside from us, she was the only one who knew about your n to slip away from the banquet.”


    Sadie’splexion drained, her eyes wide with a flicker of fear. “You mean…”


    “I’ll look into it,” Alex dered, his voice resolute with determination. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you, your grandmother, and Averi safe.”


    After bidding Sadie goodbye, Alex drove back to his ce.


    As he unlocked the door, a pungent odor of alcohol hit him. Stepping into the living room, he found Noah slumped on the sofa, clutching an empty bottle, his gaze unfocused and distant.


    “You’re back,” Noah murmured, his voice rough and tinged with the bitterness of drink.


    Alex felt a sudden tightness in his chest, a sense of foreboding washing over him. “Why are you here? And why have you drunk so much?”


    Noah gave a self-deprecatingugh. “What, am I not wee?”


    “It’s not that,” Alex replied, sitting down across from him and picking up the bottle from the coffee table to pour himself a drink. “I’m just surprised you found time to visit today.”


    “It’s been three years, Alex. You’ve been hard to see,” Noah said, his gaze piercing as he watched Alex. “What have you been so busy with abroad? So secretive.”


    Alex took a sip of his drink, keeping his tone casual. “Just the usual business.”


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    “Business?” Noah scoffed. “What kind of business has you jetting off to different countries all the time?”


    Alex’s eyes flickered momentarily, but he quickly regained hisposure. “You know how it is—expanding globally is part of the process.”


    After a pause, Noah’s gaze turned icy. “Alex, be straight with me. Is Sadie hidden abroad by you?”


    Alex’s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained hisposure. “What are you talking about? Sadie left long ago, and I have no idea where she is.”


    Noah scrutinized his face, searching for any sign of deceit. “Really? Your recent travels seem highly suspicious.”


    Alex shifted his gaze away and changed the subject. “When are you nning to marry K?”


    Noah’s expression darkened, and he fell silent, as if lost in thought. Seeing this, Alex fell silent as well. The two of them sat there, each holding their drink, enveloped in a heavy silence.


    Suddenly, a phone rang, shattering the stillness. Noah nced at it, noticing the caller ID read “S.” He moved to answer it.


    But Alex was quicker. He snatched the phone and stepped outside. “I’ll take this call.”


    Outside, Alex answered and said, “Hello, Sadie.”


    “Alex, I… I want to start my own brand and was hoping you could introduce me to some professionals in this industry. Is that okay?” Sadie’s voice was tentative.


    “Of course, no problem at all,” Alex responded promptly. “I’m free tomorrow. We can discuss it then.”


    “Thank you, Alex.”


    After ending the call, Alex walked back into the living room to find Noah staring at him with a cold expression.


    “Who was that on the phone?” Noah asked, his voice icy.


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