?Chapter 152:


    Meanwhile, Sadie’s face, once a mask of shifting emotions, settled into a nk te as she watched his retreating figure. She understood Noah too well—he wouldn’t stop here.


    He was just feeling things out. What would happen when he returned next time, or the time after that?


    The possibility of Noah discovering Averi’s existence loomedrge in her mind, threatening the fragile peace she had pieced together. A chill raced down her spine, anxiety flooding her senses like a cold tide.


    She hastened into the apartment building, her fingers trembling as she fumbled for her phone and dialed Alex.


    The phone barely rang twice before Alex answered with a soothing voice. “Sadie?”


    “Can you do me a favor, Alex?” Sadie’s voice wavered ever so slightly, almost unnoticeable.


    Alex’s response was immediate and grave. “What do you need? Just tell me.”


    Sadie paused, her breath catching. “If Noah ever asks about Averi, could you… could you please say Averi is your son?” Her plea hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears as she awaited his reply..


    “You… You met with him?” Alex asked. “Did he give you a hard time?”


    Sadie closed her eyes for a couple of seconds before taking a deep breath. “Yes, we met. I’m fine, I really am. You have nothing to worry about.”


    “That’s good, then.” Alex’s relief was evident in his voice. “You have nothing to worry about, either. If he asks, I’ll say that Averi is mine. I’ll protect you two.”


    Warmth surged in Sadie’s chest. “Thank you, Alex,” she choked out.


    A beat of silence passed before Alex spoke again. This time, his tone wasced with hesitation. “So… How is the preparation of your studioing along?”


    “It’s going well. I found the perfect spot and managed to secure the lease. Thepany registration is almost done, too.”


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    “That’s great. I’ll be there when you open shop.”


    “Sure thing.” Sadie smiled. “I’ll make sure to reserve a seat for you in the VIP section.”


    They chatted a bit more about trivial matters.


    “I’ll hang up now. Get some rest,” Alex said, though it was quite clear he didn’t want to end the conversation just yet.


    “You, too. Good night.” In the end, it was Sadie who ended the call.


    She had barely put her phone down when a knock came at the door. “Mommy! When are you taking me out to y?” a cute, whiny voice called out from the other side.


    Sadie got up and opened the door. Averi stood there, his feet bare, his eyes bright, and his hands perched on his hips.


    “It’s so boring here,” the little boyined. “Let’s go out and y!”


    Sadie crouched down to meet Averi’s innocent eyes. She knew she would be busy soon, so she might as well spend more time with her son while she still could.


    “All right,” Sadie said as she patted Averi’s head. “I’ll take you out to y.”


    Just as she had promised, Sadie took Laura and Averi to a nearby mall the next day. It was a rare family outing, and the three of them made the most of it. It took a few more days before Sadie’s studio was fully set up. All that remained was finding the right staff.


    She posted a job advertisement online, and it wasn’t long before calls came in. Sadie wasted no time and got the recruitment and hiring process going.


    “Alex! What brings you here?” Sadie looked up in surprise when Alex suddenly appeared at the studio’s door.


    “I thought I’d drop by to check out your studio. Also…” Alex held up the lunchbox he was carrying. “I brought lunch.”


    “That’s very thoughtful of you. Thank you.” Sadie stood from her desk and took the lunchbox with a gentle smile.


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