?Chapter 172:


    After a brief pause, she added, “Everyone expected Mr. Wall to propose to Miss Wade soon.”


    “Is that so?” Sadie replied, her voice detached, signaling her disinterest.


    “Yes,” Tina continued, lost in the gossip. “It’s strange, three years and nothing has happened…”


    Inside, Sadie felt turmoil, but she maintained herposure. “Perhaps they have their reasons,” she suggested, ready to focus on the business at hand and leave the past—and the rumors—behind.


    Just then, the door to the meeting room swung open.


    Noah walked in.


    He was dressed in a perfectly tailored ck suit, entuating his tall, lean figure and making him appear even more imposing. His face was expressionless.


    Tina’s face drained of color at the sight of him. She hurriedly stood up, stammering, “M-Mr. Wall.”


    “Leave,” Noah said in a cold tone, his gaze fixed on Sadie.


    Tina quickly exited the room, making sure to close the door behind her. Now alone with Noah, Sadie felt a chill. She had anticipated a meeting with someone from the marketing department, not expecting the CEO of Wall Group himself to attend.


    “For such a minor coboration, it’s really an honor for you to attend personally, Mr. Wall,” Sadie said, her voiceced with subtle sarcasm.


    Noah’s expression darkened. He had overheard Sadie’s conversation with Tina just outside the door. Three years had not changed her; she still maintained that nonchnt,posed demeanor. This indifference ignited an ufortable feeling within him.


    “You misunderstood,” Noah replied, his voice steady but firm. “Wall Group handles all partnerships with rigorous scrutiny, no exceptions.”


    “Exceptions?” Sadie felt a sting in her chest. Yes, exceptions were only meant for K, right? She took a deep breath to quell the rising emotions within her, then pulled out a chair and sat down.


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    “So, Mr. Wall, what type of design are you envisioning?”


    Noah’s gaze was unreadable.


    “This project is critical for Wall Group’s future, and it necessitates a deeper coboration. I want you to start working at Wall Group tomorrow to streamlinemunication about the project.”


    “Working at Wall Group?” Sadieughed. He wanted her to work at Wall Group? Was this invitation for convenience in coboration, for oversight, or perhaps… to keep her close as a form of control?


    She began to gather her belongings, preparing to leave. “Have you considered the penalty for breaching the contract?” Noah’s voice remained even, yet carried an authoritative tone.


    Sadie’s hand paused in mid-motion, a surge of anger flooding through her. The penalty! Given the current financial constraints of her studio, affording any penalties was out of the question.


    With reluctance, Sadie turned back around. “Fine. I agree,” she said through gritted teeth, each word a struggle to get out.


    As she turned to leave, Noah spoke up. “It’s almost lunchtime.”


    Expecting him to delve further into project specifics, Sadie was taken aback when he instead mentioned lunch. She paused, then gave a bitter smile. “Mr. Wall, I assume you’ll be having lunch with Miss Wade? I wouldn’t want to intrude.”


    Noah’s brow furrowed, his displeasure evident at her tone. “The business discussion isn’t over, and lunch can be part of that discussion too.”


    A wave of frustration welled up inside Sadie. Was she just a pawn to him, to be used and dismissed at his convenience?


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