?Chapter 173:


    “Sorry, Mr. Wall, I have another appointment.”


    Noah’s piercing gaze locked on her, trying to gauge her sincerity. “With whom?”


    Sadie said, “That’s not your concern, is it? We’re merely business partners. My personal life is none of your business.”


    Noah’s expression darkened. “Sadie, remember, we’re discussing a coboration here. Do you realize what partnering with Wall Group could mean for your studio? Are you really willing to risk this opportunity over a mere lunch?” His voice held a warning edge.


    Sadie clenched her fists. Noah was using their business coboration as leverage to manipte her!


    Sadie inhaled sharply, grappling with the reality that she had no real say in the matter. “Alright, I agree.”


    At that, Noah’s lips twisted into a smug smile. He then strode toward the elevator. In silence, Sadie trailed after him, feeling his dominance overshadow her independence. As they approached the elevator, its doors parted slowly, revealing K stepping out.


    K’s face lit up with a joyful smile when she saw Noah,pletely ignoring Sadie. She quickly hooked her arm through his.


    “Noah, how about lunch together? I’ve booked a table at your favorite ce.”


    With a casual motion, Noah detached his arm. “No, I’ll pass.” For a moment, K’s smile faltered, and it was only then she seemed to be aware of Sadie just behind Noah. Her eyes shed coldly before she adopted a gracious demeanor.


    “Very well then. Sadie, you can borrow Noah for the time being.” She stressed the word “borrow,” infusing it with disdain.


    Internally, Sadie scoffed but maintained a stoic facade. Uninterested in K’s petty taunts, Sadie stepped into the elevator without responding. K’s smile tightened. She hadn’t anticipated such a dismissive response from Sadie. Anger welled up within her. She was determined not to let Sadie, that detestable woman, win Noah over.


    As the elevator doors sealed shut, they obscured K’s resentful stare. Inside, Sadie drew a deep breath once more.


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    They arrived at the underground parking lot, where Noah exited first, followed closely by Sadie. The two walked in tense silence, the emotional weight between them almost suffocating.


    Noah’s car, a sleek ck Maybach, stood out with its understated luxury. He opened the door, gesturing for Sadie to enter. Buckling herself in, Sadie settledfortably into the passenger seat. The parking lot faded behind them as Noah ignited the engine and pulled away.


    They came to a stop outside a trendy bistro, and Noah escorted Sadie through its doors. Inside, the restaurant radiated elegance, its soft lighting enveloping the space in a cozy ambiance. They were led by a server to a window-side table where menus awaited them.


    Noah promptly ordered from memory, choosing dishes Sadie once adored, without so much as a nce at the menu. Gazing upon the array of familiar dishes stirred a tempest of emotions within Sadie. Bittersweet memories, once cherished, now tinged her thoughts with irony.


    “You…” began Sadie, her voice faltering briefly as she broached the heavy topic. “When can we finalize our divorce?”


    Noah’s cutlery hung in the air, his expression briefly betraying his surprise. He looked up, his gazending on Sadie’s calm face.


    “What’s the rush?” asked Noah, a wry smile touching his lips, his words edged with a hint of scorn. “Is it because you’re in a hurry to wed Alex?”


    A wave of disappointment washed over Sadie; she hadn’t expected him to see her in such a light.


    The abrupt ring of a phone pierced the mounting tension. With a slight frown, Noah retrieved his phone from his pocket and eyed the caller ID. Silently, Sadie observed the changes flickering across his face, emotions she couldn’t quite name swirling within her.


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