?Chapter 272:


    After a brief pause, the driver started the engine.


    Stonemont Estate was already on Sadie’s mind. The estate was owned by Eva, who was well-known for being a tough negotiator. Securing a partnership would not only solidify but possibly enhance her studio’s standing significantly.


    As they drove up the winding path, the rain grew heavier. Even with the windshield wipers moving fast, the thick fog remained difficult to clear.


    Upon reaching the midpoint of the ascent, the driver abruptly hit the brakes.


    “I’m sorry, miss, but it’s too risky to continue. The road is too slick,” he said, fear evident in his pale face and trembling voice.


    Despair gripped Sadie as she realized the driver’s concerns were valid. The mountain path was both narrow and steep, made treacherous by the rain.


    Attempting to maintain herposure, she said, “Sir, I’ll pay triple. Would you please take me to the top?”


    But the driver was resolute in his refusal.


    “It’s not about the money, miss. I have a family to think about, and I can’t risk our lives over this.”


    Sadie opened her mouth to protest, but the driver continued, “I’m sorry, miss, but this is as far as I go.”


    A wave of anxiety washed over Sadie, though she understood his point. After paying him, she watched as the cab turned and vanished into the rainy mist.


    Standing alone at the roadside, Sadie paused, her gaze fixed on the mountain path now shrouded in rain and fog, feeling a surge of helplessness. Her umbre was up, but it hardly kept the relentless rain at bay. Her coat was quickly drenched, sending chills deep into her bones. With each step she took, the muddy road became tougher to tread.


    Yet, she pressed on, her jaw set firmly.


    From the misty haze, a ck Maybach glided silently toward her. Hope sparked in Sadie’s chest. She might still find a way forward! She stepped boldly into the road, waving down the approaching vehicle.


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    The car slowed to a halt and the window slid down, revealing a face that was familiar yet unsettling.


    Noah was inside, looking as refined and unruffled as always. His gaze, unreadable as ever,nded on the soaked figure of Sadie standing in the rain. Sadie stood still, shocked. What shocked her even more was that K was sitting beside him, her sleek hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup impable, dressed in a white gown that entuated her allure.


    Seeing K free so soon from the police station was beyond Sadie’s expectations. A heaviness descended upon her heart.


    She remembered the previous evening when Noah had shown up outside her apartment building, likely there to confront her about K. K’s eyes shifted toward Sadie, radiating a smug satisfaction.


    However, her expression quickly changed to one of fake concern. “Sadie, what brings you out here? Where are you headed all by yourself? Let Noah and me give you a lift. He won’t mind,” she suggested with feigned sweetness.


    Yet Sadie remained motionless.


    Noah’s gaze was fixed on her, deep and intense, as it always had been, his thoughts unreadable. When he saw Sadie’sck of response, his face grew stern.


    “If you’re noting, then just stay here,” he said coldly.


    Samuel, behind the wheel, nced at Noah in the rearview mirror, then at Sadie in the rain. He seemed hesitant about what to do next.


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