?Chapter 336:


    Noah’s face darkened. He ended the call and gripped Sadie’s hand tightly. “Let’s go!” A shiver crawled down Sadie’s spine, leaving her momentarily frozen. What did Isabel want from Averi?


    Neither Sadie nor Noah spoke during the drive. The silence in the car was thick, suffocating.


    The sleek ck vehicle came to a smooth stop before Wall Manor. Without hesitation, they stepped out, pushing open the heavy, carved wooden doors.


    Laughter spilled from the living room, warm and lively,pletely at odds with the turmoil in Sadie’s chest.


    “Averi, have another bite—ah!” Isabel’s voice was dripping with affection. “It’s so sweet!” Averi’s delighted giggle followed, his tiny voice light and carefree.


    Isabel’sughter rang out, full and unguarded, making her seem years younger. Sadie’s heart clenched. “Averi!” she called out.


    Theughter died instantly. Isabel’s head snapped up. The moment her eyesnded on Sadie, her face darkened.


    “You again?” Her voice was sharp, venomous. She turned to Noah, eyes zing. “Why did you bring this jinx here again?”


    Sadie’s breath hitched, her face draining of color. Noah’s brows knitted together, his stance shifting as he instinctively positioned himself in front of her.


    “Mom, why is Averi here with you?”


    Isabel looked perplexed for a moment, her affectionate eyes resting on Averi’s adorable features. She said, “I discovered this child by the gate of the Myrtlewood Estate. I intended to visit you today, but then I found him there, so alone and forlorn, and I feltpelled to bring him home.”


    Her gaze shifted to Sadie, her face hardening instantly. “Why are you here again? You just won’t leave. Listen to me, give up! Our family cannot ept a person like you!”


    Noah started to respond, his brow furrowed in disapproval, but Averi’s voice cut him off, saying, “Mrs. Wall, please don’t be angry with my mommy!” Clutching Isabel’s hand, Averi looked up earnestly, hisrge eyes brimming with sincerity.


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    Isabel paused, her expression of anger momentarily frozen. Turning her gaze from Averi’s earnest face to Sadie, Isabel appeared bewildered.


    “Mommy?” Isabel echoed, her voice tinged with astonishment. “Are you his mother?”


    With a shaky voice, Sadie answered, “Yes, I am.”


    A heavy silence then settled over the room. Isabel’s face cycled through emotions rapidly: shock gave way to confusion, which in turn yielded to disbelief. Her gaze then fell on Noah,den with inquiry and scrutiny.


    Noah, for his part, bore aplex look. Gazing at Sadie and Averi, he remained silent, his lips sealed shut.


    Breaking the heavy silence, Sadie said, “It’ste. I’ll take Averi home now.” She was eager to leave without dy.


    Gently, she lifted Averi into her arms, and he clung to her, his face hidden in the crook of her neck.


    Sadie moved toward the exit. Upon reaching the door, she paused. Without turning around, she murmured, “Sorry for the intrusion.”


    With those words, she departed, not looking back. The moment Sadie vanished from view, Isabel whirled to face Noah, her eyes alight with a fierce intensity. “Noah, I need to know—Is that child yours?” Noah remained still, rooted to the spot.


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