?Chapter 379:


    “Where’s Averi?”


    “He… went to Slimron for an educational trip. He’ll be away for a few days.”


    Noah gave a small nod. He said nothing more.


    Noah reached for an exquisite box on the desk, its surface gleaming under the soft light. He held it out to Sadie, his movements deliberate yet effortless.


    “There’s a charity event tonight,” he said, his voice low and steady. “I’d like you toe with me.”


    Sadie froze, her eyes darting between the box and Noah’s impassive face.


    “Me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She pointed at herself to confirm he wasn’t mistaken. The idea seemed absurd, almost surreal.


    Noah gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable, but his tone left no room for argument.


    “Yes. I need a date.”


    Sadie’s first instinct was to refuse. But then, Nte’s words echoed in her mind, a reminder of what Noah had done for her and her studio.


    “Alright,” Sadie heard herself say, the word escaping before she could second-guess it.


    Her heart skipped a beat as she reached for the box, her fingers brushing against the plush velvet, a strange mix of anticipation and unease swirling in her chest.


    Noah’s eyes lingered on her, dark and inscrutable, as if he were trying to decipher something Sadie herself couldn’t quite understand.


    “We’ll leave at seven,” Noah said, his tone final. Without another word, he lowered his head, his attention shifting back to the glowing screen of hisptop. Sadie left the study, clutching the box in her hands.


    Once back in her room, she carefully opened it, revealing a breathtaking deep blue evening gown. Tiny crystals were scattered across the fabric, catching the light like stars scattered across a midnight sky. Her heart quickened as her fingers glided over the smooth, luxurious material, and a flutter of anticipation and nervousness stirred in her chest.


    Time seemed to slip away as Sadie prepared herself. She slipped into the gown, the fabric draping perfectly over her figure as though it had been made just for her. Standing in front of the mirror, she carefully styled her hair and applied a touch of makeup, her hands trembling slightly with nervous anticipation.


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    At precisely seven o’clock, there was a knock at her door.


    Sadie took a deep breath, steadying herself, before she walked toward the door.


    When she opened the door, Noah stood there, looking every bit the picture of distinction in a sharp ck suit. His gaze immediately locked on her, and for a brief moment, she saw something like admiration sh in his eyes—something deeper than simple politeness. The starry gown she wore only seemed to enhance her natural elegance, the crystals catching the light in a way that made her appear almost otherworldly.


    “You look stunning,” Noah said, his voice warm and sincere.


    Sadie’s cheeks flushed, and she lowered her gaze momentarily. Her heart fluttered in response to thepliment, and she whispered softly, “Thank you.”


    Noah extended his arm with a subtle, inviting gesture. “Shall we?”


    Sadie hesitated for the briefest moment, her heart pounding in her chest. Then, with a small nod, she ced her hand gently on his arm, her touch light but deliberate.


    Together, they walked out of the vi, the night air cool and crisp around them. The chauffeur stood beside the sleek car, its engine humming softly, ready to carry them.


    The car ride was charged with an undercurrent of tension.


    Sadie couldn’t help but steal asional nces at Noah, who sat beside her, his demeanor asposed as ever. His face revealed nothing, and his thoughts were inscrutable, like the darkening night outside the window.


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