?Chapter 445:


    K was walking toward them with a vulnerable expression, the corners of her eyes red, presumably from crying.


    K had witnessed the intimate exchange between Noah and Averi, and instantly felt a wave of jealousy. She was cunning enough to mask it, though.


    Noah frowned as she drew closer.


    “Noah,” K called softly. “I received the birthday gift you had Samuel send over. I really like it.”


    She paused for a few seconds before asking, “Do you have some time? I was hoping we could have a meal together, since today is my birthday. Back when we were together, you always celebrated my birthday…”


    K’s voice carried a hint of a sob, her eyes wide with expectation.


    Meanwhile, Sadie had finished her phone call just in time to overhear K’s words. Her chest tightened with trepidation.


    Assuming that Noah would leave with K, Sadie quickly took Averi’s small hand. “You should go,” she said to Noah. “You’ve already been a lot of help today. We won’t keep you any longer.”


    Noah didn’t know how to feel. His eyes followed Sadie as she pulled Averi away and began to turn. He opened his mouth to stop her, but the words died in his throat.


    His internal conflict did not escape K’s notice. “Sadie,” she said, “why don’t you join us for dinner?” Then, when Sadie didn’t respond, she added softly, “Are you still upset with me? I really didn’t do anything to your grandma…”


    Sadie clenched her free hand tightly, her nails digging into her palm.


    She whirled around to face K, her tone cold and threatening. “You should be grateful my grandmother is okay. Otherwise, I would stop at nothing to make you pay.”


    With that, she picked up Averi and walked away without a backward nce.


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    The air grew increasingly tense as Noah and K were left alone. “Noah,” K said, her eyes shimmering with tears. She looked even more pitiful than she usually did. “Did you really forget about our past?”


    Noah turned to her then. He almost got swayed by her words yet again, but reason quickly took over.


    “K,” he said in a tone that was gentle but distant at the same time. “I still have work to finish at the office. Let’s have dinner some other time.” He paused to choose his words carefully before adding, “Today… is not the right time.”


    K could feel the color drain from her face. She gaped at Noah, unable to believe her ears. “But—But today is my birthday. In the past, you would always…” She choked up and couldn’t finish her sentence.


    Noah averted his gaze, suddenly focused on adjusting his cuff. “I should go.”


    He didn’t wait for a response before walking away, his strides firm and resolute. K was rooted to the spot as she watched him go. Every step he took felt like a hammer to her heart.


    She couldn’t ept this. Why did Sadie get to have everything?


    Sadie had Noah’s love and a lovable son, while she was left with nothing.


    The resentment that had long since festered within her red up, and K gnashed her teeth together as her gaze turned fierce. She was going to ruin Sadie, one way or another. And then, she would take what was rightfully hers.


    While all of this was going on, Vivi had been standing in the shadows, watching everything unfold. She now sneered at K’s deste figure. That was just the beginning. The real drama was yet toe.


    She intended to watch K and Sadie tear each other apart, then she would swoop in to reap the benefits.


    Meanwhile, Noah hurriedly caught up with Sadie and Averi.


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