?Chapter 454:


    Standing up, K wiped away her tears and straightened her attire. She then retrieved her phone and dialed Vivi.


    “I’ve taken care of it. Noah has given his approval. You’re set to win the contest…”


    Back at his car, Noah slumped into his seat, closed his eyes, and let the fatigue wash over him.


    At the stately Howe Manor, the grand redwood doors, carved with intricate designs, stood firmly closed, radiating a sense of age-old sophistication.


    In the living room, Alex stood tensely, gripping his car keys, a look of urgency on his face.


    “Mom, I need to leave. There’s a pile of work waiting for me at thepany,” he said, his voice edged with impatience.


    His mother, Susannah, was seated across the room on an elegant sofa, dressed in a dark red ensemble. Her hair was swept up neatly, and her wrist was adorned with a jade bracelet—symbols of her refined and privileged lifestyle. However, today, her usual poise was reced with a look of concern. With a gentle sigh, her voice carried a mix of weariness and exasperation.


    “Alex, why must you be so headstrong? Do you think I would deceive you? I felt a tightness in my chest when I woke up, which is why I asked you toe back.”


    “Mom!” Alex raised his voice slightly. “If you’re really not well, shouldn’t you be at the hospital instead of calling me back here?” Susannah’s expression darkened a touch. She ced her ss of water on the table with a soft “clink,” watching the surface ripple quietly.


    “I didn’t want to cause you undue worry. Just having you here reassures me,” she replied, her tone softening.


    Alex studied his mother, understanding her motives clearly. Susannah was not sick; she had merely lured him back under false pretenses.


    “Mom, let’s cut to the chase. You had mee here because of Sadie, didn’t you?” Alex stated bluntly.


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    For a moment, Susannah’s face stiffened, but then she regained herposure. Realizing her son had seen through her ruse, she dropped the pretense.


    “Alex, you have feelings for Sadie, I understand, but… she has a child. Our family’s standing could bepromised if this bes public.”


    “Mom!” Alex cut her off, his voice filled with irritation. “What is the issue with Sadie? She’s independent, earning her way honestly. She’s done nothing to deserve scorn. What right do you have to judge her?”


    “I’m not judging her,” Susannah replied, attempting to justify her stance. However, the protective expression on Alex’s face made it clear he was immovable.


    “Mom, I’m telling you this for thest time. Stay out of my personal affairs,” Alex responded firmly.


    “You… you’re trying to give me a heart attack!” Susannah eximed, dramatically clutching her chest, her face a picture of anguish and despair.


    When Alex saw his mother so visibly upset, his demeanor softened.


    “Mom, please…” His voice became tender. “I’ll make sure to visit more. Will that help?”


    Susannah looked at her son, acutely aware that his reassurances were merely tofort her. She was powerless to sway him. He had always been stubborn, and once his decision was made, it was final.


    “Alex, I’m not asking for much,” Susannah said, her voice tinged with soft desperation. “I just don’t want you to make a decision you’ll regret.”


    Alex paused for a brief moment, then nodded in acknowledgment. “I get it, Mom. But I really need to leave now.”


    He then turned and began walking toward the door.


    “Alex!” Susannah called after him urgently.


    He halted his steps and looked back toward her.


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