?Chapter 490:


    After a brief pause, Sadie took the envelope. She opened it and examined the contents—a beautifully crafted card. Shock crossed her face.


    It was an admission notice for the international kindergarten Averi would attend. The card, elegantly inscribed with the school’s name, included detailed enrollment instructions.


    As Sadie read through the document, her expression darkened with each word. Her eyes stopped on a line that made her heart sink: “Both parents are required to attend the new student orientation at 10 a.m. tomorrow.” Sadie looked up sharply, her gaze meeting Noah’s.


    “The school requires it!” he stated indifferently. “You can let Alex know.” With those words, Noah turned and ascended the stairs, his demeanor detached.


    Sadie remained still, the notice in hand, her mind reeling. Averi’s parentage… Alex… Noah… What was her next step?


    She began to retreat to her room but stopped suddenly at the base of the stairs. Someone was there. It was her grandmother, Laura.


    Laura held a jacket, pausing as if she had been about to descend. Worry and understanding marked her features.


    Sadie’s spirits fell. It was clear Laura had caught the tail end of her conversation with Noah. Laura’s affection for her and Averi had always been profound. She must be concerned…


    Tears welled up in Sadie’s eyes. She approached Laura and whispered, “Grandma, shouldn’t you be asleep?”


    “Sadie…” Laura’s sigh wasden with worry and tenderness. “You and… Mr. Wall, it’s…” Laura hesitated, struggling for words.


    The dynamics between Sadie and Noah were intricate. Laura recognized Sadie’s resilience. She had always borne her burdens alone, sparing her family any worry.


    “I’m fine, Grandma,” Sadie reassured her with a forced smile. “Don’t fret. Noah and I will manage.”


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    “Sadie, you’ve endured so much,” Laura said, drawing her into a gentle hug. The calming aroma of essential oils and the gentle strains of soft music filled a luxurious spa, creating a serene atmosphere.


    K reclinedfortably on a massage bed, her eyes closed, savoring the expert touch of the beautician. She had invited Vivi for a spa day, needing to ease the tension that had developed since the banquet incident and the scandal over the photographs. Vivi appeared to be on the verge of broaching a topic when a phone interrupted them.


    K checked the caller ID—it was her friend from the legal department at Wall Group. K answered the phone, and her friend’s worried voice filled her ear. “K, something’s happened. Mr. Wall has initiated action against the Howe Group.”


    “What? Really?” K jumped up from the massage bed, herplexion draining of color. She was shocked. Noah had indeed moved against the Howe family. The Howes had been long-standing allies of the Wall family, with Alex previously as close to Noah as a brother.


    “What exactly is happening?” K asked, her voice filled with urgency.


    “I don’t have all the details yet, but Mr. Wall’s approach is particrly aggressive this time,” her friend exined.


    “Why would Noah take such a step?” K inquired further.


    “It appears to stem from some business disagreement in their partnership.” Vivi, having caught parts of the conversation, also looked concerned. She vividly remembered the confrontation between Alex’s mother and Sadie. What on earth was going on?


    The atmosphere grew heavy with tension, each woman absorbed in her thoughts.


    K quickly got dressed and offered Vivi an apologetic nce. “Vivi, I just remembered there’s something urgent I need to handle. Please, enjoy the rest of your day here,” she said, rushing off.


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