?Chapter 561:


    Alex’s smile faltered.


    “Noah, I realize you’re upset with me,” Alex began, setting his ss down, his voice tinged with bitterness. “But I did all this for Averi and her.”


    Noah cut in, his tone icy and t. “Alex, don’t dress it up as nobility. You know the full extent of your actions. If not for Averi, why would I have assisted you?”


    Alex’s demeanor shifted, his hands forming fists. “What are you implying?” he asked, his voice rising slightly with anger.


    “I’m being clear,” Noah responded sharply, his stare unwavering. “I can’t overlook what you did to Sadie. My help was for Averi’s sake, not yours.”


    Alex’splexion darkened. He rose swiftly, his eyes locking on Noah. “I love Sadie, and I won’t just walk away from her. If you want me to step back to repay you, then I reject it,” he dered firmly.


    “If ites down to a confrontation over her, I’m ready. I don’t fear you,” Noah said, his look bing frosty. “Are you challenging me, Alex?”


    “You might say that,” Alex retorted, standing his ground.


    “Fine. So be it,” Noah said with a sneer. “We’ll see how this ends.” With those words, he stood and left.


    “Noah!” Alex called after him. “Are you really going to turn against me over a woman?”


    Noah stopped but did not turn around.


    “Alex, you’re mistaken. It’s not about me turning against you; it’s about you betraying me. From the moment you took Sadie away from me three years ago, you chose to be my enemy. She is neither a bargaining chip nor amodity. Remember that.”


    With those words, Noah walked away, not once ncing back.


    Alex remained where he stood, his expression dark and foreboding. His fists were clenched so tightly that his nails pierced his palms, drawing blood, yet he appeared unaware of the pain.


    g?lnσν???s．c????, a world of tales


    Meanwhile, at Myrtlewood Estate, Sadie had just returned from picking up Averi from kindergarten.


    Averi chatted excitedly, recounting his day at school to Sadie, who listened with a warm, attentive smile.


    Hand in hand, they approached their home, their presence painting a picture of warmth and contentment.


    As they reached the entrance of the vi, a familiar figure appeared. Samuel stood before them, his tall frame imposing, his gaze aplex mix of emotions as he watched Sadie.


    Sadie’s expression shifted subtly.


    She harbored no warmth for Samuel, Noah’s right-hand man, known for his involvement in many of Noah’s darker deeds.


    Preferring to keep her distance, she gripped Averi’s hand a little tighter and moved to pass by him, intent on entering the vi.


    “Mrs. Wall, please wait a moment,” Samuel called out to Sadie.


    Sadie paused, turning around slowly with a trace of detachment evident on her face.


    “Is there something you need?” she asked, her voice steady, revealing no emotion.


    Samuel observed her for a moment, exhaling softly before speaking.


    “Mrs. Wall, I would like to have a word with you privately,” he said, ncing briefly at Averi, who blinked back with wide, curious eyes.


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