?Chapter 699:


    Almost instinctively, he murmured, “Myrtlewood Estate.”


    The words slipped out before he could stop them. A beat of silence followed.


    The driver blinked, confused.


    “I’m sorry, sir… there’s no Myrtlewood Estate in Jazmah.”


    Noah caught himself. He exhaled slowly, pressing two fingers to his temple. “Take me to the suburban vi,” he said atst, his voice low,ced with fatigue.


    The driver didn’t say anything else. The engine hummed to life, and the car rolled forward.


    Noah leaned back, eyes closing, though his mind refused to quiet.


    Last night haunted him like smoke—clinging to everything.


    Sadie.


    Just her name was enough to stir something vtile in him.


    He should’ve hated her. And yet… his thoughts pulled toward her like a tide he couldn’t resist. He hated that he missed her presence. Noah’s eyes snapped open, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.


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    He didn’t want to face it. But the truth wed its way up anyway. What he felt for Sadie wasn’t just disdain. There was something else—something far more dangerous.


    Desire.


    The realization made his chest tighten with unease.


    He squeezed his eyes shut, as if darkness could drive her out of his head.


    But her image remained—etched into the backs of his eyelids.


    Her curves, her breath, the way her body had arched beneath him…


    The memory red like a match strike in the dark.


    Noah exhaled sharply, forcing himself to regain control.


    It was nothing, he told himself. Just the drug. Just confusion.


    Nothing had happened. And nothing ever would.


    There would be no future between him and Sadie.


    The vi in the suburbs was brightly lit.


    Hailey had stayed up all night, anxiously waiting for Noah’s return. The moment she heard the door open, her face broke into a joyful smile, and she practically scrambled to her feet to greet him.


    “Noah, you’re finally home! I was so worried about you,” Hailey pouted, her tone aggrieved.


    Noah was visibly taken aback by her behavior. He paused and studied the woman before him. The delicate makeup she had on and the gentle smile she gave did evoke a memory of the past.


    Deep down, however, he felt no romantic feelings toward Hailey. If anything, there was a keen sense of aversion, bordering on repulsion. He instinctively stepped to the side to put some distance between them.


    “Some issues came up at thepany,” Noah said tly. “I had to stay and take care of them.”


    Hailey’s smile faltered. She could sense Noah’s sudden coldness toward her, and it only fed into her growing unease. Just where had he beenst night? Who had he been with?


    Hailey forced herself to continue smiling.


    “I’m d you’re okay. I was worried something happened to you. Why don’t I make you something to eat?” she offered, already turning toward the kitchen.


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