?Chapter 1016:


    Noah looked at her frosty expression, his insides knotting. Outwardly, though, he kept his usual bravado, refusing to let it show.


    He didn’t think she’d actually follow through. They had history, didn’t they? He still wore that smug, self-assured look.


    Sadie caught it—that presumptuous glint—and felt her patience vanish. She pivoted silently and ascended the stairs.


    Noah watched her leave, dread starting to set in. Then, without thinking, he called after her. “Sadie, want something specific for dinner? I’ll cook!”


    No response. Sadie didn’t so much as hesitate.


    m! The master bedroom door upstairs shut with finality.


    Noah remained by the stairs, dumbfounded. Sadie’s coldness stung more than expected. Helpless fury simmered beneath his skin.


    Then he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned, and found himself facing two tall, stone-faced bodyguards in ck suits.


    Jack was already restrained, a cloth crammed into his mouth.


    Noah was speechless. Seriously? Was this actually happening?


    Before he could protest, the bodyguards seized him by both arms.


    Momentster, Noah and Jack were hurled out of Myrtlewood Estate.


    Crash! The iron gate nged shut behind them.


    Jacknded hard on the stone drive, wincing in pain. He groaned, humiliated. This was the lowest point yet. He… Patrick Noel’s trusted aide—thrown out like yesterday’s trash.


    He peered at his disheveled boss, a lump forming in his throat. “Boss, I’m guessing Ms. Hudson’s not exactly thrilled to see us.”


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    Noah’s jaw clenched. That remark hit a nerve. He threw Jack a re sharp enough to draw blood.


    What nonsense was that? Of course, he noticed. The woman was a fortress.


    Charging in headfirst clearly wouldn’t cut it. He’d need a different n. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples, then turned and strode off toward the Autumn Garden Vi.


    Meanwhile, upstairs—Sadie stood beside the tall window, peering through a sliver between the drapes.


    She watched Noah and Jack leave, the defeat unmistakable. Her brow furrowed slightly.


    One hand drifted to her lower abdomen, fingers resting gently.


    What exactly was Noah ying at?


    He returned to Jazmah early, abandoned Hailey, moved in next door—and now barged into her home like he still had a right?


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