Chapter 39
It was like being in an oven, heat blasting from every direction, frying Noelle’s brain. Through the haze, she thought she saw someone. A cool touch on her cheek, a moment of relief, made her grumble in protest. Blinking hard, the figure looming over her took her by surprise. She felt like she was floating on a cloud, then suddenly, she was free–falling.
Snapping back to reality, Noelle’s eyes flew open to an unfamiliar face. “Who are you?” she croaked, shocked at the sound of her own voice. She shoved the guy away and bolted from the bed. “What did you do to me?”
The man ran his fingers along his jawline, his gaze sharp and calculating. “Are you just playing dumb, or do you really have no clue?”
Noelle’s legs gave out. She stumbled into the coffee table before collapsing to the floor. The man watched her with a hint of amusement, his eyebrow arching slightly as he said with a smirk, “Your folks told me you were still a virgin when they gave you to me.”
“What did you just say?” Noelle’s mind was foggy, her thoughts focused on the confrontation she had just had in the study. Her father’s stern voice was still ringing in her ears, as were her mother’s words. Was this guy they were talking about? The one who had poured a fortune into their lives? Noelle’s face, paled, particularly when she caught the sneer on the man’s face.
She glanced around, realizing she was in a Shaw family room. Was it true? Did her parents really hand her over to some stranger during her Grandpa’s birthday bash?
The man reached out to tilt her chin up, Noelle slapped his hand away with all the strength she could muster. “Don’t touch me. Back off.”
A shadow flickered in the man’s eyes at her rejection, and he did not come any closer. Instead, he watched as Noelle struggled weakly, clicking his tongue in mock pity. “Quite the show, isn’t it? I wonder what your parents are up to right now. Or how about your gorgeous sister and her fiance?”
Noelle felt a wave of heat followed by a chill. She knew this feeling too well. She had been drugged before, but that was by a stranger. This time, her own parents were to blame. She bit down on her lip so hard it started to bleed. It helped her focus. “What do you want? Whatever it is, just say the word, and I’ll get it done.”
Noelle’s fists were balled up so tight that her nails were practically buried in her palms, but she did not. even feel the pain.
The man cocked an eyebrow, clearly amused. “What can you offer me? What on earth could I, Simon York, not already have in this world?”
Simon York?
A shadow passed over Noelle’s eyes. She had not expected him to be Simon, the notorious Master York who was said to welcome anyone’s advances, regardless of gender.
With a bitter chuckle, Noelle raised her head to meet Simon’s eyes. Just then, a knock came from the door, followed by Winter’s voice, “Noelle, are you there? Grandpa’s been looking everywhere for you. He sent me to find you. Noelle?”
Noelle fought to keep her composure, her hands clenching her thighs so hard she could feel her muscles strain. She refused to let the drugs take over. Facing Simon, she forced a smile. “Are you and Winter
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working together? Did you really have to go this far?”
Simon squinted, amused by her accusation, and gave her a small, enigmatic smile. “What’s your guess?”
“You…”
“Noelle, are you okay in there? Are you sick? I’m going to get help. Please, can you open the door?” Winter’s persistent knocking and voice, laced with worry, felt like needles to Noelle’s heart. She stared at the door, feeling a wave of despair.
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