The Sway and Slide of Love

Chapter 219

"We're at Neufit Sports Arena. Mr. Freeman mentioned he'd like to speak to you personally," said Julio. Noelle froze for a moment, then frowned. "With me?"

"Yes. Where are you right now? Should I have the driver come pick you up?

"No need. I'll drive myself over."

Noelle wasn't sure what Hendrix wanted, but since Julio was Craig's man and had already made it clear she should go, refusing would undoubtedly result in a report back to Craig. Reluctantly, she headed over. Hendrix and Julio were at the tennis court. Today, Hendrix was dressed casually in a white sweatshirt, his bangs falling over his forehead, giving him a slightly youthful, almost boyish look.

"Noelle's here." Julio quickly walked over and patted Noelle's shoulder in a mentor-like manner. "Even though she's only been with the company for a few months, her performance has been outstanding "Take this recent project proposal for the Continental Reach-her ideas were so impressive that l- "Ms. Swanson, is it true that you're good at tennis?" Hendrix interrupted.

Noelle turned to look at him. Hendrix was staring back at her, his deep eyes filled with emotions she couldn't quite read.

She quickly shifted her gaze away and nodded. "Yes, but I look forward to learning more from you." The gap in physical ability between the two was obvious, and Hendrix showed no intention of going easy on her. Within just a few volleys, Noelle was already gasping for breath. As the tennis ball hit the ground once again, a sharp cramp in her stomach added to her discomfort.

It was then that she realized he had no intention of having a serious talk with her. The whole "wanting to speak with her personally" was just an excuse. It was all just a game to humiliate her.

"Mr. Freeman, your skills are quite exceptional. I'm no match for you at all," said Noelle with a wry smile once she caught her breath.

Hendrix said nothing. He simply placed his racket to the side and calmly removed his wristband.

"You played very well, Ms. Swanson, but Mr. Freeman is simply on another level," Julio chimed in with a polite laugh before quickly transitioning to a suggestion. "It's getting late, and I happen to know a great restaurant nearby. How about I buy you dinner, Mr. Freeman?"

Hendrix glanced at Noelle before nodding. "Sure."

Since he had already agreed, Noelle naturally couldn't decline, either.

Alcohol was, of course, a must at the dinner table.

Earlier that day, the doctor had explicitly told Noelle not to drink, yet here she was, taking the initiative to raise her glass.

"Thank you, Mr. Freeman, for your presence here today. I'd like to toast to you," she said,

Hendrix looked at her for a moment and then said, "Let's skip the alcohol today, Ms. Swanson. Water will do just Tine."

His words caught Noelle off guard, leaving her momentarily stunned. Then, she recognized his familiar pattern of treating her. Earlier in the court, he'd knocked her down a peg, and now was this the part where he played nice?

Chapter 219

Noelle found it incredibly ironic, but she chose not to call him out. Instead, she obediently swapped her glass for water and raised it again for the toast.

The conversation that followed was surprisingly pleasant. Hendrix didn't completely dismiss the idea of collaborating with them. In fact, he even revealed that the land had already passed the final stages of approval.

Julio was visibly thrilled, quickly catching on to Hendrix's hints and repeatedly signaling to Noelle. But Noelle found herself losing her appetite.

When Julion turned the focus back to her once again, she abruptly stood up and said, "Excuse me. I need to use the restroom."