The Sway and Slide of Love

Chapter

57

"I didn't know you would also come here tonight, Mr. Freeman. Had I known, I would've invited you to join us, Liam said with a smile, his tone composed and showing no signs of awkwardness at all.

Hendrix released his grip and cast a glance at Noelle, who kept her head low, making it clear she had no intention of acknowledging him.

Withdrawing his gaze, Hendrix replied to Liam, saying, "Since you're on a date, I won't bother you. Goodbye.

"Okay. See you."

After the brief exchange, the owner continued to escort Hendrix into the restaurant, while Liam returned to his seat across from Noelle.

"I didn't know he'd be here tonight," Liam explained.

"It's fine," Noelle responded with a smile, her expression a ready returning back to normal.

Liam didn't press further, though the atmosphere now became tense and awkward. With him no longer driving the conversation, an awkward silence settled between them

Noelle hesitated for a moment.

As she prepared to tell Liam her decision, a voice suddenly interrupted them, "Wow, Luna!"

Noelle's body tensed instinctively upon hearing the voice. Looking up, she saw William grinning as he approached their table. "Having dinner, huh?"

"And you are?" Liam asked with confusion.

"Why, hello! You must be Mr. Hawthorne," William exclaimed while shaking Liam's hand. "What an impressive man you are! I'm Noelle's father-well, her adoptive father from the countryside."

William's loud voice cut through the quiet ambience of the restaurant, drawing the attention of nearby diners.

Feeling a little uncomfortable, Liam turned to glance at Noelle. "Noelle, this is your adoptive father?" "That's right! I was away for a few years and couldn't visit her, but when I heard about your plans to get married, I rushed over to meet you. After all, her last marriage ended Badly, and I need to make sure she's in good hands this time..."

"William," a cold, crisp voice interrupted him.

William paused mid-sentence, shifting his gaze toward Noelle. Her head was now raised, and she said resolutely, "Get out."

Her commanding tone left Liam stunned. The Noelle he knew was always soft-spoken and gentle. But in this moment, she resembled a porcupine with its quills raised, like a fierce wild animal protecting its territory.

But in the face of her demand, William simply laughed it off, pulled out a chair, and sat down. "What's with the hostility? Since I'm here, aren't you going to invite me to join you for dinner?"

Then, turning to Liam, he continued, "Don't be surprised. just a country bumpkin, after all. Ever since reconnecting with her rich city dad, she's looked down on me. You saw it yourself-she won't even acknowledge Ine!"

Liam didn't respond, glancing at Noelle with furrowed brows. The latter stood up abruptly.

"What? Am I wrong?" William wore a smug expression on is face as he spoke. "Don't let your current status as

Chapter 57

the esteemed Ms. Swanson fool you. Back in the countryside..."

William deliberately trailed off, his words suggestive as he smiled at Noelle.

The implied threat in his tone was clear, but Noelle challenged his warning and asked, "What about back in the countryside?"