Chapter 14 Matthew And His Intrigue
After Matthew emerged, he beckoned Noelle to come out. Noelle was puzzled.
“Aren’t we waiting for them?” she asked.
“They’re still going to play for a bit longer. Let’s head back and rest first.”
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The two of them got into the car. Noelle, who had been enthusiastic on the way there, then leaned against the car seat, seemingly on the verge of sleep.
The car jolted, waking Noelle up. She looked outside, realizing that they seemed to be driving uphill rather than descending.
Across from her, Matthew either seemed to be resting his eyes or had fallen asleep, as he hadn’t opened them for a while. Noelle didn’t feel right disturbing him, so she continued to gaze out the window. After all, it wasn’t like he was going to sell her off.
The car pulled up at the entrance of a quaint mansion district atop the hill, and Noelle cast a glance inside.
The area wasn’t large, accommodating five mansions haphazardly. She thought that had to be where those few men stayed.
Just as Noelle was about to turn around and call for Matthew, she realized he had already opened his eyes.
Before Noelle could utter a word, Matthew was already looking at her apologetically, saying, “Sorry. I fell asleep.”
Matthew cast a glance outside before saying, “Let’s get out of the car first.”
Matthew led Noelle toward the mansion that belonged to him, stealing glances at her as they walked.
“Take a break first. Later, say goodbye to them before we leave.”
Noelle softly hummed in acknowledgment.
Unsure if Noelle was angry, Matthew didn’t hesitate to pass the buck.
“Dominic must have arranged the driver. It isn’t easy for all of us to get together, and they keep insisting on having drinks.”
Unbeknownst to Dominic, he had unwittingly taken the blame for Matthew.
Noelle had no doubts about Matthew’s words. After all, Dominic’s love for being in the thick of things was well–known to all.
In the midst of their conversation, the pair arrived at the mansion. As they entered, Matthew asked Noelle if she wanted to take a shower first.
Indeed, Noelle wanted to take a shower, as her body was sticky from sweat.
However, she hadn’t brought any change of clothes. The thought of having to put back on her dirty clothes after showering was so unappealing that she would rather not shower at all. She decided to endure it until she could shower back at home.
It seemed as though Matthew knew what Noelle was thinking.
“I’ll have someone bring you clothes. There’s a mall here that belongs to the Sholl family.”
Matthew then asked Dominic for the contact number of the person in charge of the mall.
He contacted the women’s clothing department and handed the phone to Noelle, instructing her to relay her size to them. In just over ten minutes, a full set of clothes, including sleepwear, was delivered.
After finishing his horse ride, Dominic was utterly bewildered when he received a call from Matthew. He turned to the people nearby and said, “Matthew asked me for the mall manager’s phone number.”
After that, he excitedly spun in place.
“Surely that old beast wouldn’t have actually lost all humanity and done something to Little Noelle, right?“.
Joseph chuckled lightly. “If you’re so curious, why don’t you just call and ask?”
Chapter 14 Matthew And His Intrigue
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Dominic was infuriated.
“Why don’t you make the call? If my call ruins his plans, Matthew will kill me.”
Zeke rolled his eyes. What an airhead this one is…
“Call the mall manager.”
Dominic had an epiphany, making a phone call. However, after the call, he was even more puzzled.
“Matthew called to buy clothes for Little Noelle. Has he really lost his mind?”
Joseph was at a loss for words.
“You’re overthinking it.”
Zeke let out a scornful laugh.
“Matthew doesn’t even have a proper status. What substantial progress could he possibly hope for?”
-Change our clothes.”
Ryleigh directly escorted the still contemplative Dominic to the changing room.
After changing their clothes, the group didn’t linger any longer. They got into the car and headed toward the mansions at the top of the mountain.
Meanwhile, Matthew had kept Noelle company until her clothes arrived. He then escorted Noelle to a bedroom on the second floor. Pushing the door open, he gestured for Noelle to enter.
“Elle, freshen up and rest in this room. I’m going to take a shower at Dominic’s place.”
The mansion had plenty of rooms, yet he still wanted to use Dominic’s bathroom for a shower.
Noelle was not a particularly curious person, nor did she ask many questions. After Matthew left, she prepared to take a shower.
The bedroom was spacious, yet it felt rather empty. It held only a bed and a small couch, and it seemed as if the rest of the furniture hadn’t had the chance to be moved in yet.
After Noelle had finished her shower, she headed to the living room on the first floor to wait for Matthew. About half an hour passed when she heard a noise at the door.
When Matthew entered, he noticed Noelle lying on the couch, looking in his direction.
“Have you been waiting long? They just got back, and we had a brief chat.”
Noelle shook her head.
“I’ve also just come down.”
“Would you like to join them for dinner before heading back tonight?”
As if fearing to put Noelle in a difficult position, he added, “It’s all right if you don’t want to go. We can just head back first.”
Reflecting on the identities of those individuals, Noelle figured they would all usually be swamped with work. The fact that they could gather together was indeed no small feat. It was likely that Matthew also desired to spend time with them.
“You go ahead. I’ll wait for you here.”
She really didn’t enjoy interacting with others, and even if she went, it would be inconvenient for them to converse.
Upon hearing those words, Matthew studied Noelle seriously.
“In that case, I also won’t go. Let’s head back.”
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2:35 PM
Chapter 14 Matthew And His Intrigue.
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Noelle felt a touch of sentimentality mixed with helplessness. What on earth is Matthew trying to do? I’m not a child, am I?
She then began to explain, “I’m not upset. I’m just a bit tired. You go ahead and have dinner with them. I could use a nap.”
Matthew recalled that on their way back, Noelle did seem a bit tired. It would indeed be good for her to get some rest.
“I’ll have someone bring food over for you. Eat before you sleep.”
After calling the restaurant to have meals delivered, Matthew watched as Noelle finished her dinner. He then escorted her to the upstairs bedroom before leaving for Dominic’s place next door.
Noelle was lying on the bed, a hint of amusement tugging at her lips. She was being meticulously cared for by Matthew, who had promised before his departure that he would return as soon as possible.
Strangely, Matthew seemed like a worry–ridden father.
The worried Matthew had already arrived at Dominic’s house, a place where everything was readily available. Even a wine cellar was present.
The other individuals‘ mansions only contained the most basic pieces of furniture. The rest was left for them to furnish according to their own preferences. However, none of them had found the time to do so yet.
By the time Matthew arrived, everyone else was already there, waiting for him by the dining table.
Unfazed by the teasing glances of several people, he calmly took a seat.
“I thought you weren’t going to show up.”
Dominic pointed at the few bottles of wine on the table, saying, “These are my treasured bottles of wine. Friends, today is your lucky day.”
Dominic poured drinks for everyone and pointed toward Matthew with a mischievous grin, asking, “Matthew, aren’t you having any? Remember, to drink is to gain.”
Everyone knew that Matthew generally didn’t drink alcohol. Dominic’s suggestion was purely playful banter. He didn’t actually expect Matthew to drink.
Matthew pushed the glass forward, leaving Dominic completely flustered. He froze, holding the wine bottle.
Matthew then said in a nonchalant manner, “What’s the matter? Are you reluctant to give me some?“”
“Matthew, what’s got you so rattled? Did Little Noelle turn down your confession of love?”
Dominic was taken aback, expressing his surprise loudly.
Matthew couldn’t be bothered with him, casually taking the wine bottle from Dominic’s hand to pour himself a drink.
Zeke sneered, “You really do stop at nothing.”
With good intentions, Joseph explained to Dominic, who was still in a state of confusion, “Once he’s had too much to drink, it’s easier for him.”
Aside from Dominic’s, their mansions were presumably identical, featuring only a single bed in the master bedroom while the other rooms remained empty.
“Matthew, you really have no shame, do you?”
Dominic was making a racket.
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