Chapter 283 Chapter 283 Upstairs , Adriel was still holding Elsie in his arms , trying to soothe her .
Elsie , whats wrong ? What are you s so afraid of Elsie clung tightly to him , refusing to let go .
No matter how he asked , she just shook her head again and again , holding onto his arm like her life depended on it .
In a pleading voice , she whispered , Dont ... dont go out The man Noelle had brought home he was dangerous , Elsie didnt know what exactly was going to happen , but something inside her screamed that if Adriel went out there , he would get hurt .
And she couldnt let that happen .
Elsie ? Please dont go , she murmured again , trembling Meanwhile , Noelle was searching all over the villa for Nicolas but found Stanley instead .
Stanley! she greeted him with a smile .
Sorry Ive been so busy I kind of left you hanging .
Oh right , where are Harley and Tina ? Feigning calm like nothing was wrong , Stanley replied , I sent them home already .
Already ? Noelle blinked .
Why didnt they say goodbye ? You were swamped .
We didnt want to bother you You still couldve said something .
Noelle pouted , clearly unhappy with how casually theyd left .
Stanley ignored her your distance from .
After glancing around to make sure Brandon wasnt nearby , he suddenly said , You should keep Keep my distance ? Why ?
Noelle frowned .
Even though shed sensed Brandon had changed , she still saw him as a friend someone whod once brought light into her dark childhood .
But Stanleys expression was dead serious , and that set off alarms in her mind .
Its complicated , Stanley muttered , raking a hand through his hair .
Just trust me on this one .
Okay , Noelle said uncertainly , sensing he wasnt going to explain mor Then she asked , Do you know where Nicolas is ? Oh , hes with the military- Stanley began , then stopped himself abruptly .
But it was too late The military ? Noelles entire body tensed .
She grabbed Stanley by the collar .
Why ? Why is he contacting the military ? Stanley tried to deflect , but Noelle wasnt Jetting him off the hook .
She shook him hard .
Answer me , Stanley ! What is Nicolas doing with the military ! Panicked , Stanley looked around and hissed , Keep your voice down ! Do you want to cause a panic ? Then tell me the truth , she demanded .
What are you all hiding from me ? Seeing that the wouldnt drop it , Stanley finally gave in Look , its because- But just as he was about to spill the truth , a familiar voice cut in from behind . Stanley froze He turned slowly .
Brandon stood there , smiling faintly , eyes gleaming with something unrealable .
Stanley instinctively took a step back .
Brandon Noelles voice came out low , her face pale .
She didnt know what exactly was coming , but her instincts told her something was very wrong 226 Ð Ð Chapter 283 Brandons smile deepened .
Lets talk , Noelle Stanley immediately stepped in front of her .
Dont go Brandons gaze slid to him , mocking .
Since when did you become Nicolass lapdog Stanley didnt even know why he was still here .
He couldve left with Harley and Tina carler but after overhearing Brandons ominous exchange with Nicolas , he just couldnt bring himself to leave Noelle alone .
Noelle looked at Brandons cold , commanding eyes , then at Stanleys clearly terrified face .
After a moment of hesitation , she stepped .
forward and said .
Its okay .
Stanley .
Ill go .
Stanley tried to stop her again , gripping her arm .
Dont .
But Noelle gently shook her head .
If Brandon had truly decided to do something , staying away wouldnt change anything .
She might as well face him head on and figure out what exactly he wanted .
She followed Brandon out of the villa .
Stanley , unable to follow , could only stay behind and figure out a way to evacuate the Anderson family if things went south Outside , Noelle and Brandon walked to the garden pavilion .
Once they were alone , she cut straight to the point .
Brandon , what are you trying to do ? She had too many questions .
Why had Nicolas been so busy all day ? Why was Stanley so tense ! But Brandon didnt answer .
Instead , he turned the question around .
Do you like the Andersons ! Yes , Noelle replied without hesitation , eyeing him warily .
Hed asked her this before why bring it up again ? What about Nicolas ? he asked .
like him too , she said plainly .
I like And Harley Tina ! Stanley ! I like them all .
Brandon chuckled Amazing .
In just six months , youve gained a family , a lover , and friends But his smile was cold .
There was no warmth , no sincerity .
Just the kind of chill that crawled up your spine and sank into your bones .
Brandon , what are you trying to say ? Noelle asked , 1 , unease growing g in her chest .
He gave a small , almost tender smile .
No ....
thats not the right question .
What do you mean ? Its not about what Im going to do , Brandon said softly.
Its about what youre going to do .
Mel Noelles heart skipped a beat .
A sudden urge to run surged through her .
Before she could move .
Brandon placed his hands on her shoulders .
She flinched , instinctively trying to pull away but he firmly turned her around Just ahead , Damon stood in the distance , unaware of their presence .
He was holding his phone , seemingly deep in a call .
Thanks to her enhanced hearing .
Noelle could make out the conversation .
Le happy birthday , Damon said calmly .
Leias voice came through , soft and bitter .
Damon I bet Mom and Dad are throwing Noelle some huge birthday party right now , arent they They Chapter 283 Leia laughed , but it was cold .
Im rotting in prison , and shes being pampered like a princess .
Dont you think thats unfair ! Why do 1 have to suffer like this ? Damon paused before replying . You know exactly why .
Leias voice trembled .
1 regret it .
I really do , Damon .
I dont want to stay here .
Every day feels like hell .
Theres nothing I can do about that , he said flatly .
You just on me .
dont love me anymore , she accused .
I heard about the dress you got Noelle for her party .
You never spent that kind of money She never went through the things you put her through , Damon said quietly .
You see ? Youre doing it again always taking her side .
I think we should end this call , Damon said gently .
Youre not in a good headspace right now Wait dont hang up ! Damon , its Noelles birthday , I just want to say happy birthday-
No.
Damon interrupted .
I know what youre trying to do .
And I wont let you ruin her day .
Leias voice turned sharp .
Damon Goodbye , Leia He ended the call without another word .
Noelle had heard everything .
Her chest felt warm Was Damon ... protecting her ? He didnt even entertain Leias request .
It wasnt right to be happy about someone elses pain , but ... something about it made her feel oddly cherished .
And yet , the fleeting moment of comfort was shattered as Brandon leaned in His lips brushed her car , voice low and ice cold .
You asked what I want you to do ? he murmured .
Then listen closely , Noelle .
Right now ... I want you to kill Damon .
AD