Chapter 18 What a Show Angie looked absolutely wretched, which had Noah frowning at the sight.
âWayne, go help.â
Wayne Hudson immediately took an umbrella and got out of the car to help her up.
Angie hadnât expected to be left out in the cold. Noah had sent Wayne to her side instead of assisting her himself.
Her eyes reddened.
She felt resentful, but at least she achieved her objective.
Angie endured her grievances as she was escorted inside.
The car stopped before the porch, away from the raging storm. Noah then got out of the car.
He had just gotten out when Angie ran up and leaned against him. âYouâre finally home, Noah. I heard that Colt was missing. I got worried...â
Her face was wet with rain. She looked every bit anxious with her red-rimmed eyes.
She reached out to grab his hand but he was quick to dodge.
He looked askance at her. The look in his eyes was one of mixed feelings but it eventually gave way to a hint of tenderness.
âHave Ms. Grant change her clothes.â
âNo. Where is Colt? Itâs storming outside. Iâm worried!â
Angie caught a glimpse of tenderness in Noahâs eyes and decided to strike while the iron was hot in her excitement.
She refused. Despite being drenched by the rain, she wanted to give him a show.
âDo as I say!â
âNoah...â
Angie wanted to say more but he passed her and headed straight upstairs.
Of course, she wouldnât give up quite so easily. She lifted her drenched skirt and trailed after him.
She hadnât even reached the second floor when she heard the sound of thumping steps down the hallway upstairs.
Then, a soft voice rang out.
Angie could feel herself cracking!
âYouâre home, Daddy!â Thomas Grant ran up to Noah with his arms outstretched.
Noah picked him up and held him in his arms.
âYes, Iâm home. Daddyâs here. Donât be scared.â Noah hugged Thomas and reassured the young boy with a rare show of tenderness.
He had received news half an hour ago that the butler found Colton in the corner of the attic shivering.
Noah felt an inexplicable pain wash over him.
It hurt.
Colton had always been afraid of the storm. He used to keep it to himself and endured by hiding away in the attic.
He had finally spoken up, but his so-called father had arrived late.
Thomas felt how gentle Noahâs hold was while nestled in his arms.
He wound his small arms tightly around Noahâs neck and rested his head on his shoulder. He was just thinking of riding the scum of the human as a means to rest, only to be met by the sight of the soaked woman when he looked up.
Angieâs heart skipped a beat when she heard Coltonâs voice. Fortunately, she was quick to regulate her emotions as she bounded upstairs.
âColt? You... Youâre home? I was so worried!â
She looked emotional as she lunged to grab the childâs hand only to be met by his avoidance.
Thomas was usually much milder with beautiful women but he didnât want a bad woman who was dripping wet, even if she looked good, to touch him.
Thomasâs instinctive dodging drew Noahâs attention.
He stopped and glanced at the excited Angie who was soaked to the bone. âIâll take care of Colt. Iâll have Wayne escort you home.â
âPlease donât, Noah. We just found Colt. Please let me stay by his side tonight. It was always me who accompanied him whenever it rained in the past. I was worried about him!â
Angieâs eyes were red and teemed with prayer.
Noah hesitated for a split second.
Before he could speak, the child in his arms shrank. He seemed to eye her with great caution.
âDaddyâs here with me today. Can I not sleep in the attic?â
âThere you go saying nonsense again. When have I ever made you sleep in the attic?â Angie instinctively retorted.
He had nearly exposed her.
Fortunately, she recovered in time and kept her gentle tone of voice.
Noah, however, was no fool. The look on his face was not a positive one.
âDonât listen to Coltâs ramblings, Noah. How could I possibly make him sleep in the attic? Heâs the precious child of the household. Iâm also his aunt. I wouldnât treat him badly. You have to believe me!â
Angie absolutely despised the brat in front of her.
She wouldnât have locked him in the attic if it werenât for the fact that the brat stayed wide awake whenever it rained and caused her to lose her beauty sleep. It was, as they say, out of sight, out of mind.
Her plan to use her gentle and nurturing image to move Noah was now a mess. Was this little bastard trying to tear her down?
Why didnât throwing him off a cliff kill him?!
Noah gave Angie a dark, icy stare. His voice took on a terrifying quality. âChildrenâs words are often the most honest!â
He didnât spare her another look and left for his room with Colton.
âNoah...â
She started to get anxious at his indifference.
She took a lumbering step to follow them, only to be met by a door to her face.
What am I supposed to do now? I canât let this misunderstanding continue.
Wouldnât her plans all go to waste if Noah gave her the cold shoulder?
This is all because of that little bastard!
Angie gritted her teeth. She could barely wait to rush in and grab the brat and have him thrown down the steps from the top floor.
It would be perfect if he died horribly!
The butler, Mr. Charles, was standing by. âA hot bath and fresh clothes have been prepared for you, Ms. Grant. This way, please.â
She had no choice but to suppress her building anger as she took stock of her drenched self. A smug smile made its way across her face. âIâm changing in Noahâs room.â
âThat would be inappropriate, Ms. Grant. Mr. Quincy has instructed us that no one is to enter his quarters. Heâll be displeased if I allow it.â
âIâm about to get engaged to Noah, Mr. Charles. Is it not okay for me to use his room? Or is it that you dislike me? You donât think Iâm worthy of being by his side?â
Angie spoke the most vicious words, but with the most pitiful expressions as she cried.
Mr. Charles wouldnât budge an inch. âPlease donât make this hard on me, Ms. Grant. Come with me to the guest room.â
She gritted her teeth. Even a mere butler was in her way!
That, however, wasnât enough to stop her.
She took the clothes into the guest room, then took advantage of Mr. Charlesâs inattention to enter Noahâs room via the balcony.
She got into the bathroom to shower and waited eagerly or his return.
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