Chapter 718

Chapter 718:

“Then tell me, Mr. Noel, what percentage are you after?” Noah let her pull ahead—only to close the gap again, effortlessly.

“Can you even afford what I want, Ms. Hudson?” His words lingered in the air, laced with implication.

Sadie’s breath caught. Just for a second.

The man before her—he was no longer the Noah from three years ago. Sharper. Bolder. Harder to read. And far more dangerous.

But she held her ground. “Then say it plainly, Mr. Noel. If it’s within my reach, I won’t refuse. I know when I need help.” As much as she hated to admit it, she needed his help now.

A flicker of something unreadable passed through Noah’s eyes. Then came that smile. He leaned in, so close his breath grazed her cheek. “Profits don’t interest me much these days… But you, Ms. Hudson… now that’s a different story.”

His presence was all-consuming. Unmistakably invasive.

Sadie’s breath hitched, her pulse quickening despite herself.

What was Patrick really after?

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cóm is your escape

“Again with the jokes, Mr. Noel? Why would you be interested in someone like me?”

She forced a tight smile, wrapping composure around her like armor. “Isn’t the alliance between our families… more valuable than a single person?”

The playful glint in Noah’s eyes dimmed, replaced by something more guarded.

This woman was composed, strategic—always finding a way to turn the personal into business.

Noah straightened, the heat between them cooling into something far more formal.

“Since we’re being direct, Ms. Hudson… Here’s what I want—thirty percent of the Wall Group’s shares. And exclusive cooperation rights on all major projects for the next five years.”

Sadie’s composure faltered for a second—just long enough for her eyes to widen.

Patrick’s request really took her by surprise.

Thirty percent. That would give him significant control. A stake in every decision. And five years of locked-in exclusivity… It was quite an ask.

She inhaled slowly, then narrowed her gaze, her tone cool and edged. “That’s quite a demand, Mr. Noel. I may be cornered right now—but I haven’t lost everything. Are you leveraging my crisis now?”

“It’s a small price to pay for helping you reclaim your position in Wall Group, Ms. Hudson.”

Sadie remained silent.

“Ahem.” A cough suddenly shattered the tense silence that had fallen in the hall. It was Isabel.

She walked closer, peering at the masked man with her brows furrowed.

Why did he seem so familiar?

Before she could ask, however, Noah excused himself.

He made a brief reminder to Sadie to take care of herself and told her they would settle the division of profits later. Then he turned on his heel and left.

Isabel just stood there, watching in a daze. By the time she returned to her senses, Noah was gone.

She quickly grabbed Sadie’s arm, her tone urgent when she asked, “Who was that just now?”

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