Chapter 443: The Last Blow

Back at the Riverdale estate.

Justin and Natalie went to their room, while Grace quietly went to hers—though sulking and unwilling. She was nothing but a pawn in his hands, used against her own father.

Lying in bed, Natalie couldn’t help but ask, "Will she be alright? She’s so young, and you had to marry her off to Noah."

"That was the only way to free her from that old man’s grasp," Justin replied. "Noah is the only man she trusted, so it was a safe choice to send her away with him."

"She’s still so innocent and doesn’t understand things. Girls her age should be studying."

"She will do that as well," he assured.

Natalie said, "And Noah—he simply followed your orders and married her without any questions. Wouldn’t it be unfair to bind him like this?"

"I left it up to Noah to decide what they want to do. I’m sure he’ll handle it the right way."

"He looked protective toward her. Do you think he likes her?"

"He’s always been entirely dedicated to his duties, and at that time, his duty was to protect her," Justin said. "Don’t misjudge his actions as something else."

"But would you be happy if they got together?" she asked.

"That’s not for me to concern myself with. They can do whatever they want," Justin replied.

"You’re so cold and dismissive," she commented.

"Other people’s lives are theirs to take care of—not mine," he said as he held her closer. "You always have something to talk about when it comes to others. What about us?"

"About us? Do you even let me talk?" she asked in a complaining tone. "You always keep me busy with something else."

"Alright, now I’m giving you a chance to talk. Say it."

"Umm... how long are we going to stay here?" she asked.

He gently caressed her hair. "Soon. Just one final blow to Colin Hartz, and we’re done here."

"Everything ready?" Natalie asked.

Justin hummed, only to have Natalie hug him tightly. "I can’t wait to return to our usual lives in Imperial City."

He hummed again, and she asked, "Then are we going to take your grandma and mother with us?"

Justin nodded. "They should stay with us."

"I agree. But not that old man," she said.

"He has no place in our lives. He can stay back here, spending his last days on his own."

-----

Back in the private jet, the lights were off, and everyone was sleeping in the dim glow. Noah noticed movement from the chair on the other side. He looked over at Meira, who seemed a little uneasy and was awake. She was trying to look for the flight attendant, but there was no sign of her.

"Ms. Meira, if you’re tired of sitting, you can walk around here or freshen up in the lavatory if you want," he suggested, careful not to make her feel embarrassed, sensing she likely wanted to use the washroom.

Meira felt relieved to hear it and asked, "Where is the lavatory?"

Noah glanced at Lana, who was asleep, so he stood up. "Come with me," he said, guiding her toward the other end of the jet.

After showing her the lavatory, he returned to his seat.

Meira stepped inside. She had been holding it in for a while, unsure whom to ask or how to say it.

She returned after a while and thanked him.

"Another half hour and we’ll be in Imperial City," he informed her.

She nodded quietly and sat back in her chair.

She looked at him as if she wanted to ask something. Noah could sense her gaze and looked back at her. "Do you need something, Ms. Meira?"

She shook her head but said, "Umm... I was wondering where we would be going..."

He understood what she meant. "You’ll be staying at Mr. Aiden and Ms. Natalie’s home."

"You have a home there as well?" she asked.

"I have accommodation provided by the company, but I rarely get to stay there," he replied.

"So you’ll be staying at my brother’s home too?" she asked.

"Until they return to Imperial City, I’ll be there to look after you," he replied calmly.

She simply hummed, not knowing what to say to that.

"There’s something I want to tell you as well," he added.

"Hmm?"

"Once Mr. Aiden returns to Imperial City and ensures there’s no trouble left for you, we’ll go through with the divorce so you’ll be free from it," he explained. "Though that marriage means nothing here, but it would be better for your future to not have anything against you."

Meira stared at him for a moment before nodding lightly.

There was nothing more to talk about, so she looked outside the window while Noah closed his eyes.

Meanwhile, Meira thought, Looking out the window, she could see the jet nearing the city. The view below was beautiful.

They reached the airport and then went to Justin and Natalie’s home, where the servants had already been informed of their arrival and the necessary arrangements.

Noah introduced her to the butler and then guided her toward the room that had been prepared for her, while the servants carried her bags.

Standing outside the room, he said, "This is your room from now on. If you need anything, you can call any of the servants—or you have Lana and me as well."

"Thank you, Mr. Noah," she replied politely.

"I’ll see you in the morning. There are some things we need to discuss," he said in his usual professional tone.

she thought, then nodded.

"Good night," Noah said, and left.