Chapter 3 Better Not Do Anything You Will Regret

Clifford fumed, "This is insane! Zayne's your son. How long are you going to keep this up!" Before Noelle could answer, Zayne's wails came through the line. "I don't want Mom to take me to school, and I don't want to eat the breakfast she prepares either! I want to ride to school in your car, Dad!" Noelle laughed outright. "Did you hear that, Clifford? Your son doesn't need me, so I'd suggest you think carefully about what I told you last night. Your time is running out." With that, she decisively ended the call as a heavy, gloomy silence settled in her chest. After all the love and care she poured into raising Zayne, she might have been better off raising a stray dog. She decided to browse other stores when a clear, mocking voice sounded behind her. "Well, well, if it isn't Mrs. Fuller? Shouldn't you be at home attending to Mr. Fuller and Mr. Zayne? What brings you out shopping?" Noelle turned around as her cool, detached gaze fell on Lola. The latter stood beside a woman dressed in trendy, youthful attire with countless shopping bags dangling from her wrists. In comparison, Noelle's two modest bags seemed almost pitiful. Lola stepped closer with a sultry smile on her face. "Mrs. Fuller, is this about what Zayne said yesterday? Did it hurt you so much you decided to dress yourself up?" She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and feigned a look of pity. "Unfortunately, a 26-year-old woman can't compete with a 21-year-old. A woman loses her value once she's past 25." Noelle's expression stayed the same as a cold smile tugged at her lips. "What's wrong? Are you not planning to make it to 26 yourself?" Lola's eyes flashed with fury. "How dare you!" But she swallowed the rest of her words, aware of the friend standing behind her. Leaning close to Noelle's ear, Lola whispered, "Old hag, it's pointless, no matter how you dress up. Clifford hasn't touched you in ages, has he? But he couldn't get enough of me last night…" Noelle took one step back, swung her arm, and sent a hard slap across Lola's face. "Ah!" Lola shrieked as her friend rushed forward to steady her and shout at Noelle, "What's wrong with you? Are you crazy?" Flexing her wrist, Noelle stared at Lola calmly as she said, "That was for your filthy mouth. Lola, if you love stealing others' husbands and children so much, you can have them." "Don't worry. I don't recycle trash. Also, feel free to whine to Clifford because I recorded every word you said." She lifted her phone. Intimidated by Noelle, Lola dared not take another step forward. All Lola could do was clutch her cheek, swallowing her rage. Noelle smiled as she turned and walked away. If she could love with all her heart, she could let go just as easily. … At a private room in The Royal Blackout, Noelle downed glass after glass of liquor. Her phone kept flashing with Clifford's name, but she ignored it. Instead, she waved the manager, Lindon Merle, over and pulled a stack of banknotes from her bag. "Bring me the best-looking man you've got with the best body!" Lindon looked startled. After spending years working at the club, he'd seen wealthy women, but never anyone this young and gorgeous. Following a facial treatment, Noelle had her hair freshly styled into soft waves, nothing like her usual disheveled hair. The black strappy dress clung to her figure, revealing her bare shoulders. She still had the inheritance her parents had left behind, supposedly money she'd vowed never to touch. "What? Isn't that enough?" She pulled out another bundle of banknotes on the table and snapped, "Go!" Lindon nodded vigorously and scurried away to get the best male escort in the club. Noelle poured herself another drink, but before she could take a sip, a strong hand seized her wrist and wrenched the glass away. "Stop drinking!" Perfectly sober, she glared up at the man. Under the dim lights, his features were sharp, and his black shirt unbuttoned at the collar exposed his well-built chest. He carried an air of elegance, and he was young and handsome. Noelle was pleased, as he was exactly what she'd asked for. She hooked a finger under his chin and muttered, "Hello, handsome. For a man like you… How much for one night?" The man's expression darkened as he slapped her hand aside. "Noelle, don't you know me anymore?" She chuckled. "We know each other now, don't we?" With a sudden tug at his collar, she yanked him close with only a finger separating them. The man swallowed, clearly tempted by her flirt. His voice turned raspy as he said, "Do you have any idea what you're doing? You'll ruin yourself, so you'd better not do anything you'll regret!" Noelle's lips curled up in a smirk. The next second, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his.