The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 44 Chapter 44

Noelle's relationship with Matilda was detached, but it was worse with Craig. It was so distant that calling it" distant" didn't even seem enough.

As the head of the family and chairman of the company, Craig naturally carried his work habits into his personal life-authoritative, commanding, and never to be questioned.

If Matilda made Noelle feel like she was endlessly favoring Sandra, Craig made her feel nothing at all— just cold indifference.

He was rarely home, and in Noelle's memories, he had never once fulfilled his role as a father. But what

he did do was maintain the authority of "the head of the family", and no one was allowed to challenge it. Despite having been back for years, this was Noelle's first time eating alone with him.

When she arrived, he was already waiting in the private room. He was looking at his wrist impatiently to check the time.

"Sorry that I'm late," Noelle said.

gave her a brief glance and then gestured to the seat next

didn't move. Her eyes drifted to the other settings on the table-including

else will be joining us soon," Craig remarked,

quickly raced, and her voice tightened. "People from

"Did your mother tell you? That's even better. Mr. Hawthorne has some free time these days, so you and his son can meet

interrupted firmly. "I'm here today to make something clear-please stop interfering in my life. I have nothing to do with any of you anymore. So, please don't do such ridiculous things.

turn and leave when Craig suddenly let out a soft

with the Swanson family just because you want to? Don't kid yourself into

another hospital. And I can guarantee you, there won't be another hospital in

A weakness-everyone had one.

or any number of other

her own father would use her weakness as leverage against her one day. Her hands clenched involuntarily, and she ground

watch that woman die, then sit down and behave," Craig said. "Besides, it's just a meal. You're divorced. The man might not even

if he's not?" Noelle shot back, her voice sharp. "You plan to keep setting me up with men, finding someone who'll buy into me, bleed

Chapter 44