The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 676

Ruth's tone was affectionate, as if she and Noelle were truly close friends. Without waiting for a response from the person in front of her, she walked straight over to Noelle.

Hendrix was in the middle of a conversation. Noelle remained standing beside him, seemingly smiling and nodding along, though her mind was clearly elsewhere. She didn't even react at first when Ruth greeted her.

Ruth, however, quickly linked arms with her in a familiar manner. "I thought you weren't coming. Didn't you say you don't like these kinds of events?"

Noelle frowned and promptly pulled her arm away.

Before she could say anything, Ruth turned her attention to Hendrix. "Oh, Mr. Freeman, you're here, too. It's been a while."

Anyone else would have exchanged a few polite words in a setting like this, even with mere acquaintances. But Hendrix was unwilling to do so, or rather, he was unwilling to make small talk with Ruth.

After all, seeing Ruth would only remind Noelle of the past. One could call it guilt or fear. Either way, Hendrix refused to let Noelle have any contact with Ruth-not even for a moment. Thus, he quickly pulled Noelle away.

He didn't even spare Ruth a single glance as he walked off with Noelle in his arms. In his eyes, Ruth wasn't someone worth speaking to. So, his lack of response was only natural. As for how Ruth reacted or how stiff her expression became, that had nothing to do with him.

and

the newcomer and introduced, "This

The man immediately extended

in his grasp. Noelle couldn't help but roll her eyes inwardly, though she maintained her smile on the

at ease, Ruth remained rooted to the spot with a smile still plastered on her face. She simply stood there frozen

turned around sharply, but everyone around her was busy chatting and smiling, seemingly oblivious to

Was it her imagination?

turned back, but

friend, but did you

joke she

her teeth, about to turn around and confront the speaker, when

announcement informed evene

was about to begin, and guests were asked to take their

like Ruth didn't