If one didn’t have the ability to keep one lie after another going, then it was best not to lie in the first place. So, Noelle nodded. “Yes.”
She paused before continuing. “Sebastian, Caleb threatened me. If I didn’t secure the deal between the Novara Corporation and the Cole Group, I wouldn’t get my painting back.”
Noelle kept her explanation brief. She said nothing in her own defense, nor did she explain how much that painting meant to her. She had always believed that no matter the reason or excuse, it was wrong to take advantage of someone. And once you did, you had to be ready for the backlash.
She braced herself for any reaction from Sebastian, but all he did was knit his brows slightly. “Alright, I understand. I had the housekeeper put the painting in the study’s safe. The code is your birthday.”
That short sentence startled Noelle in more than one way. “That painting is my work. It’s not worth anything, so there’s no need to lock it up. And how did you even know my birthday?”
Sebastian answered her question at an unhurried pace, looking remarkably patient. “It’s exactly because it’s your work that I put it in the safe. As for your birthday, it’s not a secret. Noelle, I’ve learned about you.”
Noelle froze for a moment.
A family like the Coles wouldn’t marry just any woman into their home. Even if there were private reasons behind the match, they would still make sure to know something about the woman they were bringing in. Knowing something as basic as her birthday was hardly surprising.
Noelle had barely come to terms with that thought when her phone rang. It was Mary calling.
The dining room was quiet enough that Sebastian could hear what Mary said to Noelle. “Noelle, are you at the Cole residence again? You really have no sense. Your wedding to Sebastian is coming up soon. If you keep staying there every few days and their relatives find out, it won’t look good.”
Noelle knew exactly what her mother meant.
She drew in a breath, unsure how to explain, and finally said softly, “Mom, once I go back today, I won’t come again until the wedding.”
Sebastian’s lips curved faintly, but by the time Noelle glanced up, his expression was back to normal.
He waited until she hung up before speaking. “I’ll have the driver take you back to the Spencer residence. And if you’re not comfortable with the painting staying here, you can take it with you.”
Noelle waved her hand. “It’s fine. I trust you. Just leave it here.”
She doubted there was anyone else in this world who would use such things to threaten her the way
Conner did.
When she was about to leave, Sebastian walked her to the car. Then, as if remembering something, he
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asked, “Noelle, is there anything you wanted to take from the Ashford residence but didn’t get the chance
to?”
She shook her head firmly. Aside from that painting, there was nothing else.
Sebastian’s expression eased. “Alright. Rest well at home these next few days. If you need me for anything, just give me a call anytime.”
Noelle settled into the car and looked at him through the window. Something in his gaze made her feel he was planning something.
After the car drove off, Sebastian remained in place. Instead of hurrying to do anything else, he took out his phone and called his assistant. “Cancel the deal with Novara Corporation.”
“What?“Aston was shocked. He wondered if he had misheard. After all, Sebastian was not the sort of man
to change course on a whim.
This project had already gone from Novara being the original partner, to a replacement company, then back to Novara. Now it seemed there would be yet another change.
Sebastian frowned, clearly unwilling to repeat himself. “I said Novara is permanently out of this deal, and the Cole Group will never work with them again.”
He was practically blacklisting the Novara Corporation from the entire industry.
