The Sway and Slide of Love

Lately, Dyno Corporation had been making waves in Coppersville. Not only did they secure several major projects, but one of their international collaborations even won an award on the global stage. Their success was so overwhelming that even Amity Group seemed to be overshadowed.

Hendrix knew that the Swift family was behind all of this. Otherwise, with the limited funds Dylan had inherited from Jean, there was no way he could have pulled all of this off. But it didn't matter-Hendrix never saw the Swift family as a real obstacle anyway.

In truth, he could take matters into his own hands if he wanted to. But just as Erwin had pointed out, there were too many restrictions in the country. To achieve his goal, it would take months, if not a year.

But Hendrix couldn't wait any longer. A month was already the limit of his patience. If there was still no news of Noelle, he would truly go mad.

The car soon arrived at Sienna Villa. When Hendrix entered, Rosie was in the backyard. She stood with her back to him, gazing upward at a tree.

Instead of calling out to her, he walked slowly over. It was only then that he noticed she was observing a butterfly. The butterfly had been caught by a praying mantis and seemed moments away from being devoured.

"Do you want to save it?" Hendrix asked, reaching out.

But Rosie quickly replied, "No."noveldrama

Her response made Hendrix pause.

"Survival of the fittest," Rosie said. "It's the law of nature."

Hendrix fell silent, his gaze dropping to her.

Rosie was a picture of calm. Although she was indeed more mature than other kids her age, she had always been bright and cheerful in front of Noelle. But now, Hendrix could no longer see that expression on her face.

They simply stood there, staring at the butterfly until its wings were torn off and completely consumed.

Then, she slowly turned to him and asked, "Are you here to take me home?"

"Yeah."

"Let's go, then."

With that, Rosie walked ahead, and Hendrix quickly followed her.

The household staff had already packed Rosie's belongings, but, Beatrice still seemed hesitant. Why don't you let Rosie stay here I can take care of h-"

"There are household staff in Roselle Court who can take care of her, too," Hendrix replied.

"But—" Beatrice wanted to say more, her eyes shifting to Rosie.

Rosie kept her head down, silent. It was as if she were a lifeless doll, indifferent to where she went or who she was with. This worried Beatrice deeply.

"We'll be leaving now." Hendrix didn't give her a chance to say more.

With that, he took Rosie and left.

Once in the car, Rosie kept her gaze fixed out of the window. After a while, she suddenly said, "28 more days."

Hendrix had been looking through some documents. Hearing her voice, he turned to her. "What?"

But Rosie didn't respond, as if her earlier words had been a figment of Hendrix's imagination. He couldn't help but frown.

Then, it hit him, and he opened his calendar 28 days from now was Rosie's birthday. The realization made Hendrix tighten his hands. This would be Rosie's first birthday since he and Noelle reconciled.

He remembered Noelle mentioning it two months ago.