Billionaire's Match (Khloe and Nick Hunt) novel Chapter 958

By the time Noah and Charlotte finished cleaning up and returned, Ethan had already left.

"Ethan didn't seem very happy tonight," Noah remarked, his gaze falling on the cake that had been moved. It now sat at the center of the dining table instead of the coffee table.

"That's just how he is—he gets upset at the slightest thing. Don't take it to heart."

Though Charlotte said it lightly, her eyes dimmed just a little. She knew Ethan still harbored feelings for her. But she had already made her stance clear.

Still, at times, when she saw the faint vulnerability hidden beneath his arrogance, she couldn't help but feel a trace of sympathy.

"I don't mind," Noah said, his voice steady. "But he is your friend—and colleague. I wouldn't want there to be any distance between you because of me."

He paused briefly, then added, "After all, I'm just a passerby. It's never worth affecting the people around you for the sake of someone passing through."

"You're not a passerby."

Charlotte stepped quickly in front of him. Her expression turned serious as she fixed her gaze on his quiet, unreadable eyes. "No matter how you see yourself, at least to me… you are—"

"Let's have some cake."

Noah cut her off before she could finish. He had already looked away, opening the cake box beside him.

Inside was an exquisite cake—a two-tiered mille crepe in a soft shade of lavender. On top sat an ornate castle crafted from cookie pieces, decorated with colorful chocolate accents. It was clearly a custom design, made with care.

A small card was tucked into it, reading: Congratulations on your promotion.

Though Noah didn't know Ethan well, he could tell his feelings for Charlotte were genuine. He was likely someone worthy of trust.

It felt as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over Charlotte's heart.

Noah didn't want her to continue—that in itself was an answer.

And yet, she still searched his face, hoping to find even the slightest sign that she was special to him.

Only when he calmly sliced a piece of cake and handed it to her did she finally force down the impulse rising inside her.

Noah had an early flight the next morning, so not long after finishing the cake, they each went to rest.

Charlotte returned to her room, while Noah slept in the living room.

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