Chapter 6 Noah looked like he'd seen it coming. When he glanced at me, his smile was bitter. "Are you scared of me? For setting up my own dad? My relatives always said I was calculating, that nobody wanted to deal with me. It's fine if you hate me. I-" I broke. Threw myself into his arms, sobbing. "You should've told me sooner! I could've found another way to get him locked up. You didn't have to go through that!" I'd sworn I'd protect him this time. But I hadn't. Noah froze. After a long silence, he finally hugged me back, voice rough. "Andrea, don't be so good to me. I won't be able to let you go." "Then don't." I still wanted Henry behind bars. But he'd paid Albert in cash-no proof left. And I've never been the type to just take a hit. So I stormed straight to Henry's house. Right in front of his parents, I tore the mask off. "Mr. Rummell, your mistress and her daughter? Henry already wrecked them. And that scholarship girl living with you-who even knows if the baby's yours or your son's. "Oh, and that project your company lost? That's on Henry too. He's been chasing the rival CEO's daughter, trying to show off. "Your whole family's a disaster. Not one decent person among you." When I left, the Rummell house was pure chaos. Mr. and Mrs. Rummell dragged a beat-up Henry over to apologize, even had the nerve to suggest a marriage alliance. My mom-who'd gone from trophy wife to straight-up momma bear-planted her hands on her hips. "You want my daughter to marry that piece of trash? You think you're worthy? Keep dreaming! "Don't you dare treat her like some backup plan. Do yourselves a favor-go look in the mirror and ask who the hell you think you are!" My dad snatched up the closest thing like he was about to swing. 1/2 Chapter 6 The Rummells bolted instantly. My parents were livid. Right then and there, they cut every business tie with the Rummells. Some shareholders freaked, warning it'd tank the company, but my parents didn't budge. Watching that, I finally breathed easier. +30 Bonus Last time, the Rummells wrecked us, forcing shady suppliers on our company. Faulty goods, cash flow crash, total collapse. But now? With my parents officially at war with them, none of that was happening again. I could finally relax-and bring food to Noah. Two weeks later, most of his injuries had healed. That's when our class president planned a graduation trip. "Andrea, I already owe you too much. I can't let you cover this too." Noah didn't want to go-mostly 'cause he couldn't afford it. But I wasn't letting him miss out. "Ever heard of 'too many debts to care'? Worst case, if you can't pay me back, just give yourself to me." I clung to him, tiptoeing to kiss him again and again, teasing, "I want to go with you, Noah... come with me, Daddy, please?" His face went red down to his neck. He gripped his shirt like it might save him. "...Fine. I'll go. Just-stop touching me. And don't call me that again." His voice was hoarse, like he was barely holding it together. When I glanced down, his hand shot up to cover my eyes. All I caught was his heavy breathing right by my ear. I started laughing, and that set him off. Annoyed, he yanked me against him and kissed me hard. By the time he let go, my lips were puffy, and I was gasping for air. I whined for mercy until he finally stopped.