Chapter 0190

Hannah hesitated before sinking into the chair opposite Noah. His eyes followed her every move, his jaw clenched tight. The tension in the room was palpable, and her heart pounded in her chest.

“So,” Noah began, his voice low and surprisingly controlled, “do you want to explain why you thought it was okay to trick Zoe like that?”

She swallowed hard, her fingers fidgeting. “Noah, I—”

“A job opportunity, Hannah? Really?” he blurted, cutting her off. Leaning forward, his green eyes blazed with intensity, making her flinch. “Do you have any idea how hurt she is?”

She bit her lip, guilt gnawing at her. “Look, I know it wasn’t right, but—”

“But what?” he snapped. “What could possibly justify this? Zoe has never done anything to hurt you.”

Her mouth dropped open. For a moment, she wanted to say that Zoe had—by trying to steal her husband—but she stopped. That wasn't the whole truth. Perhaps Zoe was trying to steal her husband, but Noah was equally culpable.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to be honest. There was no point in hiding it any longer. “I promised Drake I would help him get a date with Zoe in exchange for his training,” she said. “He wants her back.”

Noah’s eyes widened, then narrowed. “You did what?” he hissed, his voice a near whisper. “So, not only did you trick Zoe, but you’re scheming with Drake behind my back?”

“It’s not like that,” she protested, her own anger rising. “Drake’s been a good friend, and he wants to get back with Zoe. In exchange for the training—and everything else he’s done for me—I promised to set up a date.”

“And you thought that justified manipulating Zoe?” Noah stood, pacing. His footsteps echoed in the silence, making her flinch with each step. “I can’t believe this. I’m furious with both of you, but I’m more furious with you. I can’t believe you would trick Zoe into a date.”

His reaction gave her pause. It seemed excessive, almost personal. A thought struck her. The pieces began to fall into place.

“Noah,” she said slowly, choosing her words carefully, “why are you really so upset? Is it because you’re worried about Zoe, or…” She paused, bracing herself. “Or is it because you don’t want her to date someone else?”

Noah whirled around, his face flushed. “That’s ridiculous, Hannah. You’re being absurd and vindictive.”

“Am I?” She stood, hands on her hips, meeting his gaze. “Because it seems like you’re awfully invested in Zoe’s love life.”

His jaw clenched, a muscle twitching. He stared at her incredulously before shaking his head and muttering, “I’m leaving. This conversation is over. Throwing around baseless accusations…”

But as he tried to leave, she stepped in front of him, blocking his path. Her heart pounded beneath his imposing figure, but she stood her ground, a slight curl to her lip. “My accusations aren’t baseless, Noah,” she growled. “I know what you two have been up to.”

His eyebrows rose, a challenge in his eyes. “Oh yeah? And what would that be?”