Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Angie looked absolutely wretched, which had Noah frowning at the sight.
"Wayne, go help."
Wayne Hudson immediately took an umbrella and got out of the car to help her up.
Angie hadn't expected to be left out in the cold. Noah had sent Wayne to her side instead of assisting her himself.
Her eyes reddened.
She felt resentful, but at least she achieved her objective.
Angie endured her grievances as she was escorted inside.
The car stopped before the porch, away from the raging storm. Noah then got out of the car.
He had just gotten out when Angie ran up and leaned against him. "You're finally home, Noah. I heard that Colt was missing. I got worried…"
Her face was wet with rain. She looked every bit anxious with her red-rimmed eyes.
She reached out to grab his hand but he was quick to dodge.
He looked askance at her. The look in his eyes was one of mixed feelings but it eventually gave way to a hint of tenderness. "Have Ms. Grant change her clothes."
"No. Where is Colt? It's storming outside. I'm worried!"
Angie caught a glimpse of tenderness in Noah's eyes and decided to strike while the iron was hot in her excitement.
She refused. Despite being drenched by the rain, she wanted to give him a show. NôvelDrama.Org content.
"Do as I say!"
"Noah…"
Angie wanted to say more but he passed her and headed straight upstairs.
Of course, she wouldn't give up quite so easily. She lifted her drenched skirt and trailed after him.
She hadn't even reached the second floor when she heard the sound of thumping steps down the hallway upstairs.
Then, a soft voice rang out.
Angie could feel herself cracking!
"You're home, Daddy!" Thomas Grant ran up to Noah with his arms outstretched.
Noah picked him up and held him in his arms.
"Yes, I'm home. Daddy's here. Don't be scared." Noah hugged Thomas and reassured the young boy with a rare show of tenderness.
He had received news half an hour ago that the butler found Colton in the corner of the attic shivering.
Noah felt an inexplicable pain wash over him.
It hurt.
Colton had always been afraid of the storm. He used to keep it to himself and endured by hiding away in the attic.
He had finally spoken up, but his so-called father had arrived late.
Thomas felt how gentle Noah's hold was while nestled in his arms.
He wound his small arms tightly around Noah's neck and rested his head on his shoulder. He was just thinking of riding the scum of the human as a means to rest, only to be met by the sight of the soaked woman when he looked up.
Angie's heart skipped a beat when she heard Colton's voice. Fortunately, she was quick to regulate her emotions as she bounded upstairs.
"Colt? You… You're home? I was so worried!"
She looked emotional as she lunged to grab the child's hand only to be met by his avoidance.
Thomas was usually much milder with beautiful women but he didn't want a bad woman who was dripping wet, even if she looked good, to touch him.
Thomas's instinctive dodging drew Noah's attention.
He stopped and glanced at the excited Angie who was soaked to the bone. "I'll take care of Colt. I'll have Wayne escort you home."
"Please don't, Noah. We just found Colt. Please let me stay by his side tonight. It was always me who accompanied him whenever it rained in the past. I was worried about him!"
Angie's eyes were red and teemed with prayer.
Noah hesitated for a split second.
Before he could speak, the child in his arms shrank. He seemed to eye her with great caution.
"Daddy's here with me today. Can I not sleep in the attic?"
"There you go saying nonsense again. When have I ever made you sleep in the attic?" Angie instinctively retorted.
He had nearly exposed her.
Fortunately, she recovered in time and kept her gentle tone of voice.
Noah, however, was no fool. The look on his face was not a positive one.
"Don't listen to Colt's ramblings, Noah. How could I possibly make him sleep in the attic? He's the precious child of the household. I'm also his aunt. I wouldn't treat him badly. You have to believe me!"
Angie absolutely despised the brat in front of her.
She wouldn't have locked him in the attic if it weren't for the fact that the brat stayed wide awake whenever it rained and caused her to lose her beauty sleep. It was, as they say, out of sight, out of mind.
Her plan to use her gentle and nurturing image to move Noah was now a mess. Was this little bastard trying to tear her down?
Why didn't throwing him off a cliff kill him?!
Noah gave Angie a dark, icy stare. His voice took on a terrifying quality. "Children's words are often the most honest!"
He didn't spare her another look and left for his room with Colton.
"Noah…"
She started to get anxious at his indifference.
She took a lumbering step to follow them, only to be met by a door to her face.
What am I supposed to do now? I can't let this misunderstanding continue.
Wouldn't her plans all go to waste if Noah gave her the cold shoulder?
This is all because of that little bastard!
Angie gritted her teeth. She could barely wait to rush in and grab the brat and have him thrown down the steps from the top floor.
It would be perfect if he died horribly!
The butler, Mr. Charles, was standing by. "A hot bath and fresh clothes have been prepared for you, Ms. Grant. This way, please."
She had no choice but to suppress her building anger as she took stock of her drenched self. A smug smile made its way across her face. "I'm changing in Noah's room."
"That would be inappropriate, Ms. Grant. Mr. Quincy has instructed us that no one is to enter his quarters. He'll be displeased if I allow it."
"I'm about to get engaged to Noah, Mr. Charles. Is it not okay for me to use his room? Or is it that you dislike me? You don't think I'm worthy of being by his side?"
Angie spoke the most vicious words, but with the most pitiful expressions as she cried.
Mr. Charles wouldn't budge an inch. "Please don't make this hard on me, Ms. Grant. Come with me to the guest room."
She gritted her teeth. Even a mere butler was in her way!
That, however, wasn't enough to stop her.
She took the clothes into the guest room, then took advantage of Mr. Charles's inattention to enter Noah's room via the balcony.
She got into the bathroom to shower and waited eagerly or his return.