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; she could feel her heart racing.

“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?”

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

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

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

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

Her mouth fell open. For a moment, she wanted to say that Zoe had, by trying to steal her husband. But she stopped, knowing it wasn't the whole truth. Maybe Zoe was trying to steal her husband, but Noah was equally culpable.

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

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

“It’s not like that,” Hannah protested, her own anger rising. “Drake’s a good friend, and he wants to get back with Zoe. In exchange for his 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, each one making Hannah flinch. “I can’t believe this. I’m furious with both of you, but more furious with you. I can’t believe you would trick Zoe into a date.”

His reaction seemed excessive, almost personal. The pieces clicked 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… 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?” Hannah stood, hands on her hips, meeting his gaze. “Because it seems like you’re awfully invested in Zoe’s love life.”

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

But as he tried to leave, Hannah stepped in front of him. Her heart pounded, but she stood her ground, her lip curling slightly. “My accusations aren’t baseless, Noah,” she growled. “I know what you two have been up to.”

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