"Ms. Liddell, please come in."

Noelle saw Frank waiting. "I've integrated the code," she announced calmly. "The work's done. Unless there's something else, I'm leaving."

"Noelle, you exceeded my expectations," Frank said, a pleased smile spreading across his face. "I never knew you were so talented." He hadn't expected her to solve the firewall issue – a problem that had stumped countless others – in just two days. "Now I'm even more confident handing the company over to you."

"I don't want it," Noelle refused, turning to James. "Just transfer the payment."

Frank, anxious, blocked her exit. "Noelle, running the company is far more rewarding and profitable than live-streaming. I'm doing this for your own good."

Noelle's calm demeanor didn't waver. "Frank, is this for my good, or yours?"

He froze. "How could you think that? I'm trying to make amends." He saw her wariness, guilt stabbing at him. He hadn't anticipated her distrust.

"If you truly want what's best for me," Noelle said steadily, "stop these meaningless gestures."

She left, noticing Xenia's disgruntled expression. Ignoring her, Noelle gathered her things and departed. Frank remained rooted to the spot, his face grim. Xenia approached him, forcing a calm smile. "Frank, she'll understand your intentions eventually."

Frank managed a wry smile. "Maybe." James, watching, felt resentment but remained silent.

Later, James called. "Ms. Liddell, our collaborators require a technical specialist for the handover. Could you join us tomorrow?"

Noelle frowned. "I can, but I won't take responsibility for the follow-up, and I want to remain anonymous."

"No problem," James assured her. "Payment's been sent."

After the call, James addressed Frank. "Mr. Liddell, it's arranged."

"How did you convince Noelle?" Frank asked.

James's expression was complex. "Maybe because I'm an outsider. Ms. Liddell is kind; she didn't want to make things difficult."

Frank chuckled bitterly. "I don't even know how to talk to her anymore."

The next day, Noelle, heading for a taxi, saw Frank's car. She pretended not to notice. The past life's harm still lingered.

At the collaborator's office, Noelle worked as the technical specialist, flawlessly testing the software. A call interrupted the meeting. The manager stood abruptly. "Our boss is back."

Two men entered. Noelle froze. Alfred and Cedric. Were they the company owners?