When Love Is a Lie

Chapter 216 You Still Owea Debt

Whitney froze for a moitient, suddenly feeling a bit nerroin.

“Granilpa, 11 don’t have anyone | like.

thijabs sighed, a hint of guilt in his expression, but his wouls were sincere. “I may be getting old, but i still low

what is going on In the past, | thought | was making decisions for your own good. But now, | will listen to you. If

you tellwhat you want, I'll do everything | can to help.”

Whitney looked at Elijah.

So, he had losown all along.

But matters of the heart were between two people, and Noel had already chosen Lilian. No one else could

change that, and it was pointless to try.

Besides, a marriage to the Reid family would be beneficial for the Howard family. Elijah was only offering to help

because he felt guilty, and that was why he set aude the family’s interests. However, Whitney couldn't just

accept it with peace of mind.

She bit her lip and said, “Grandpa, sank you. But right now, | just want to focus on my work and achieving my

about it

“Also, | chere today to return the shares to you. | shouldn't be holding onto them.”

Whitney no longer had any ties lett to the Howard family, so it didn’t feel right to keep them.

“Whitney, are you Trying to sever ties with our family? Elijah asked

g my goals. As for anything else... | don’t want to

“No, It’s just... I'm not part of the Howard family, and I'm not a shareholder in Howard Coup. Holding onto the

shares would seem unfair. You've treatedso well, How could | distance myself from you?”

**Then keep them,” Elijah said firmly. “I didn’t give them to you because you were marrying Damian. Don’t bring

this up again.”

Histone lett no room for argument, and Whitney reluctantly swallowed the words she had been about to pay.

Crash!

Suddenly, there was a sound of something breaking,

“Mr. Noel, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! a servant frantically apologized.

Whitney glanced over, noticing Noel standing by the door that led from the living room to the backyard. The

servant had bumped into him, knocking over the teacup she had been carrying. Thankfully, it was one that had

just been cleaned, so his clothes weren't stained.

When Elijah heard the noise, he looked up and asked, “Why are you alone?

“Lilian is in the greenhouse. It’schilly outside, and she forgot her coat. | cto get it for her.”

Noel's voice was calm, but his face seemed even colder than before. Whitney didn’t pay much attention, but

hearing his words, a dull ache spread across her chest.

Whitney had planned to say goodbye and leave, but Elijah insisted she stay for dinner. He mentioned how he

wasn't sure when he would see her next. The old man’s words held a touch of sadness, and Whitney couldn't

bring herself to refuse him again. So, she reluctantly agreed

Dinner was still a while away, so she helped Elijah back to his room to rest. As she was about to leave, a land

grabbed her and pulled her into a room.

It was the room she had once stayed in.

The door clicked shut beland them, and Noel was there, pressing her against it. His eyes were dark and intense,

“Winy not consider other options?”

The abrupt question caught Whitney off guard. However, the distance between the two of them was dangerous.

She didn’t answer him, her brows furrowing slightly as she said in a lowrond voice, “What are you doing? Lillan is

still here!”

And she was right next door.

When Whatury was helping Elijah to his room, she saw Lilian following Noel to his own room.

Huuther words, Lilians woulda’i fhad thein.

Whattary tried to push him away but couldn't. His strong armwrapped around her waist, pulling het even closer

His deep, cold gaze enveloped lieras he asked, “Answerine. Why not consider other uptland?”

Whitney suddenly recalled what sher had said to Elijaliatal understood what Norl was talking about.

le ladhurand everyiling she said.

Theer was no point.” She raised her chingul crossed heraus, staring at him with a blankexpression

Hori suddenly grabbed her hands, dancing: term behind her back, and pressed himselt even closer to her. His

eyes were nearly lila

“Hiu pedint ? Are you trying to avoid ine?-

am pus be trasonable for once?” Whitney struggled to fier het wrists, her raditi facade starting to crack, Anger

anged in her chest, “your're getting engaged to Lilian. Why would i want to stay by your side? The not going to

be a boneworched!”

the wain’t like Rachael—willing to do anything to stay close fir someone she liked, no matter the cost.

As Whitney spoke, her eyectioned red dusted, andlurs volce turned lanaise.

“You were the one who re

gave up o

When Whitney had been in the hospital, she had thought about it. Even if Madelyn didn’t approve of her, she

could overlook it all if Noel stood by her. She wouldn't push him away again.

but he had chosen Lilian, and he hadn't bothered to explain himself. He didn’t even tell her about the

engagement with the Reid family.

Only those who were insignificant were never given an explanation.

Suddenly, Noel's handsLace was right in front of hers. His cool lips pressed against hers with a forceful,

punishing kiss, taking away all her breath.

Whitney desperately tried to push him away, but Noel simply deepened the loss with more torce.

Her vision blurred, and she felt like she was going to pass out.

Finally, Noel pulled away.

“Don’t forget, you still owea debt. 111

If your

think you can avoid me, th

tavold me, think again.”