Chapter 317
Noelle arched a brow and gave him a once-over, her voice laced with both amusement and respect. “Well, color me impressed. Who knew you had more going on than wild parties and expensive wine?”
He grinned, cocky. “Oh, I’ve got plenty of hidden talents. People just don’t pay enough attention.”
She tilted her head, thoughtful. “Judging by what Maxton implied, I take it things didn’t go your way?”
His jaw tightened. “You wouldn’t believe it. Wallace had already agreed. Everything was set. Then Maxton swooped in out of nowhere, pulled a fast one, and snatched him. Classic underhanded move. He’s just using Wallace’s name to polish Moss Entertainment’s reputation. Nothing but strategy.”
Noelle’s expression grew pensive. “What kind of leverage did Maxton use?”
Farrell let out a weary sigh. “Did you catch how off Wallace seemed earlier? It’s because his wife’s in the hospital. Cancer. Not much time left.”
Noelle’s face fell slightly, a trace of sorrow flickering in her eyes. There was no defense against the cruelty of life when it chose to take someone away.
He went on, voice gentler. “Ashlyn Dixon, his wife, has always adored this particular dress from Girood’s showcase collection—crafted by Rhoda herself. A true one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Never for sale, just displayed. She’s loved it for years, but it was always out of reach. Now Willa, who everyone’s calling a genius lately, sketched something similar for her. Claimed she could recreate a version of that gown just for Ashlyn.”
Noelle sat there, momentarily stunned. Willa dared to sketch something for Ashlyn?
It was probably another swipe at one of her own discarded drafts.
𝖥𝘪𝘯𝗱 n𝘰𝘃el P𝗗𝖥𝘀 𝗼𝗇 𝗀𝖺𝗹𝗇𝘰𝘃𝖾𝘭𝘴.сo𝗆
Farrell shook his head. “Wallace and his wife have always been incredibly close. When he heard Willa might be able to give his wife something she’s always dreamed of before the end, he changed course. Can’t say I blame him.”
Noelle’s lips curled into a cool smile, her voice low and assured. “Even if Willa finishes it, it won’t be that dress—the one Ashlyn truly yearns for.”
Farrell lifted a shoulder. “True enough. But with the original unavailable, a close imitation will probably be enough for her to feel peace.”
He didn’t hold it against Wallace. His devotion to his wife was clear—and entirely human.
In fact, once he’d figured out that Noelle was Rhoda, Farrell had almost asked her about releasing the gown for sale. He was ready to write a big check—anything to sway Wallace back to their side.
But then he thought better of it. She had her reasons for keeping the piece private, and Farrell chose not to push.
Chuckling, he felt proud of himself—he was such a considerate cousin-in-law.
While he was silently patting himself on the back, he caught sight of Noelle, who now rested her chin against her knuckles with a commanding calm. “Relax. Maxton’s not keeping Wallace.”
Farrell blinked, caught off guard. “You’ve been awfully ruthless where Maxton’s concerned lately.”
A dazzling, daring smile played on Noelle’s lips. “This is the endgame. I’m not walking away until Maxton’s finished.” With that, she stood up calmly. “Let’s go.”
Farrell scrambled to follow. “Where are we going now?”
.
.