CHAPTER 166: CHAPTER 166: TOO SMALL

The laughter and discussions pierced like needles into Vera’s ears, sending a chill down her neck.

The panic from being drugged by her ex-mother-in-law years ago, and the helplessness of Ian drugging her into unconsciousness to do IVF, all still vividly replayed in her mind...

Now, the people in this circle seemed to accept that Vera could only gain recognition through such means.

"What nonsense are you all talking about!"

Nathan Grant’s voice cut in from the corner, interrupting the discussion.

Holding two bottles of red wine, he shouted at the group, "Noah hasn’t even won over Ms. Sheridan yet!"

Vera felt even more mocked. Even though Noah Grant had openly expressed his pursuit of her, these people still believed she was clinging to him.

The group fell silent.

Nathan walked over and slammed the wine bottles on the table, "Mother’s status by proxy? What, did the liberation of New China leave you all behind, still living in the Qing Dynasty?"

"Third brother, we’re just talking about reality..." one of the trust-fund babies muttered.

"I don’t accept your reality," a cold voice sounded.

Everyone stiffened as Noah Grant strode over, only then noticing Vera not far away.

Vera also realized that Noah hadn’t heard the discussions earlier.

"Second brother!" "Second master!" Several people quickly straightened up.

Noah’s gaze swept over them, his jaw tense: "Don’t let me hear such words a second time. I, Noah Grant, don’t need such lowly means to pursue someone, and not everyone wants to use a child to bind someone."

Realizing his point, the trust-fund babies quickly said, "Yes, yes, our thoughts were lowly."

"Ms. Sheridan, please don’t mind!" someone called out to Vera.

Vera’s eyes remained cold as she nodded slightly to the group, her voice emotionless, "Sorry, I have something else to attend to. Enjoy yourselves."

With that, she turned and left, her steps steady and quick, not sparing Noah a glance.

Noah immediately followed, catching up in a few strides, speaking in a low voice, "I’ll take you home."

Nathan, hands in his pockets, gave the trust-fund babies a "good luck" glance before leaving as well.

...

In the parking lot, Vera walked straight to Noah’s car, opened the back door herself, and silently got in.

Instead of the passenger seat she came in.

Noah watched this scene, paused for just a second, then went around to the other side, opened the door, and got in.

His tall frame instantly occupied most of the back seat space, the scent of ebony sandalwood mixed with a hint of tobacco, wrapping around the slightly cold air around her.

Vera frowned slightly, her tone indifferent, "I want to go back quickly."

As her voice faded, she leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes.

The outside lights shone in, casting a faintly cool aura of detachment around her in the dimness.

Noah remained unfazed, moving closer, turning to face her, his entire presence looming like a mountain in her narrow corner, his gaze locked onto her, Adam’s apple moving slightly.

"Are you ruling me out just because of a few reckless words?"

Vera’s eyelashes trembled slightly, but she didn’t open her eyes, her tone still indifferent, "I never asked for it anyway."

Noah replied, "I understand."

"Those bastards really have something wrong with them, can’t understand human language." He moved closer, his warm breath almost scorching her cheek, reaching for her bag, "Do I have to send them a video of me barking like a dog for you, to make them believe?"

As Vera recalled that scene, the corners of her mouth involuntarily tugged up, and when she opened her eyes, she saw him holding her phone, seemingly ready to send it.

"What are you doing?" she snatched it back.

Noah’s lips curled slightly, "Let them see how I’m pursuing you."

Vera glared at him, then looked out the car window.

"Vera, I can’t control others’ thoughts, but I assure you, I don’t have those kinds of thoughts, and I certainly don’t agree with the objectification of women." Noah’s voice was warm and deep, every word clear and powerful.

Vera felt a tremor in her heart, slowly turning to look at him.

Noah brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek, "Have you forgotten how I confessed to you at the Ardendale Dance Troupe’s theater two years ago?"

Vera was a bit at a loss, she was quite drunk that night.

Seeing her like this, Noah made a dissatisfied nasal sound, "Did you also forget that you kissed me first?"

"My first kiss." He gritted his teeth.

Vera, "..."

"I was drunk," she feigned ignorance, though she actually remembered.

But she couldn’t recall why she impulsively kissed him.

Noah’s fingers slid into hers, lacing them tightly together, "I’ll say it again, Vera, listen carefully."

"What I love is your independent, resilient personality. From the moment we first met when you were 16..."

Listening, Vera began to recall...

He was originally a young master in a golden cage, tamed, carrying the family mission. Because of her outside the cage, he saw another possibility for his life, breaking free from the bonds to control his own destiny.

In the dim car, Vera completely relaxed.

Noah said, "Regarding Ms. Morgan..."

Vera tensed noticeably, "Let’s just go back quickly."

Noah held her hand tighter, turning her to face him, "Vera, there’s something I must clarify about Ms. Morgan."

"All her prejudice and arrogance towards you originate from me, not you."

Vera blinked but said nothing.

Noah continued, "You are the only uncontrollable variable that appeared in the life she meticulously planned for me. Clearly, it was I who strayed from her control, yet she wrongly blames you."

"It’s not because you’re not good enough."

A shock went through Vera’s heart as their eyes met, and his appreciative gaze warmed her heart.

Noah said, "I know you’re not thinking that far ahead now, and I don’t want to put any pressure on you."

"But I hope you remember one thing, any struggle with her is my affair. You just need to be yourself. I don’t want you to feel wronged or back down because of her actions."

His words were gentle, yet carried an undeniable strength.

He wasn’t in a rush to seek her response, still respecting her pace.

Vera shook his hand, "We’re good as we are now."

Noah nodded, "Yes, we are."

With plenty of time and patience, he was sure she would ultimately come to him.

He, Noah Grant, didn’t need to use a car accident or a debt of gratitude like Ian Kane to bind her.

...

Back in the city, they bought groceries downstairs at the supermarket.

On the way back, Vera resisted the temptation of countless delicious foods along the road, insisting on home-cooked boiled vegetables to strictly control her weight.

At the checkout, while Vera waited, Noah was at the cigarette and alcohol counter.

Spotting the boxes on the shelf, Vera hesitated for a moment, then, feigning calmness, casually picked up a silver-packaged one.

Just as she was about to place it on the checkout counter, a low male voice whispered in her ear, "It’s too small."

Noah had somehow appeared behind her.

Vera’s hand froze midair, her ears burning, "Wha-what?"