Chapter 252 Did You Plan To Avoid Me Forever?

Suddenly, Whitney heard a scream of agony, followed by the sound of something heavy colliding with the wall. She opened her eyes just in time to see the man curled up against the corner, with his features twisted in pain. A hand reached toward her and pulled her into a firm embrace. Her nerves, still taut with fear, instinctively triggered a scream. "It's me." It was a familiar, deep voice that carried both urgency and concern, accompanied by the faint, calming scent of ebony wood. Looking up, her gaze met a pair of deep, penetrating eyes. It was Noel. All the terror and despair she had bottled up transformed into a flood of vulnerability. Her vision blurred with tears, and she choked on the words caught in her throat. "It's okay now. You're safe…" Noel said, holding her tightly. He gently stroked her back, trying to comfort her. Behind them, faint rustling noises broke the moment. Out of the corner of her eye, Whitney saw the man by the wall slowly standing up, pulling a kni