Ethan could no longer hold back and let out a cold laugh.
"Noah, what brings you back all of a sudden? I heard Lacuna's been taken down. You should be lying low too, shouldn't you?"
Noah paused at the words.
Charlotte shot Ethan a sharp glare.
Of all things to bring up—he was clearly picking a fight on purpose.
"Ethan, if you really can't eat, then don't force yourself."
Charlotte forced a smile at him, awkwardly trying to change the subject.
But Ethan only pressed further. Leaning his elbow on the table, he edged closer toward Noah.
"How could I not? Sharing a meal with an internationally wanted mercenary—I'm honored."
"Ethan!"
Seeing Noah's expression darken, Charlotte slammed her hand against the table.
"Charlotte."
But almost immediately, Noah spoke as well.
He set down his bowl, lightly brushing a finger across the corner of his lips where a trace of sauce lingered. His voice was low.
"I'm leaving tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't drag you into anything."
There was no discernible emotion in his tone, as calm as ever. Yet, his head was lowered, his expression hidden in shadow.
Charlotte felt as though something had gripped her heart and squeezed—painful, but impossible to put into words. She no longer had the energy to argue with Ethan.
Even Ethan found himself caught off guard by Noah's reaction. He had expected that with such obvious provocation, Noah would show at least some irritation. But instead, the man's composure—almost to the point of tolerance—made Ethan feel, for the first time, that he might be the one going too far.

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