Chapter 41 Riding on Chattade
Chapter Riding on Cattails
Whitmere watched as Noel’s cai merged into traffic, slowly fading fin
Only then did she recognize a strange feeling stirring within her. Why had she been so angry when Noel defended Tuchel? Her anger was even stronger than it had been when she first discovered Damian’s betrayal.
And beneath that anges lay a confusing sense of disappointment as it an answer lingered just beyond her grasp. She forced herself to stop overthinking it
The next day. Helens called, and they agreed to meet directly at the hotel entrance.
Whitney had taken a few days off work, with Turnian’s apponal. 186 knew het trasout, and even if he hadn’t agreed, she wouldn’t have gone to the office anyway.
When she met Helena at the hotel, Whitney relayed Noel’s suggestions exactly as he had described them.
“Noel’s lucky he didn’t become a lawyer. Otherwise, there’d be no work left for me,” Helena quipped.
They approached the lobby manager, and Helena introsaced herself as a lawyer, explaining the purpose of their visit. The manager led them to the general manager’s office.
Eugene Hill, the hotel’s general manager, was a man in his early tos with a receding hairlin
After listening to the lobby manager’s summary, Eugene looked troubled. “It’s not that we don’t want to cooperate, but questioning each of our staff would take a lot of time. We’re extremely busy right now, and even a brief interruption could lead to paest complaints”
Helena smiled. “It’s just a few quick questions. It won’t take long, Mr. Ht If you could do as this favor
But despite her gentle persistence, Helena lacked the authority to compel questioning without a warrant.
Eugene chuckled politely, his refusal firm. I’m sorry. If you come back with a warrant or bring the police along, we’ll be happy to cooperate.”
With that, they were escorted out of the hotel
“That Mr. Hill is a slippery one,” Helena muttered in frustration.
Without surveillance footage witnesses, their investigation was looking increasingly difficult
Just as their spirits were sinking, Whitney heard Helena call out into the lobby. She looked up and saw Noel emerging from the hotel elevator
Nool was dressed in a dark suit and silver–framed glasses. His sharp jaw turned slightly as he spoke with someone by his side.
Hearing someone call his name, Noel looked over, changed a few more words with his companion, and then headed toward them.
“Noel, what are you doing here?” Helena asked.
“There’s a design seminar being held here today,” he replied.
As he spoke, Noel’s gaze drifted to Whitney. He noticed her tense expression and Helena’s frustrated look. “Ran into trouble?” he asked.
“Mr. Hill keeps dodging our questions Bottom line, he just doesn’t want to get involved.” Helena replied with a sigh
The situation was delicate as it involved the Howard, Jennings, and York families. Eugene didn’t want to risk offending anyone, though he was unaware that Helena herself was part of
Howards
Just then, Eugene came hurrying over, practically join
“Ah, Mr. Howard I didn’t realize you were here. Apologies for not greeting you properly”
Noel extended his hand. “The city’s new museum is about to break ground, and today’s the final design seminar. It’s hosted hate. You seem well–informed, Mr. Hill.
Releed and Battered by Noel’s initiative to shake his hand, Eugene clasped it with both of his “Someone saw you here and informed me right away. If you don’t mind, would you like to come to my office? I’ll make you a cup of coffee.”
Noel added. “I am feeling a bit thirsty. I’ll take you up on that.”
Then, he turned to Helena. “I still need to discuss Ms. Jennings and Rachel’s matter with you. Can you wait for me for a moment?”.
Helena understood immediately. “Whitney and I will wait here for you.”
“Oh, no, no–there’s no need for you ladies to wait out here. Please, come to my office as well,” Eugene insisted, gestaring for them to follow,
Whitney tugged on Helena’s arm. “We’re here on official business. Mr. Hill said we’d need a warrant to question the staff about that night.”
Hearing this especially in front of Noel–Eugene nearly broke into a sweat. “A warrant? That was just a little joke, ladies. No need for anything like that.”
“A jake?” Helena raised her eyebrows in exaggerated surprise. “So, we’re allowed to ask our questions?”
“Of course, of course! If you have business here, I’m more than happy to help.” Eugene quickly called over the lobby manager and instructed him to gather all the staff who had worked in the banquet hall that night
waste what they said it was good to have a powerful ally.
With Noel’s presence, no one dared to refuse.
The waitstaff from that night was soon assembled in a meeting ICOM, and Whitney a
An hour later, they finally emerged from the meeting room
Noel was waiting for them in the lounge area of the lobby.
“How did it go?” he asked.
y and Helena split up to interview them individually.
