Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Let’s Talk in Court

"That’s all just your wishful thinking. Whether you believe your relationship is one-of-a-kind or some epic, moving romance, it has absolutely nothing to do with me. I’m very busy. I don’t have time to listen to you ramble on about pointless things."

Lowering her hands that had been gesturing animatedly, Noelle Sutton turned and walked toward the elevator.

Sophie Hughes watched Noelle Sutton’s departing back. ’Is she being sincere, or is this just an act?’ she wondered.

Noelle Sutton’s expression looked genuine.

’But Tristan is so wonderful. Can she really bear to let him go?’

Sophie Hughes was still somewhat doubtful.

’Noelle’s refusal to speak with me alone must mean she cares a lot about my relationship with Tristan.’

’As long as I can maintain my intimacy with Tristan, Noelle will never forgive him.’

With these thoughts in mind, Sophie Hughes left.

Noelle Sutton returned to her apartment and sat at her desk to read the script Smith had given her.

After so many days of delays, she finally had a chance to properly study the script.

She became so engrossed that before she knew it, it was noon.

Just then, she got a video call on WeChat.

It was from Christopher Grant.

Noelle Sutton quickly answered, setting her phone up. Christopher Grant greeted her and told her their movie was already in the dubbing phase. He was now contacting theater chains and seeking investors for promotion.

"What’s the budget for marketing and distribution?"

"I think this film has a lot of potential. I’m thinking of budgeting half of the production cost for it. What do you think?"

They were both fluent in sign language and communicated entirely with gestures.

"Everyone has put in so much effort, so spending more on marketing and distribution is worth it. Let’s aim for a good box office return. Look, I have twenty to thirty million on hand. I’ll invest it."

The settlement money Tristan Lawson had given her totaled sixty-six million. She had already invested fifty million of it into Christopher Grant’s film.

Christopher Grant and his team had invested a total of twenty million. Since they were all partners, they didn’t even take salaries, bringing the total production cost to nearly one hundred million.

A fifty percent investment in marketing and distribution would require over fifty million.

"You’ve already invested a lot. Investing more would be a huge risk. The film is almost finished now, and it’s easier to find investors once they can see most of the final cut. I’m sure we can find someone. Don’t worry about that for now. I called because I was hoping you could help me get in touch with some theater chain contacts."

Noelle Sutton had been involved with the film from start to finish and was very confident in it. That’s why she was willing to invest; she desperately wanted the movie to succeed. If it did, the value of people with disabilities like them would be fully recognized.

This was something she had wanted to do for a very long time.

"It’s okay, I’m not afraid of the risk. I don’t have much use for that money anyway. I’ll give you twenty-five million."

She would be on her own from now on. Buying the small apartment had only cost one million, leaving her with four million for medical treatments and living expenses. Besides, she could work now, and Smith had also discussed production fees with her, so she didn’t have to worry about money.

Since Noelle Sutton insisted on investing, Christopher Grant couldn’t refuse her any longer.

After ending the call, Noelle Sutton thought of Hugo Sterling. His background and status in the business world weren’t that far behind Tristan Lawson’s; he should have all sorts of resources.

Just as she was about to contact Hugo Sterling, there was a knock on the door.

Only Hugo Sterling, Smith, and Wyatt Yates knew she was here.

It was probably either Hugo Sterling or Smith.

Noelle Sutton went to open the door.

It was Tristan Lawson!

Tristan Lawson, still lying in a hospital bed!

The head of the bed was raised, making it look like he was sitting up. His leg was in a thick cast, and his forehead was wrapped in gauze.

’Has he lost his mind? He looks like that and still chased me all the way here.’

Just as Noelle Sutton was about to shut the door, Tristan Lawson waved his hand, and the two medical staff beside him pushed his hospital bed forward, blocking the door and forcing their way in.

Noelle Sutton felt like she was suffocating. She had gone to so much trouble to come abroad, and he...

After Tristan Lawson was inside, he gestured for the medical staff to leave.

They closed the door on their way out.

Noelle Sutton’s face was a mask of impatience.

Tristan Lawson’s gentle face was calm and reserved. He said, "I just came to see you. The family doctor didn’t get a chance to treat your injuries that day. I asked Hugo Sterling, and he said you were hospitalized. Are you discharged so soon because you’ve recovered?"

Noelle Sutton gave him a cool glance and didn’t answer his question. Instead, she raised her hands and signed irritably, "Don’t you think you’re being ridiculous?"

"Noelle, I think we really need to talk."

’There’s nothing left to talk about.’

’When I wanted to talk, there was no chance.’

’Now, there’s no need to talk about anything.’

’No matter how pleasant his words are, I don’t want to hear them anymore.’

"Counting the days, it’s only ten days away now. Let’s talk in court."

Noelle Sutton’s gestures were detached.

Tristan Lawson’s thin lips pressed into a tight line, his brow furrowing. "We were husband and wife. Do you really have to drag this to court and let the cold, impersonal law decide?"

"What other choice is there?" she continued to sign. "You’re haunting me like a ghost. Outside of court, I don’t want to see you for a single second. Please leave!"

Tristan Lawson’s eyes grew darker, and his heart tightened.

"There were reasons for what happened that night. I..."

Noelle Sutton grabbed the glass of water from the coffee table and threw it directly in Tristan Lawson’s face.

She couldn’t speak, couldn’t interrupt him.

She didn’t want to hear him talk about that night, nor did she want to remember it.

This was the only way to stop him.

The gauze on Tristan Lawson’s forehead was soaked. Water streamed down his face, dripping onto his clothes.

He had seen her about to throw the water, but he hadn’t flinched at all.

Droplets also splashed onto the hair on his forehead, making the usually refined and elegant man look utterly disheveled.

Noelle Sutton’s chest heaved with anger.

She was so sick of living like this.

She had never imagined Tristan Lawson would pester her like this.

It was obvious his eyes and heart were only for Sophie Hughes. She had graciously vacated the position of Mrs. Lawson for him, yet he still came to harass her.

’Does he want me to continue being the shield for his relationship with Sophie?’

’That’s probably it.’

After all, their families didn’t approve of their relationship. For the past seven years, she had been single-mindedly focused on maintaining their marriage and had never caused him any trouble.

’Maybe all those times he was away on "business trips," he was actually off living blissfully with Sophie.’

’Now that I’ve discovered the truth and will no longer maintain that superficial peace, he’s gotten antsy. He’s desperate to restore the old order.’

’How could that be possible?’

She was mute, but she wasn’t a fool!

Tristan Lawson’s features were cold. The apartment’s cozy, warm-toned decor couldn’t dispel the frigid atmosphere.

The surrounding air was terrifyingly silent.

Noelle Sutton was long past the point of being afraid to offend him.

It was precisely because she had swallowed her grievances for so long that he dared to repeatedly test her limits, even bringing Sophie Hughes back to Westhill Villa.

’If I had endured it, if I had compromised, would he have planned for the three of us to become a family?’