Noah leaned back in his chair as the final email confirming Ethan's termination sent to him. He could have boasted about it to Alison, let her know that he had taken care of the problem that had been haunting her. But Noah chose to keep it to himself. He didn't want Alison to feel pressured or obligated to him, nor did he want her to think he pitied her or was meddling in her life. He did it because he wanted to help, and that was enough for him.
With a sigh of satisfaction, he closed his laptop and looked out at the city skyline. His thoughts drifted to the upcoming weekend. The trip to the farmhouse was just a few days away, and the anticipation was a welcome distraction from the daily grind.
Alison, meanwhile, sat at her kitchen table, a cup of tea warming her hands. She glanced at th
