It wasn't the fact that Diego was hiding it or not. Just the very action of trying to use Noah to some end was something he had a hard time coming to terms with. His existence was one built upon being controlled and taken in by others for their own ends. Even Diego wasn't blameless, but so far he had been the only one to be so blatant about it. That kind of honesty was a breath of fresh air: someone admitting to doing something for their own gain, no two ways about it. Noah could respect that, even if he would fight against it at the same time.

Being tugged forward by Diego didn't even budge Noah, but he smiled cruelly at the attempt. He didn't have to do anything Diego wanted him to do. The buck stopped right at Noah, and he was tempted to simply hold out just for the sake of denying Diego his victory. On the other hand, maybe there was a chance to beat him down at his own game if he went along with it. Noah wasn't really the planning type, but his instinct was top-notch and had served him plenty well in the past. "Why would I do that? Remember what I said earlier, Argent?" He twisted his hand at Diego's throat, closing it just a bit more. "More you talk, the less you breathe. You're working with me now."