No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Alfred raised an eyebrow. "This is different. How could anyone stand by after seeing how the Liddell family treated Nelly?"

Cedric lowered his gaze. "Some things just can't be controlled."

"True," Alfred replied, giving him a meaningful look.

When had he ever seen Cedric this frustrated? The last time was probably right before their company went public, when they almost lost everything to a traitor, and the IPO was on the verge of failure.

Over the years, Alfred had grown used to seeing Cedric calm and composed. It was rare to see him so unsettled. Alfred couldn't help but feel that Noelle had become far more important to Cedric than anyone realized. Meanwhile, Noelle was sitting on the toilet, rubbing her face. She had been so brave earlier, but now she felt the complete opposite.

It was no wonder why people always say confessions are impulsive-they can quickly make things awkward between two people. She must've been caught up in the moment to have said those things.

What now? How could she face Cedric when she walked out there? It was all so embarrassing.

Noelle stayed in the bathroom long, wishing she could just disappear. When there was a knock on the door, she finally stepped out of the stall, giving way to the newcomer.

She walked over to the sink, feeling dejected as she washed her hands. Then, a surprised voice came from beside her. "Noelle, it's actually you!"

Noelle looked up and saw Xenia. She quickly turned away, focusing on her hands.

But Xenia didn't give up. When she noticed the fox mask, she recalled where she'd seen Noelle.

She said with a hint of bitterness in her voice, "You were the one dancing in the middle of the dance floor just now, weren't you?"

She hadn't expected Noelle to be so bold.

Noelle shook the water off her hands. "None of your business!"

"You came to a bar and were dancing with other men. If Frank finds out, he'll be angry."

Noelle rolled her eyes and walked out without responding.

Xenia quickly followed her, running into Justin, who was waiting outside. She hurried to speak up, "Noelle, why are you leaving? I'm just worried about you. "Lucas's here, too, but he's in a private room with friends. I just texted him."

Noelle turned around and shot Xenia a glare. "Stop pretending to care. Just leave me alone."

Xenia immediately put on a hurt

S prompting Justin to

speak up. "Noelle, watch your tone. If you keep bullying my girlfriend like this, I won't just stand by."

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Justin initially had been interested in Noelle, but after she embarrassed him publicly, he shifted his focus to Xenia, who he found pure and sensible. He planned to show Noelle how well Xenia was doing, hoping to make her regret turning him down.

Now, the perfect opportunity had fallen right into his lap.

Noelle's eyes flashed with mockery. "If playing the victim counts as getting bullied, then the prison wouldn't have enough space for all the people who'd be locked up.

en noveldrama

"What did you just say? Apologize right now!"

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Noelle wasn't about to apologize. Was he out of his mind?

Just then, Alfred and Cedric, who had been nearby, quickly rushed over after seeing the situation.

The moment Noelle saw Cedric, her face flushed bright red. Fortunately, the dim lighting and her mask helped to hide her embarrassment.

Upon seeing the two men in masks, Xenia deliberately said, "Noelle, why would you come to a bar with strange men like this? You've really changed."

She was trying to tarnish Noelle's reputation in front of Justin. Sure enough, Justin's expression darkened as he sneered at Noelle.

"I thought you'd found some rich guy after turning me down back then, but it turns out you're this open. Should've said so earlier."

Cedric stepped forward, his voice cold. "Brat, you'd better watch your mouth."