No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

"We're still in talks, and we have to investigate the investor's background."

Xenia asked, "Donovan, can you take me along in this project? I want to learn more so I can help you with work in the future."

Donovan felt relieved. "That's Good. If only Noelle were half as sensible and well- behaved as you are."noveldrama

Xenia's expression stiffened as she lowered her gaze to hide the darkness in her eyes. One day, she'd make Noelle kneel and lick her shoes in humiliation.

After Donovan left with Xenia, the main hall resumed silence. Holding the share transfer contract, Blake glanced at Noelle cautiously. "You haven't forgotten our agreement, have you?"

Noelle met his eyes. "Relax. Once I get the inheritance from our parents, I'll hand over the shares Donovan gave up." She needed some security for herself, too.

"I'm not trying to doubt you, and I'm just asking. I'll keep the contract safe for now."

Blake breathed a little easier but didn't hand over the contract immediately. He, too, needed assurance.

Frank frowned. "Blake, do you still not trust Noelle? We've seen Xenia's true colors, and it's not like we'll be deceived by her like before."

"It's not that I don't trust her, but keeping the contract with me ensures that if Donovan causes trouble, I have a way to shut him up."

Noelle saw through Blake's thoughts but didn't expose him. Instead, she stood up and headed upstairs. Frank continued looking at Blake with disappointment. "Even you're wary of Noelle?"

"Please, Frank. I'm not as selfless as you are, and blood-related siblings settle things clearly. It's better to lay everything out. Instead of questioning me, why don't you talk some sense into Donovan? I heard Xenia introduced him to an investor for the Al project, and that doesn't sit right with me."

How could Xenia possibly be acquainted with such a well-connected investor?

Frank sighed. "You think I haven't tried? If Donovan listened, things wouldn't have escalated to such an extent with Noelle."

"Let's not interfere then. When the Al project crashes and burns because of Xenia, Donovan will see her true colors. Just like what Noelle said, he'll only feel the pain from a direct impact."

With that, Blake left with the contract.

Noelle came downstairs after changing her clothes. TG Public Relations team had

sent over new findings, and she wanted to check them out in person.

Frank was still in the living room and asked, "Where are you going, Noelle?"

"Out for a bit."

"Let me take you there."

"No need. Save the trouble." She rejected outright and refused to let the Liddell family know what she was up to. It'd expose the true reason she'd returned.

After leaving the Liddell residence, she saw Cedric's car parked by the roadside. He rolled down the window and said, "Get in."

"Why are you here?" Noelle was surprised. As soon as she got into the car she turned to look at him and asked, "You haven't stayed here all night, have you?" fo

Cedric coughed lightly. "No."

"But you're wearing the same clothes as last night, and even your tie is the same

color. Your eyes are tired, which means you didn't rest well."

She remembered what he'd been

wearing during their video call last night. Given his obsession with cleanliness, there was no way he'd wear the same clothes in this heat.

Cedric sighed helplessly. "You caught me. After you said you were set up last

night, I was worried, so I stayed nearby in case something happened."

Noelle's heart warmed, and her eyes instantly glistened with tears. Without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Cedric grabbed her shoulder and deepened the kiss. But then, someone pounded on the car window aggressively. "What are you two doing? Stop this at once!"