No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Cedric gave Noelle a quick breakdown of the Cantrell family's internal dynamics. Noelle had assumed Mia was the rightful heir to the Cantrell family, but she had not expected the second wife's side to have taken control instead.

"I thought Donovan invited Mia's stepmother tonight, but it turns out it was his aunt instead. Mia's stepmother comes from an ordinary background. She rarely socializes and spends most of her time at home raising her kid-she doesn't get involved in business matters, let alone Mia's affairs."

Noelle nodded in understanding. As a widow from a modest background, Mia's stepmother would not have the influence to step in.

Halfway through dinner, Noelle's phone started ringing nonstop. She glanced at the screen and found that Donovan was calling. She mumbled, "He probably just found out I'm here at L Bistro, too."

Cedric looked at her. "Answer it. Let's see what he wants."

Noelle had the same thought, so she answered and put him on speaker. Donovan's voice came through. "Noelle, I heard you're at L Bistro. I happened to invite Mrs. Cantrell for dinner to discuss the foundation's situation-you should come over and say a few words to her."

Noelle was shocked that Donovan wanted her to say a few words to Salena. She wondered what exactly he was trying to pull.

Noelle exchanged a glance with Cedric but did not respond right away.

Donovan patiently continued, "Noelle, I know you have issues with the Liddells, but if you want to establish yourself in Yasnia, expanding your network is never a bad thing. Besides, I've already spoken to Mrs. Cantrell there's nothing you need to do, just come over."

Noelle could tell from his tone that he was trying to be polite-he clearly needed something from her. Could it be that Salena specifically asked to see her?

After a brief pause, Noelle said, "Alright, I'll head over in a bit."noveldrama

"Good. We're in the private room named Oasis." Donovan sounded relieved before hanging up.

Noelle turned to Cedric. "I'm guessing Mrs. Cantrell wants to meet me."

Cedric had already considered that possibility—it was most likely related to Alfred. After a moment of thought, he said, "I'll go with you."

Even if it meant getting recognized by Salena, he was not about to let Noelle walk into a trap alone.

"No need. Mrs. Cantrell asked for me, not you. If anything happens, I'll call you," Noelle replied, not wanting to drag Cedric into this.

The man stared at her intently before finally saying, "Alright."

With

andat, Noelle grabbed her phone

private room. As

she stepped out, Cedric Calfred to get more details on the

Noelle took the elevator down, but just as the doors opened, she unexpectedly ran into Laura.

Laura looked just as surprised to see her. "Ms. Liddell? What a coincidence. Are you here for dinner with friends?"

From the way Laura was looking at

her, she had probably already

guessed who Noelle was dining

with. After all, L Bistro was not just n.

any restaurant-not just anyone could get a table here.

Noelle did not hesitate. "Yeah, I came with my boyfriend."

The moment she said "boyfriend," Laura's fingers dug into her palms so hard she almost broke the skin A sharp pain spread through her entire body. She and Cedric had grown up together, and she had never once imagined that his girlfriend would be someone other than her.

Noticing the change in Laura's expression, Noelle raised a brow. "Ms. Merlock, are you alright?"

Laura quickly forced a smile. "I'm fine. Are you and your boyfriend dating for love, then? I'm jealous. You two must be very happy together."

Noelle nodded. "We are."

The happiness on Noelle's face stung Laura's eyes. Before she could stop herself, Laura blurted out, "Do you even know who your boyfriend really is?"