No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

In any case, Cedric did not think Donovan was a good fit, and Noelle actually felt the same way. At that moment, Cedric's car pulled up to the curb. He grabbed Noelle's hand and led her into the car.

Noelle glanced back at Salena's car and asked, "Didn't the Cantrells look into Donovan's character or the Liddells' background before?"

"Since the Liddells have always lived in Aldoria, even if they wanted to investigate, all they'd find is your bad reputation," Cedric explained, turning to look at her. "As for character, if a man wants to pretend, you'd never see through it."

But as soon as he said it, he regretted it. Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Greene, you're absolutely right. Seems like you know yourself pretty well."

Cedric felt like he had shot himself in the foot. He replied weakly, "At least I'm not trying to take advantage of anyone's wealth."

Noelle retorted, "Or maybe you're just afraid I'm after your family's power and status?"

"Why would I be afraid of that? If you promise not to get mad or break up with me, I'll transfer all my assets to your name. We can share everything after marriage," Cedric said earnestly.

Noelle's face warmed, and she muttered, "Who said anything about marrying you? I'm breaking up with you."noveldrama

The moment Cedric heard the word "breakup," he fell silent. He did not respond, but in his mind, he was not agreeing to it.

Noelle turned her head, staring out the car window. She caught his reflection in the glass, and for some reason, she felt an ache in her chest, as if something heavy was pressing down on her. When the car stopped outside her school, she opened the door and walked away without looking back.

Cedric could only watch her retreating figure and rub his temples in frustration. He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his collar, knowing he had a lot of work to do to win her back. His top priority, though, was stopping Emma from making Noelle her goddaughter he did not need another sister.

When Noelle returned to her dorm, she was distracted, thinking about what had just happened. She saw Mia had also returned and wanted to ask her what Donovan had said when he chased after her to explain.

sense Noelle's

Mia seemed to sen

curiosity and spoke up first.

"Donovan explained for a long time, saying there was nothing between him and Xenia. He only sees her as a sister, and Xenia is about to get engaged to Wyatt."

Noelle was not surprised. "You saw what the Liddells are like today."

Mia's expression was clear and resolute. "I've decided to break up with Donovan."

Her feelings for Donovan had never

been that strong. Still, after witnessing what happened at L Bistro and seeing him lie to her, alwaysiding with Xenia and blaming Noelle for the dress

incident, she realized the rumors about Noelle were all false.

Noelle sighed in relief. "I think that's the right choice. He's too ambitious."

He would not settle for being a live-in son-in-law-he was just using Mia. Nevertheless, as long as Mia saw him for who he really was, that was what mattered most. At least she would not be deceived anymore.

For the next few days, Noelle focused on preparing for her team's campus competition. On the day of the preliminaries, even the event's sponsors showed

up.

When Noelle saw Laura, she was momentarily dazed, remembering their meeting at the café. Back then, she had been completely blindsided, overwhelmed by hurt and confusion.

Laura walked over with a smile. "Ms. Liddell, you look much better than before. Girls should always look forward. I'm glad to see you've picked yourself up and started a new chapter."

Noelle stared at Laura, smirking. "I heard Ms. Merlock and the Greenes are about to announce some good news?"

Laura tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling sweetly. "We've been keeping it low-key, but it seems the paparazzi found out. After all, Ced and I grew up together. No matter what happens, we're meant to get married."

"Really? Then why did Mrs. Greene say there's no engagement between you two?"

As soon as Noelle said this, Laura's expression cracked.