Chapter 100

Noelle hadn't chosen Firestorm despite everyone's urging. Starlight and the Låkdell family's control were chains she refused to wear.

Frank intervened, "Mugh Dreich, let's try to mediate this." He turned to Lucas. "What you said and did earlier was hurtful. You should apologize to Noelle."

Lucas hesitated. "Fine. I apologize. But she can't join Celestial Tea or sign with Firestorm!" He believed Noelle had acted intentionally to anger him. He'd apologize, but…

Tank sighed in relief, stepping between them. "Noelle, look, it's a slippery slope signing with another platform. This industry's messy, and I'm worried. Joining Lucas's company would be best. What do you think?"

Noelle’s gaze was steady. "Who I sign with is my decision."

"But I'm worried, Noelle! Lucas knows his mistakes and promises it won't happen again. Please, stop being upset."

Noelle's lips tightened. A silent fury held her captive. She turned to leave, refusing further conversation.

Lucas watched her go, frustration bubbling. "Frank, look at her attitude! I apologized. What more does she want?"

"Lucas, you created this mess. Clean it up yourself and earn her forgiveness."

Lucas fell silent. He didn't know what else to do. Noelle had played him first, and he'd already planned to give her…what right did she have not to forgive him? He followed her into the crowd, watching as people greeted her, posing for photos. The composed woman she'd become felt like a stranger.

Meanwhile, Xenia seethed on the sidelines. She’d painstakingly prepared, hoping to impress, yet all eyes were on Noelle. A plan sparked in her eyes. She approached Noelle, a smile plastered on her face. "Noelle, there you are!"

Noelle’s gut clenched. Xenia’s smile felt wrong, a familiar warning flare from a past life. Xenia’s expressions always preceded misery. It seemed Noelle’s bold moves had struck a nerve, pushing Xenia back to her old tricks.

Appearing innocent, Xenia stood beside Noelle, addressing the group of celebrities. "Hello, everyone. I'm Xenia, Noelle's younger sister." She added with thinly veiled sarcasm, "Oh, and I'm the one who replaced Noelle on Team Luminark and almost lost the repechage."

Xenia’s smile tightened. "I admit my skills aren't as good as Noelle's. But she didn't want the spot, so I took it. If she wants to return, I'm happy to give it up…"

Noelle’s lips curled into a cold smile. "There's no need."

She refused to look at Xenia. Picking up a drink, she turned away.

"Wait!" Xenia trailed after her, "accidentally" stepping on Noelle's dress. Noelle stumbled, and Xenia's wine glass tipped, splashing red wine directly onto Noelle.