Cedric’s face tightened as he saw Noelle. He smoothed his robe, clearing his throat. “Awake?”

“Mm, dizzy,” Noelle mumbled.

He waited, then asked, “Remember last night?”

Noelle frowned, her brow furrowed in concentration. “No clue. Did I…embarrass myself?”

Cedric studied her, her every thought practically written on her face. Her blank stare confirmed it. He sighed. “It’s dangerous for a girl to get drunk. Don’t do it again.”

Noelle blushed. “I didn’t mean to! Just a few sips.”

Cedric narrowed his eyes. “Alcohol makes you careless. And you weren’t exactly brilliant to begin with.”

Noelle’s cheeks burned. Before she could retort, he placed a cup of honey water before her. “Drink.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled, taking a sip and glancing at him. “Sir, you’re…considerate. Any girl would be lucky.”

His gaze deepened. “I don’t have time for that right now.”

“Why? Work?” She couldn’t help remembering seeing him at that fancy restaurant with another woman.

His expression hardened. “My standards are high. I haven’t met anyone who meets them.”

“What are your standards?”

“Why so many questions? Focus on school. You’ll meet someone in college. Everyone has different standards.”

Noelle’s hope deflated. He was handsome, successful… she had nothing to offer.

Cedric noticed her slump. “I need to go.”

“Okay,” she whispered, watching him leave. Frustration welled up inside her. She knew he wouldn’t be interested; the age difference, the lack of connection… she knew nothing about relationships.

Later, she logged into her game. Her fanbase had exploded. The top post: “Popular Streamer SweetNelly’s Real Identity: Noelle Liddell!” The sugar daddy rumors would finally die down.

She invited Rachel to play. Rachel’s comment popped up: “That bitchy Xenia’s twisting the truth on her stream!”

Noelle clicked the link. Xenia, bandaged wrist and a cut cheek, looked pitiful. Tears glistened in her eyes. “Noelle, I know you’ve been ignoring us, but I had to say this publicly. Your brothers are worried. What happened at the party was a misunderstanding. Please come home.”

Comments flooded the screen: “Don’t cry, XenBaby. We’re here for you.”