Noelle stared at her unanswered message, a subtle shift in the air palpable but undefined. Cedric’s absence, usually a comforting presence during her vulnerable moments, left a gnawing restlessness. To distract herself, she went shopping.

Back outside, a car horn blared. Frank. Her expression hardened. "Following me?"

"Noelle, this is Aldoria. Finding you is only a matter of time," he replied, his gaze complex. He’d worked tirelessly to find her, even with Cedric's enigmatic presence, a man who was far more than just a school doctor. "What do you want?" she demanded.

"Noelle, I mean no harm. Your exams are coming, and I want to ensure you're okay. College is important," Frank said.

The memory of his agreement with Lucas – to place her in the same mediocre college as Xenia – sparked a smirk. "I don't need your help."

"Don't be stubborn! Don't gamble your future," he pleaded, stepping in front of her. "I even arranged tutoring for you and Xenia..."

"Enough!" she snapped. "Frank, do you ever listen? I hate your false concern, your guilt trips!"

His face fell. "I didn't mean it that way."

"Then keep your distance!" She spun to leave.

A thud. Frank had collapsed. His driver rushed to his side. "Mr. Liddell's stomach problems have been acting up, Ms. Liddell. He refuses the hospital. It could get serious."

Noelle saw the blood. Sighing, she helped the driver lift Frank into the car. As she turned to leave, he weakly grasped her hand. "Noelle… don't go… I was… worried…"

A wave of conflicting emotions washed over her. "You need the hospital."

"Stay with me," he pleaded, his grip tightening.

"Ms. Liddell, please! His condition is critical," the driver urged.

Reluctantly, Noelle got in. She sat stiffly beside him. He offered a weak smile. "Noelle, you haven't talked to me properly in ages."

Her reply was icy. "Isn't Xenia usually with you? I doubt you need me." It had always been that way.