Chapter 12

Noelle had been trying to comfort herself, telling herself not to care. Xenia often resorted to such tricks, and with Lucas's arrival at the school, Noelle's results were likely to be nullified. However, hearing Cedric ask about her results still upset her. She was about to reply when someone called, “Noelle, Mr. Kramer wants you in his office.”

She bit her lip. “I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”

After hanging up, Noelle went straight to Mr. Kramer's office. She found Lucas there, and the atmosphere was tense.

Lucas said coldly, “Noelle, I never expected you to cheat to win. Do you know what this means?”

She wasn’t surprised; she knew he wouldn’t believe her. Her gaze was sharp as she looked at him. “I didn’t cheat.”

She wouldn’t admit to something she hadn’t done.

“Noelle, the truth is evident, and you’re still lying? Based on your usual grades and behavior at home, your scores couldn't improve this much. Besides, you have every reason to cheat! Admit your mistake now to avoid demerits.”

Noelle sneered. “Do you have evidence?”

Lucas stood up furiously. “Noelle, look at what you’ve become!”

Lionel quickly intervened, preventing a physical altercation. “Please calm down.”

Lucas said, frustrated, “Sorry, but it’s clear Noelle cheated because of a family bet. As discussed, she’ll write an apology letter and apologize publicly. Please don’t punish her further.”

Lionel sighed. “That works. I hope she can change.” It wouldn’t be good for Noelle to be punished so close to graduation.

Noelle lowered her head, her heart sinking. They had decided her fate without believing her.

Lucas said bitterly, “Noelle, you’ve embarrassed the Liddell family. How could we have such a morally corrupt sister? It’s embarrassing even to mention your name.”

“Do you think I want to be your sister?” Noelle’s eyes were dark and chilling. She didn’t care anymore.

“Noelle, I dare you to say that again!” Lucas glared at her angrily.

An elderly man entered, his kind face showing no anger. “Sir, please don’t be so fierce. You might scare her.”

Lionel greeted him hurriedly, “Mr. York, what brings you here?”

“I heard a student’s sudden improvement is being questioned. I came to check,” Bruce York explained.

Lucas responded impatiently, “Mr. York, there’s no need to investigate. Noelle cheated. If she won’t admit it, just punish her.”

He was determined to teach her a lesson. He’d begged Lionel for leniency, but if Noelle refused to apologize, he wouldn’t help her. She didn’t deserve it.

Bruce turned to Noelle. “There’s a simple way to verify if you cheated. We’ll give you a new set of questions under supervision. Will you accept this?”

Noelle looked at him. “I accept, but if I pass and prove I didn’t cheat, will those who slandered me apologize publicly?”

Lucas sneered. “Fine. Let’s see how you perform!”

Soon, Lionel handed Noelle a set of questions. “I’ll time you.”

Noelle took a seat and began working.

The office fell silent. Lionel, sitting closest, watched in surprise as she solved the math problems. This set of questions was much harder than the previous exam, yet she solved most correctly!

Time ticked by.

Curious, Xenia walked over and saw Noelle taking the test. She felt an ominous feeling.

She went to Lucas. “Lucas, what’s going on? Is Noelle redoing the test?”

Lucas scoffed. “Yes. She refuses to admit cheating. Let’s see if she can back up her claims.”

Xenia approached Noelle. “Noelle, stop being stubborn. We all believe you. You don’t have to force yourself.”

Noelle didn’t respond. She focused on the exam.

Seeing she couldn’t distract Noelle, Xenia bit her lip and turned to Lucas. “Lucas, Noelle is still angry with me.”

Lucas was frustrated. “Noelle, Xenia is talking to you. Why don’t you respond?”

Noelle looked up. “I’m doing a test. Can’t you see?”

He was stunned. “Xenia is giving you an out. You had better take it, or you’ll embarrass yourself later!”

Lionel interjected, unable to remain silent. “Xenia, don’t disturb Noelle.” He saw Noelle completing the test skillfully and confidently, making it increasingly unlikely she had cheated.

Feeling cornered, Xenia feigned innocence. “Mr. Kramer, I didn’t mean anything by it,” she said sweetly.

But deep down, she couldn’t stand the idea of Noelle proving her abilities. The thought was unbearable.

Xenia watched closely, her mind a whirlwind of doubt. Could Noelle score well? The recent changes in Noelle left her uneasy. Uncertainty took root in her heart.

The test ended.

Lionel quickly collected the papers and began grading them.

Noelle sat still, calm despite seeing Xenia beside Lucas. She felt no emotional stirrings. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t get hurt.

Lionel excitedly spoke up. “The results are in.”

Xenia’s heart was filled with malice.

Lucas coldly remarked, “Mr. Kramer, if her results are bad, don’t mention them. It will be too embarrassing.”

“No,” Lionel said. “Noelle did very well! This set of questions was harder, and she performed better than before!”

Noelle’s heart eased. She smiled faintly.

Lucas’s expression faltered as he took the test paper. Noelle had indeed done well.

Xenia stood on tiptoe and saw the score, immediately filled with jealousy. She thought it impossible for Noelle to become this capable.

Bruce smiled kindly. “The truth is clear now. Noelle’s improvement was achieved through hard work.”

Lionel nodded. “She has been working very hard recently.”

Lucas’s expression changed multiple times. He put the test paper down, surprised Noelle hadn’t cheated. He felt the Noelle before him was a stranger.

Bruce cleared his throat. “Now that the truth is out, those who slandered Noelle should apologize.”

Xenia’s face immediately turned awkward.

Chapter 13