"No," Noelle said, her voice flat. She wouldn't look back, wouldn't return to that life.

Lucas stood frozen, pale, drained. Frank had been right; he'd had a chance, and he'd blown it.

Noelle strolled through the residential area, avoiding the stairs. The past life's bitterness still lingered, but this time, she'd settled the score. No finals for her. Lucas had replaced her with Xenia, stealing her championship. This time, he'd lose. She looked up at the sky, a silent vow forming.

"Hey, beautiful," a voice slithered from the shadows. A middle-aged man leered, "Feeling lonely? Drink at my place?"

"No," Noelle snapped, edging towards the crowd.

"Don't go," he smirked, his voice low and menacing. "I know where you live. The little mistress of those two, right? I'll double whatever they're paying."

His panting footsteps grew closer. Fear lanced through her. Suddenly, a hand clamped hers. She shrieked, eyes snapping shut.

"Noelle!" Cedric pulled her into his arms. "What happened?"

She opened her eyes, saw him. Peeking down the darkened path, she saw nothing. "Someone harassed me."

"Where is he?"

"Over there, but he's gone," she said, assuming Cedric's presence had scared him off.

Cedric saw her pallor. "I told you not to walk alone."

Shaken, Noelle whispered, "I'm so unlucky." Embarrassed, she pulled away from his embrace.

"Call the police?" he asked.

"Yes."

An elderly woman approached. "That path has a blind spot in surveillance. Similar incidents before, but they never caught him. Young lady, don't walk alone at night."

Noelle nodded, stunned. A flash of anger crossed Cedric's face, quickly masked. "Let's go."

Noelle was relieved to be back inside, the feeling of being watched still clinging to her. Back in the apartment, she replayed the events.

Long, slender hands offered a cup of warm water. "Thanks," she murmured.

Cedric's voice was gentle. "I'll look into this. No such thing as a blind spot." He needed to secure her safety.

"You're going to hack the system?"

"Illegal," he said, his expression stern. "Rest."

"But he knows where I live, and about you two." She omitted the 'mistress' detail.

Cedric's face hardened. "You're staying here tonight."

"The couch," Noelle offered.

"No, my room. I'll take the couch."