Noelle’s cutting remark stunned the reporters. Lucas’s jaw tightened. Before he could react, Xenia intervened. “Noelle, the match hasn’t even begun! Our team’s worked incredibly hard.”
Noelle smirked, icy. “Just a joke. Don’t be so sensitive.”
Xenia pressed, “Even if you’re sitting this one out, do you have to demoralize us?”
“I’m helping,” Noelle replied, nonchalant. “Better to be grounded than overconfident and fail, right?” She winked at the reporters. “Lucas has a point—teamwork is key. He and Ms. Quigley have great chemistry; they’ll crush it.”
Lucas’s face darkened. Xenia exploded. “Noelle, are you here just to mock us?”
“I’m a special guest,” Noelle retorted. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.” A wave of fans swarmed her, showering her with gifts. Overwhelmed, Noelle managed a “Thank you,” before being engulfed. Xenia glared at Lucas. “Do something! We’re supposed to be the stars!”
Lucas, remembering Noelle’s previous barbs, stormed off. Xenia followed, simmering.
Half an hour later, Noelle escaped the throng. “The match is about to start! Find your seats!” she called, waving. Rachel pulled her away. “I told you, a mask would’ve been better!”
“I didn’t expect this,” Noelle admitted, gazing at the packed arena. Their opponents were formidable; their captain unflappable. Lucas, however, had a volatile temper. She’d endured his outbursts in her previous life, securing victory. Now, she watched, curious. She doubted anyone could control him.
Frank materialized, offering popcorn and drinks. “This’ll be a long match.”
Noelle eyed him. “Frank, instead of popcorn, maybe you should strategize against an embarrassing defeat.”
Frank shrugged. “Lucas brought this on himself. Maybe losing will teach him a lesson.” He had no faith in Team Luminark. Without Noelle, and with Xenia’s ineptitude, defeat was inevitable.
Rachel, clutching popcorn, whispered, “Why didn’t they get a top-tier gunner? Putting their faith in Xenia is suicide! Everyone saw how bad she was in the revival match!”
A faint smirk played on Noelle’s lips. “Because they’re family. Blood is thicker than water.”