Noelle was instantly intrigued by Cedric’s plan. They quietly followed Lucas and his team as they fought the game's boss.

The boss was notoriously difficult, requiring coordinated teamwork. Near defeat, the team usually had low health. Normally, no one dared steal the final blow from such a famous team, but exceptions existed.

Noelle, having written a strategy guide for this boss, knew exactly when to strike. She and Cedric worked seamlessly, landing the final blow just as the boss was about to fall.

They successfully took the last hit.

The world chat immediately announced: "Congratulations to HeartbreakCrunch for killing the Everbloom Haven boss!"

Lucas, furious, began cursing into his headset. "What are you all doing? How could you let someone steal the kill?"

Xenia added, "Those two must be newbies. Do they not know who we are? How dare they steal our kill!"

Lucas shouted, "Get them!"

But his screen instantly went black and white, and his team fell.

Lucas stared at "HeartbreakCrunch," sensing familiarity in the gameplay—it reminded him of Noelle. He wondered if she'd intentionally made a new account to steal his kill, but doubted she was that skilled yet.

Meanwhile, Noelle and Cedric celebrated their victory and claimed the loot, though it wasn't as satisfying as defeating Lucas and Xenia.

After playing for a while, their food arrived. Cedric paused the game. "Let's eat first."

Noelle noticed a small cake, similar to Xenia's earlier one. She glanced at him. "Why did you buy a cake?"

"Don't women like this sort of thing? It's a reward for your good grades—you didn't embarrass me."

She was unexpectedly touched. He looked awkward and added coldly, "Anyway, it came with the takeaway order."

She picked up the cake, sensing it was for her. Taking a bite, her mood lifted slightly.

He watched her, silent for a long moment, before asking, "Does the cake taste bad?"

He inwardly thought it shouldn't; it was very popular.

Noelle shook her head. "No, it's delicious. It's been a long time since anyone bought me a cake."

Since her parents died, she hadn't had a birthday. Her brothers never remembered her love for this cake; she was always excluded.

Cedric looked at her. "You don't celebrate your birthday?"

Noelle paused. "My parents died in a car accident on my birthday, so I haven't celebrated it since."

That day was the anniversary of their death, and the atmosphere at home was always somber. She felt she had no right to celebrate.

Cedric felt a sharp pang in his heart, leaving him breathless.

He turned away, lips pressed together, his face a mix of anger and guilt. His hand instinctively tightened, veins bulging.

Sensing the shift, she tried to brush it off. "I don't mind it at all. I'm not in the mood for celebrations anyway."

After all, that day marked the anniversary of her parents' death. What right did she have to celebrate her birthday?

Cedric suppressed his emotions, looking at her pale, quiet face. She seemed so docile, like a small animal.

She remained silent, almost invisible. Her well-behaved demeanor stirred anger and helplessness in him.

He spoke hoarsely. "It's getting late. Go back. Don't linger outside."

"Okay. Can I still look for you here in the future?" She looked at him uncertainly.

His eyes darkened. "Aren't you afraid I'll deceive you?"

"I have nothing you can use to deceive me," Noelle said calmly. "Dr. Greene, you're my only friend right now."

Cedric paused, considering the word "friend." He smiled sternly. "Don't trust others too easily, especially men."

"Got it. I'm leaving now." She waved and left the infirmary.

He remained seated, staring at the cake, thinking about a similar cake smashed years ago in the car accident. His head ached. He hadn't eaten cake since the accident.

After a long time, he received a call. "Mr. Greene, Ms. Liddell has safely arrived home."

He hung up and stood, his figure long in the sunset.

When Noelle returned to the Liddell residence, she found Frank waiting.

With an unreadable expression, she greeted him. "Frank."

Frank looked up at his distant, defiant sister, unsure how to react. Her sudden improvement in grades had made him suspect cheating, but he hadn't expected genuine hard work.

She had always been average. How had her grades improved so much?

He realized she wasn't just rebelling. Something real had changed. He felt happy and a little sad.

The younger sister who had always clung to him seemed gone.

Her success was the result of hard work, not just rebellion.

He reflected, realizing his own bias. Coupled with Lucas's actions at school, he felt he had neglected her feelings. Was that why she had changed so much?

His tone conveyed his complex emotions. "You're back home late. Did you study in the school's study room again?"

"Yes."

Frank sighed. "Isn't the environment at home better than the study room outside? The outside world is complicated. Don't do your homework in those places anymore. It's not safe."

Noelle pursed her lips, feeling the Liddell brothers constantly making decisions for her.

He continued, "Xenia's grades have dropped significantly, so I've hired a tutor for her. You should join as well. Since you're in the same class, you can help her with notes and assist her when she's absent."

Noelle's eyes narrowed sarcastically. It was all about Xenia. That's why she was being forced to study at home.

Straightening her back, she said firmly, "No."

"Noelle, I know Lucas made a mistake at school today, and you've proven your abilities. But we're ultimately still a family. Xenia's grades dropped because she was focused on preparing for the team competition. Since you're not participating, you should still help improve her grades. After all, you have the experience."

Noelle found it ridiculous. "No!"

It was just one word. Explanation seemed a waste of breath.

Lucas stormed out, cursing. "Noelle, do you have any conscience? You've been living off the Liddell family all these years without contributing. Are you ashamed?"

Noelle felt the irony.

In her past life, she worked tirelessly for the Liddells, training her gaming skills to help the team win the championship. But what did she get in return?

Xenia effortlessly took her place, stealing the championship. She wouldn't repeat the same mistake.

With calm resolve, she replied, "Fine. Starting today, I'll move out of the Liddell residence. I won't take a single cent from you."

She would sever their relationship.