All eyes were on Justin, microphone in hand, pouring out his heart to a shy but clearly delighted Xenia. Noelle watched, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. So, even without the humiliation of her past life, Justin was still confessing to Xenia? Xenia, the burgeoning micro-influencer, was clearly enjoying the attention.

Cedric shot a warning glance at Alfred. Alfred swallowed hard. "I didn't expect that kid to be here." He remembered the frantic late-night call to Justin's father after Justin's last public confession to Noelle. That had sent Justin fleeing back to Yasnia. Now, here he was again, trouble in tow.

Noelle shrugged. "Relax. With these masks, nobody knows who's who. Let's enjoy ourselves."

"Nelly, your carefree spirit is infectious! Let's hit the booths—more action than those private rooms." After all, Noelle's presence made a girls-only private party impossible.

A waiter arrived swiftly. Alfred ordered, then turned to Noelle. "What'll you have?"

"A pretty cocktail."

Cedric, remembering Noelle's last drunken escapade, intercepted. "Soda water."

"Soda water? What's the point of being at a bar if I can't even drink?" Noelle protested.

Cedric sighed, the memory of her drunken antics at the barbecue fresh in his mind. "Remember the barbecue? You know your tolerance."

Noelle felt a pang of guilt. "Okay, I'm not great with alcohol, but I didn't do anything too crazy, right?"

Alfred looked curious. "Nelly's a good girl, she wouldn't cause a scene drunk, would she?"

Cedric shifted uncomfortably. "When you're drunk, you don't enjoy much." The memory tightened his throat. He thought he'd forgotten that night, but the feelings were back.

Alfred nodded. "How about a low-alcohol cocktail?"

"Fine," Noelle conceded. She didn't want to lose her memories.

Soon, Alfred was chatting with girls at a nearby booth, leaving Noelle and Cedric alone. Noelle sipped her surprisingly tasty cocktail. Cedric's gaze was intense, a mix of concern and annoyance.

"Don't drink carelessly," he said.

Feeling tipsy, Noelle stood abruptly. "Time to dance!" She craved the freedom, the indulgence. Cedric followed, intending to pull her back, but she weaved away, a snake in the crowd, already at the heart of the dance floor. She moved with uninhibited joy, instantly captivating the attention of everyone around her, becoming the night's undisputed star.