Noelle stared, momentarily stunned. Her emotions churned. Cedric remained unnervingly calm, a stark contrast to her turmoil. Xenia’s surprised voice cut through the air. "Noelle, I didn't expect you with this school doctor." Her chest puffed with triumph. Justin, her boyfriend, was Yasnia's Parham heir; Noelle's was… a school doctor.

Noelle's cheeks burned. "Xenia, stop it. We're just friends."

"Noelle, you ran away and lived with him! Who'll believe that?" Xenia retorted. Justin's voice boomed, "Noelle, you're living with another man?"

Xenia smirked. "I told you, but you didn't believe me."

Noelle's eyes narrowed. "Do you know why Grandpa Simpson lived so long?"

Justin scoffed. "What's that got to do with anything?"

"Because he minded his own business, unlike some people."

Noelle looked at Cedric. "Let's go."

Cedric's icy gaze locked onto Justin, a stark warning. Justin, enraged by the look, exploded. "What the hell are you looking at?!"

Cedric remained impassive. In a fury, Justin grabbed a bottle, charging. "I'll teach you a lesson!"

Noelle shoved Cedric aside. "Watch out!"

Time seemed to slow. She braced for impact, then felt Cedric's strong grip, her head jarring against his chest. He swiftly kicked Justin away. His face was grim, his eyes like ice.

Justin crashed to the floor, groaning. Xenia rushed to him. "Justin! You're bleeding!"

Xenia glared at Noelle. "Do you know who Justin is? If the Parhams investigate…"

Noelle touched her throbbing forehead. "He started it. We defended ourselves."

"But he's hurt! We're calling the police." Panic edged Xenia's voice. If Justin was hurt, the Liddells would lose the Parhams' favor, jeopardizing her future.