Noelle pursed her lips. "This mess is my fault, Frank. I'm not running." She couldn't betray Cedric by blaming him entirely.

"Nelly, please! Come home. I promise you'll be safe," Frank pleaded.

"If that's all, goodbye," Noelle snapped, hanging up. She wouldn't listen.

Frank sighed, staring at the phone. Lucas asked, "She agree?"

"No," Frank groaned. "She's going to get herself killed. She can't fix this Justin situation, and now the Parhams…"

He looked at Lucas. "Make sure Justin has the best care. Keep him calm. If we can't fix this, we'll have to let Donovan handle it."

Dark circles shadowed Noelle's eyes the next morning. Sleepless nights spent worrying about Justin. Her lawyer's text suggested gifts and a hospital visit. "Soften their attitude," it advised. Frustration boiled. She'd apologize herself; Cedric didn't deserve the fall.

But first, school.

She dressed quickly, found breakfast waiting, and slipped out, leaving a note for Cedric. She avoided the study, dodging the awkwardness of her failed confession. The bus ride was quiet.

Huge red banners celebrated high enrollment and a city-topping student – the name obscured.

Excitement buzzed in the classroom; everyone discussed exam results. Glances followed Noelle as she entered. Her gaming fame preceded her. She was their idol.

Rachel grinned. "Queen, how'd you do? Heard the top scorer's in our class!"

Betty sneered, "No way it's Noelle. She bombed language – no chance of a top college."

Noelle's reply was icy: "Still better than yours."

Xenia, perfectly made-up and dripping designer labels, drawled, "Noelle, darling, if you're failing, I'll keep you company!"

Noelle's temper snapped. This, after last night's ordeal? "Enough," she spat. "Your combined scores don't even reach half mine. You? Repeating with me? I could answer with my backside and still beat you!"