Lucas stared into the phone. Noelle, the city's top scorer? Impossible.

Finally, he chuckled. "Well, if she's the city's top scorer, she deserves a celebration."

"Exactly!" Frank's voice crackled with excitement. "I'm on my way. Keep an eye on Justin."

"Will do. Banquet?" Lucas suggested.

"Of course! Donovan will be ecstatic!" Frank breathed a sigh of relief. The competition loss had made him re-evaluate his treatment of Noelle. He needed to mend their relationship.

Entering the restaurant, Frank's heart pounded. Noelle sat at the head table, radiating confidence. A voice boomed, "The top scorer's brother! A seat for Mr. Liddell!"

Frank sat beside her, feeling strangely out of place. He, Mr. Liddell, riding on her coattails? The festive atmosphere, however, was infectious. He raised his glass. "To Lionel and Bruce! Your support was invaluable."

"Nonsense," Lionel replied. "Noelle's hard work did it all."

Noelle watched as Frank drained glass after glass. "Are you trying to kill yourself?" she whispered, tugging his sleeve.

"Happy day, Nelly. I'm toasting to you!" His throat tightened. He had to do something. He toasted everyone, oblivious to Noelle's discomfort.

She checked her phone. A message from Cedric: "Don't drink too much." "I know," she replied. "Call if you need anything." His message was a small comfort, but she didn't mention Frank's excessive celebration.

The banquet ended. Frank was unsteady. Noelle helped him to the car. The driver rushed to assist.

As Noelle started to leave, Frank grabbed her hand. "Nelly, come to the hospital with me?"

She wrenched her hand free. "Let the driver take you!" She didn't want his sudden attempts at reconciliation.

He winced, clutching his stomach. "Justin?"

"None of your business," Noelle snapped.

"The school doctor's going to the hospital."

Noelle's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Because you're my sister! I have to protect you!"

Noelle sneered. "Starting today, we're not siblings. Stay out of my life!"