Chapter 20

The slap left Noelle’s hand numb. She stared at Cedric in astonishment. He seemed taller, more formidable than she remembered. She never expected him to personally slap Lucas.

Everyone fell silent.

Xenia was overjoyed at Lucas’s predicament. She was certain Lucas would never forgive Noelle.

Lucas’s eyes were rimmed red as he asked incredulously, “You dared to hit me, Noelle?”

He couldn’t believe it. He’d assumed Noelle would fear his wrath.

Noelle slowly withdrew her hand, feeling satisfied. “You slapped me earlier,” she said calmly. “Is there a problem with me returning the favor?”

Lucas exclaimed, “But I’m your older brother! I was preventing you from saying the wrong thing, causing trouble. Isn’t that different?”

He was proud, even after his apology, and utterly embarrassed by the slap.

He turned to Xenia. “Xenia was emotional earlier,” he said confidently. “What if she was agitated by Noelle’s words and harmed herself?”

He was adamant he’d done the right thing; Noelle was the heartless one. Even with her repechage win, he’d prevent her from harming their family.

Cedric glanced at Xenia. His gaze turned cold. “We’ve been talking for a while,” he said. “If you truly wanted to kill yourself, why haven’t you? Who are you trying to buy time for?”

Xenia was caught off guard. She hadn’t wanted to kill herself. She wondered when Noelle had befriended the sharp-tongued school doctor.

Awkwardly, Xenia didn’t know whether to put down the razor or continue her act. Tears welled up again. “I… I panicked,” she stammered. “I only wanted—”

Cedric interrupted. “Just die somewhere else where no one can see you if you’re panicking,” he said. “But using suicide to threaten someone is wrong!”

Theme 20

Xenia cried, genuinely frustrated this time.

Noelle was weary. She glanced at Cedric. “Let’s go,” she said, refusing to waste any more time.

Frank frowned. “Where are you going?”

“I’m free to go wherever I want,” Noelle replied.

“You’re a minor,” Frank retorted. “As your guardian, I have the right to know your whereabouts. You can’t just leave with some random stranger!” He eyed Cedric warily, suspecting him as the source of Noelle’s recent changes.

Lucas stepped forward, blocking Noelle’s path. “Frank’s right. You’re young. Don’t be deceived by lies.”

Frank glared at Cedric. “If you try to take Noelle by force, I’ll call the police. You’ll be charged with abduction.”

Noelle was furious. “He’s not abducting me! I want to leave!” She was suffocated by the Liddell family.

Frank looked at Noelle. “I know you’re in a rebellious phase. You refuse to listen, but you’ll understand my intentions are good.”

Cedric chuckled coldly. “Good intentions? Is that why you forced Noelle to compromise every time? She’s aggrieved and beaten up, yet you expect understanding? Try being on the receiving end!”

Frank was speechless. He realized how little attention he’d paid to Noelle. He’d assumed her obedience meant she didn’t care. She’d been bottling it all up.

He was an incompetent older brother. At that moment, the police and a lawyer arrived.

Liam Rodrick spoke. “I’m Ms. Noelle Liddell’s lawyer. We’ve submitted evidence of your family’s history of violence. She’ll be transported to a safe location under police escort.”

Noelle was surprised. She hadn’t hired a lawyer. Had Cedric?

He glanced at her calmly, reassuring her.

Lucas was outraged. “What’s this supposed to mean? We’re her guardians!”

Liam stopped him. “Ms. Liddell has filed a protection order, sir. You must stay away from her for six months. We’ll sue if you harm her.”

Shocked, Lucas was speechless. Angry and hesitant.

Frank felt frustrated; he was about to lose his sister. His tone softened. “It was my fault. You suffered, Noelle. But I promise it won’t happen again. Please, don’t make this bigger.”

Noelle looked up, her eyes clear. “Forget it,” she said. There was no need. She turned to leave.

Frank’s throat tightened; his eyes watered. They’d hurt her feelings. She no longer believed him, no longer wanted to return.

Lucas grew anxious watching Noelle leave. Their sister, walking away from the Liddell family. He panicked, turning to Frank. “Find a way to keep her, Frank! We’re a family!”

They needed her for the team finals.

Frank smiled bitterly. “Then why did you hit her, knowing we’re family?”

Lucas was speechless, realizing his own aggression. He regretted his rash decision, blaming Xenia’s threats. He glared at her. “Why did you do such a dangerous thing?”

“I wanted to calm her down, get her to join the team, Lucas. For your good!” Xenia wouldn’t admit her own insecurity.

Lucas scoffed. “Calm her down by cutting yourself? You’re guilt-tripping her!”

Xenia’s expression froze. He’d seen through her. Frank tried to smooth things over. “Forget it, Lucas.”

“That’s the truth, Frank! I never asked Xenia to harm herself to force Noelle. She did it herself!” The more Lucas thought, the more something felt wrong.

Xenia flinched. “I’m sorry, Lucas. I was dumb, desperate. I’m at fault. I’ll apologize to Noelle.”

Lucas gave in, seeing her sincerity. “Alright. Just don’t do this again.” But he felt heartache remembering Noelle’s departure.

Xenia smiled tearfully, resuming her obedient role, yet harboring deep resentment toward Noelle. She’d hoped to win Lucas back, sow discord. She blamed Cedric for interfering.

She considered this, then asked, “What’s the relationship between that school doctor and Noelle, Frank?”

Frank looked conflicted. “I’m not sure.”

Xenia continued, “I’m worried Noelle’s been deceived. The Liddells are powerful. Perhaps he’s using her to climb the social ladder.”

Lucas frowned. “How dare he?”

Frank’s gaze turned cold. “I’ll send someone to bring her back. Then I’ll have that doctor disappear from Aldoria.” It wouldn’t be easy to defy the Liddells.

Xenia’s eyes lit up. Without Cedric, Noelle would be vulnerable.

Frank’s men returned quickly. “We couldn’t locate Ms. Liddell or the doctor, Mr. Frank.”

Frank panicked. Noelle was missing.