Chapter 27
Noelle's question implied she assumed Cedric harbored feelings for her. Holding her phone, she recalled a past online acquaintance—more a crush than a relationship, as neither confessed their feelings. Yet, his presence had been a warm fire in her otherwise miserable life.
That same warmth emanated from Cedric. But she remained unsure if they were the same person.
Cedric's finger twitched. "I don't need a reason to help someone in need, do I? Even an old lady crossing the road would have received my assistance."
Noelle smiled, suppressing disappointment. Feigning nonchalance, she said, "I'm leaving the Liddells for good after the college entrance exams. You're welcome to be my neighbor!"
In a good mood, she hung up and showered. Before bed, she even completed practice papers; the final mock exams loomed.
She eagerly awaited the results, hoping to gauge her improvement and chances at Yole University. Making the school's top ten would secure her admission.
The next day, Noelle watched Xenia deliver soup to Frank. "Frank, Gordon said your stomach's been bothering you, so I made this soup. It should help."
Xenia pointedly displayed her burned hands. As expected, Frank's expression softened. "You're hurt. Let the maids handle this next time."
"You've done so much for this family, Frank. This is the least I could do."
Xenia offered a sweet, innocent smile.
Pleased, Frank glanced at Noelle, certain she'd noticed his illness.
Noelle sneered inwardly at the soup. She should have known it would reappear. Losing her appetite, she left without a word.
Frank's mood plummeted. He wondered if she'd truly stopped caring.
Xenia quickly comforted him. "I'm sure Noelle's worried about you. She's just throwing a tantrum."
Chapter 27
"Let's hope so." Frank wanted to believe Noelle was merely acting out; he couldn't imagine her severing ties over such trivial matters. Still, her lack of concern unsettled him.
Xenia, having achieved her goal, left for school.
Gordon, beside Frank, muttered, "Sir, how could Ms. Liddell not even ask how you were feeling?"
Frank's mood brightened slightly at the sight of the soup. Xenia's thoughtfulness was comforting. He swallowed a spoonful, but the pain worsened.
He furrowed his brows. He suddenly recalled Noelle's medicinal congee always soothing his pain. Without thinking, he ordered, "Tell the kitchen to make me the medicinal congee Noelle used to make."
Gordon hesitated. "Ms. Liddell used to prepare it herself."
"It's just congee. How hard can it be?" Frank snapped, his discomfort sharpening his tone.
A nearby maid interjected, "I heard Ms. Liddell prepared the rice a day in advance. Then, she carefully prepared fresh ingredients early the next morning. She always followed the steps and timing precisely, as a single mistake ruined the dish."
She added, "She obtained this traditional recipe from a very experienced doctor, and none of us ever learned it. So, all these years, Ms. Liddell prepared it herself." Frank felt even worse.
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