Chapter 38

Frank was curious about Noelle and Cedric's relationship. He turned to Xenia and said, "Wait for me outside."

"But Frank—"

"Do as I say!"

Xenia left. Frank studied Cedric. It was clear Cedric was no ordinary man.

"Where's Noelle?" Frank asked.

"I don't need to answer you," Cedric replied coldly. "But she's under my protection now, so I don't want you hurting her again before her exams."

"Hurt her? I wouldn't hurt my sister! What is a doctor like you trying to gain from her?"

Frank's suspicions deepened.

Cedric's stare was piercing. "That's none of your concern," he said curtly.

"Of course it is. She's my sister."

Frank recalled Cedric calling the police last time, forcing Lucas to move out and stay away from Noelle.

With his hands in his pockets, Cedric's eyes gleamed arrogantly. "You should be worrying about your fake sister," he said. "And stop pretending to care about Noelle."

The elevator doors opened, and a middle-aged man stepped out.

Frank immediately said, "Mr. Wilcher, there's an unknown guest here." He was trying to use the restaurant manager to uncover Cedric's identity.

The manager nodded respectfully at Cedric before turning to Frank. "Mr. Liddell, I'm afraid we're clearing out and you'll need to leave as well."

Frank glanced at Cedric. "What about him?"

"This way, please." The manager avoided the question as a waiter escorted Frank to the elevator.

Before the doors closed, Frank saw Cedric standing confidently, his back to him. The manager's humble posture made it clear Cedric was no ordinary school doctor. Inside the elevator, Frank thought of Noelle. He had no idea when she started associating with people like this.

Chapter 38

Frank thought back to Noelle's recent changes, wondering if Cedric was the reason she'd found the courage to stand up to the family. The thought gave him a headache. He was determined to investigate Cedric thoroughly, especially before his ill-tempered eldest brother found out.

He pulled out his phone, but Noelle hadn't answered his calls or messages.

Upstairs, Noelle watched her brother leave the restaurant and saw Cedric approaching calmly.

"They're gone," he said.

Noelle was surprised. "How did you do that?" She hadn't believed him earlier when he said Frank and Xenia would leave. This was Aldoria, after all.

Cedric said, "I called a friend."

"Your friend must be quite impressive. He has access to the third floor and even got the restaurant to clear out its guests."

Cedric replied nonchalantly, "He's not too bad."

Noelle's mood lifted. She found herself growing curious about Cedric. "Who's that friend?" There were only a handful of families in Aldoria with such influence.

Cedric reluctantly said, "Someone from Yasnia."

"No wonder. He's probably some super-wealthy kid."

Yasnia was where the powerful and wealthy gathered. Even Donovan spent most of his time building connections there. Yole University, the most prestigious school in Yasnia, was also located there.

Noelle studied Cedric with curiosity. "How are you friends with someone so rich? Were you classmates?" She was beginning to doubt he was just an ordinary school doctor.

Chapter 39