Chapter 41

Frank sighed on the other end of the phone. “I don’t think it’ll be that easy. It seems Noelle is truly hurt this time.” He’d tried to coax her, but there’d been no improvement. In fact, Noelle hadn’t replied to his message or returned home after leaving the restaurant.

In the past, he would have immediately sent someone to look for her; he might even have threatened to call the police. But now, Frank feared angering Noelle further. He could only wait for her reply, wary of the mysterious school doctor. It was no wonder he couldn’t find any trace of Noelle before.

Lucas was in denial. “Frank, Noelle’s always had a great relationship with us. Doesn’t she love us most? I believe that if I explain myself and coax her, all misunderstandings will be resolved.”

Frank frowned. “Don’t approach her while she’s studying for exams.”

Lucas ended the call, knowing what he had to do, though he’d been reluctant. It was a trivial matter, he thought. He opened his chat with Noelle and sent a message.

When Noelle finished her game, she saw an unread message as she prepared for bed. She assumed it was from Frank, but it was from Lucas. The message read: “Noelle, let’s meet at the café opposite your school after class. I have something to say.”

Noelle skimmed the message, recalling Lucas’s slap. She deleted his number and went to sleep peacefully.

Early the next day, she took a cab to school; Cedric wasn’t working. At school, she saw a luxurious car parked by the road, surrounded by students in unfamiliar uniforms.

As she exited the cab, someone shouted, “Noelle’s here!” The students dispersed as a handsome boy in a school uniform approached. His gaze made her uncomfortable.

She recognized him immediately: Justin Parham, Xenia’s crush from the neighboring private school. She’d never expected him to approach her. Arrogantly, he asked, “Are you Noelle Liddell? You’re quite beautiful.”

Noelle met his gaze. Justin smiled, satisfied. “My name is Justin Parham, and I’d like to be friends with you.”

The girls around them shrieked. “Justin’s so direct! He’s so handsome!”

“But all his girlfriends last a month at most! So many girls fall for him, it’s a shame.”

“It’s because he’s rich and generous. Normal girls can’t resist.” “Noelle’s family is well-off, too, but not comparable to those from Yasnia.”

Noelle’s lips twitched. Justin had said the same things to Xenia in her previous life. She found it ridiculous.

At that moment, Xenia exited her car and saw Justin with Noelle. Her expression darkened. Noelle really did have her sights set on Justin, it seemed.

Xenia walked over. “Noelle, you were out all night! Frank was worried sick. You seem close to that school doctor, but how could you spend the night with him?”

Justin frowned, incredulous that someone as innocent-looking as Noelle would be so open to such things.

Noelle looked at Xenia, smiling faintly. A chill ran down Xenia’s spine.