Chapter 45

Noelle wondered if Lucas’s actions could even be considered an apology. It felt like Lucas was forcing her to accept everything he’d arranged.

Lucas’s heart dropped at Noelle’s cold expression. His confident facade crumbled. He’d thought his efforts would show Noelle his sincerity.

He had never humbled himself like this to anyone—Noelle was the first.

Xenia interjected, “That’s right, Noelle. Lucas prepared an apology banquet for you. You can see how sincere he is and how much effort he’s put in.”

Lucas said uncomfortably, “Noelle, you can request anything. I’ll fulfill it.”

Noelle raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, “I have one simple request.”

“Which is?” Lucas sighed in relief. A request meant forgiveness. He thought Noelle was just throwing a tantrum because she felt he favored Xenia. Once this was over, he’d teach her a lesson.

“From today onward, I don’t want you to appear before me, or make decisions for me.”

Lucas’s expression tensed; his mind went blank. Noelle turned and left without hesitation.

The summer heat annoyed her as she left the training camp.

Lucas chased after her. He looked at her solemnly and said sincerely, “Noelle, what do you want me to do to gain your forgiveness? Just say the word.”

Noelle had lost her patience. “Didn’t you understand? Maybe you should go back to school.”

Lucas couldn’t believe her heartlessness. “Noelle, we’ve been close since childhood. Are you really planning to hold this against me forever? Are you really never going to see me as your brother because of one impulsive mistake?”

Noelle found the situation ridiculous. Was it really just one mistake?

Lucas still didn’t understand why she’d left the Liddell family, but she wasn’t obligated to explain. She didn’t want to look back and compromise herself.

Her gaze was cold. “You can believe what you want.”

Lucas seemed defeated, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief. He couldn’t believe she no longer saw him as her brother.

Xenia rushed forward. “Noelle, this was my fault. I’ll move out of the Liddell residence today. You’ll never have to see me again.” She turned to Lucas, tears in her eyes. “Lucas, thank you for your care over the years. I’m extremely grateful.”

Lucas subconsciously reached for Xenia’s hand. “What are you doing? This is between Noelle and me.”

“No, you don’t understand. It’s all my fault; I must bear the responsibility!”

Xenia shook her head, her tears melting his heart. He sighed. “Noelle, why can’t you be as understanding as Xenia?”

Noelle raised an eyebrow sarcastically. “If that’s the case, isn’t she enough for you? Stop bugging me.”

Lucas retorted, “Noelle, you say we’re biased toward Xenia, but have you reflected on your own behavior? People respond to kindness. If you were more understanding, things wouldn’t have come to this.”

Noelle said, “Keeping our distance is the best solution.” She walked onto the road; it was empty. She just wanted to leave.

Lucas stood before her. “I think we should talk this out!”

A car horn blared. Lucas turned to see a black luxury car speeding toward them.

“Lucas, be careful!”