Chapter 52

Noelle slowly approached Betty, causing her to recoil. She said coldly, “Since you know I’m a Liddell, you’d better watch yourself. Otherwise, I’ll hand over proof of you helping Xenia cheat. That might let Xenia off, but not you.”

Gwen had been on leave since the cheating incident. Noelle, pale but furious, left Betty trembling.

Rachel approached Noelle in the bathroom. “Noelle, if Xenia reports you, I’ll testify for you. I saw Betty insult and gossip about you.”

Noelle’s expression softened. “Thank you.” She’d initially planned to ignore Xenia and her followers, but they seemed to be begging for a lesson.

Rachel, pushing up her glasses, said apologetically, “I’m sorry. We misunderstood and isolated you because of Xenia.” Everyone believed Noelle was a bully.

Noelle said nonchalantly, “It’s in the past.” Xenia had cost her friends, but Noelle had bigger priorities than petty grudges.

Returning to class, Noelle ignored Xenia; her warning to Betty was also for her. The rain continued.

After class, Cedric texted Noelle to wait. She took her umbrella to the infirmary, expecting to meet Cedric, but found Xenia hooked up to an IV. She was supposed to be with the Liddells.

Cedric adjusted the IV. “Wait a moment,” he said when Noelle entered. Xenia weakly said, “Noelle, you’re here. Frank was supposed to pick me up, but could you call him?”

Noelle pursed her lips. “Don’t you have hands?”

Lucas arrived, seeing Xenia. He frowned at Noelle. “Xenia’s sick. What’s wrong with helping her call? Even if you have issues with us, don’t take it out on her.” He’d heard Noelle’s cold refusal.

Noelle remained unfazed; she was used to Lucas blaming her.

Cedric said coldly, “As her guardian, aren’t you responsible? How is this Noelle’s fault?”

Lucas retorted, “If Noelle hadn’t refused an umbrella this morning, Xenia wouldn’t be sick. Noelle, you can’t use tricks to get Xenia sick! You know she’s frail. Why would you try to drive her away?”

Noelle said impassively, “Because I hate her.”

Lucas exploded. “Noelle, how cruel! Xenia’s father saved your life! How can you treat his daughter like this?” He was disappointed by her cold expression. “You’ve changed since befriending that doctor.”

Cedric chuckled. “You think Noelle’s changed? You’re just upset you can’t control her anymore since she refused to join your team. You’re bitter you can’t profit from her.” Lucas, furious, stomped his foot. “Noelle, do you feel the same?”