Chapter 88

“Noelle!” Xenia’s voice crackled with fury. “You said you wouldn’t spend a cent of the family’s money!” She glared, disbelief etched on her face. Noelle couldn't possibly afford these clothes.

Calmly, Noelle produced her bank card, handing it to the manager. “Charge it to this. I’ll try them on later.”

“But we picked those first!” Betty shrieked. “We’re premium members!”

The manager, unruffled, smiled. “Purchases are processed upon payment. Ms. Liddell may not have a membership card, but as a daughter of the Liddell family, she’s a valued client.”

“Daughter of the Liddell family? She’s been kicked out!” Xenia’s voice rose.

“A family misunderstanding,” the manager replied smoothly. “Blood ties are hard to sever.”

Noelle shifted uncomfortably at the mention of blood ties, hating the implication. She retreated to the fitting room with the dresses.

Outside, Xenia, on the verge of tears, frantically dialed Lucas. James answered.

“Where’s Lucas?” she demanded.

“He drank too much last night and hasn’t woken up yet,” James mumbled.

Xenia’s frustration boiled over. Drunk at this moment? She couldn't be humiliated in front of Noelle. She called Frank.

“Tania, what’s wrong?” Frank’s voice was laced with concern.

Xenia’s voice broke. “I… I ran into Noelle shopping. I thought she’d be broke, but… she was buying expensive clothes. I tried to pay, but my card was maxed out.”

“She flaunted her money and mocked Xenia!” Betty interjected. “We don’t know where she got it!”

“Don’t,” Xenia hissed, shooting Betty a warning glance. “I’m sure Noelle didn’t mean it that way.”

“Where would Noelle get that kind of money?” Frank asked, bewildered.

“I don’t know,” Xenia whispered.

“Alright. Just come home.”

Relieved, Xenia hung up, venting her frustration by kicking a nearby mannequin. Frank would have sent money immediately in the past.

“Did your brother send money?” Betty asked, impatiently. “So you can put Noelle in her place?”

“No. He asked me to come home,” Xenia sighed.

Then, her phone buzzed. A message from Frank: “I’ve transferred some money. Cover Noelle’s purchases as well.” Her mood soared.

Emerging from the fitting room, Noelle saw Xenia’s triumphant smirk. Xenia crossed her arms. “Wrap these up. I’ll take them all.”

Noelle didn’t react.

Xenia beamed. “Frank sent me a fortune! Said I had to spend it all before coming home.”

Chapter 89