Chapter 32

"Alright," Leia reluctantly agreed, forcing a smile despite her confusion as to why Harley wanted Noelle to join them.

"Then it’s sealed," Harley said. "I'll pick you both up on Saturday."

"Really?" Leia's mood instantly soared. "Are you sure it won’t be too much trouble?"

"Not at all."

"Thank you, Harley."

"You’re welcome," Harley replied.

Though he'd offered to pick them up, his true motive was simple: he couldn’t wait to see Noelle again.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now," Harley added.

"Alright, Harley. Bye."

As Leia ended the call, her heart danced with excitement. All her previous worries about reconnecting with Harley after his return had evaporated. He had reached out to her first!

Could it be that Harley’s been thinking about me all these years too? Leia wondered, her thoughts swirling with hope. After all, he hadn’t called anyone else, just her. The idea sent her spirits soaring. Even the fact that Noelle was coming along didn’t seem like a big deal anymore.

She’s only coming because Harley invited me first, Leia reassured herself. Without me, she wouldn’t even be on his radar.

Around 10 PM, Nicolas dropped Noelle off at home. By then, most of the Anderson family had retired, except for Eli, who was still downstairs. The moment Eli saw Noelle, his expression darkened.

"Noelle, come here."

"Huh? Eli?" Noelle greeted him cheerfully, entirely oblivious to his sour mood. She walked over with a bright smile and waved. "You’re still awake? I brought some late-night snacks. Want some?"

Eli, already simmering with frustration, glowered at her nonchalant demeanor. "You were with Nicolas all evening, weren’t you?" he demanded.

"Eh?" Noelle blinked, surprised. "You know about that? So, you were planning to hide it?"

"No, not really." Noelle shrugged, pulling a drumstick from the bag and taking a bite. "It’s not like it’s a big deal."

"I'm going to marry Nick eventually, so it’s not something I could hide forever."

"You want to marry Nicolas?" Eli's voice grew colder. "He’s a notorious playboy. You’ll regret this, mark my words."

"I don’t care." Noelle bit into the drumstick again, her voice muffled but resolute. "I like Nick, so I want to be with him. Besides, he promised he wouldn’t mess around with other women anymore."

The way she spoke, balefully trusting and utterly unconcerned, made her seem like one of those women who naively believe every sweet lie from a scoundrel. Eli’s frustration boiled over.

"You actually believe that nonsense? Are you stupid? Do you think a man like him will ever settle for one woman?"

"And why not?" Noelle said confidently, her eyes wide and innocent. "I’m amazing, aren’t I?"

Eli was momentarily speechless. Where does she get this unshakable confidence? Taking a deep breath, he continued, "Fine, let’s say you’re amazing. But what if another woman seduces Nicolas and he cheats on you? What then?"

"Don’t worry," Noelle's tone was oddly casual as she bit into the drumstick with a loud crunch, snapping the bone clearly in half. Her eyes glinted coldly as she said, "If he breaks his promise, I’ll just kill him."

Eli shivered involuntarily. Why does she sound so terrifying?

Before he could respond, Noelle had already skipped upstairs with her snacks, leaving him standing there in stunned silence.

As Noelle reached her room, Leia’s door suddenly opened. "Noelle, wait," Leia called.

"Hmm?" Noelle turned, her expression curious. "What’s up, Leia?"

Well… Leia hesitated, a friendly smile plastered on her face. "A classmate of mine just returned to the country, and he suggested we all go out for a meal on Saturday. Would you like to join us? Of course, if you’re busy, that’s fine too."

Leia hoped desperately that Noelle would decline. If she didn’t come, Leia could have Harley all to herself.

To her dismay, Noelle answered without hesitation, "Saturday? I’m free that day."

"Really?" Leia's smile faltered for a split second before she quickly recovered. "Don’t you have plans with Nicolas that day?"

"Nope."

"Maybe you should make plans with him?" Leia suggested, trying to sound casual.

"But I don’t know if he’s free," Noelle replied, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"You could call and ask him," Leia urged, eager to find a way to keep her friend from attending.

Before Noelle could respond, Eli’s voice cut through the air, laced with suspicion, "Leia, why are you encouraging Noelle to contact Nicolas?"

Leia froze, her heart skipping a beat. She turned to see Eli glaring at her from the staircase, his expression unreadable but clearly displeased.

"Eli…" Leia stammered, searching for an explanation. "You’ve always said Noelle should stay away from Nicolas. Why are you suddenly telling her to reach out to him?"

Caught off guard, Leia struggled to maintain her composure. "I was just thinking that if Noelle spent more time with Nicolas, he might realize how great she is and change his ways."

"Leia, that’s naive," Eli said, his tone harsh. "Do you really think a playboy like him will ever change?"

Leia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She lowered her head and muttered, "You’re right, Eli. I was being foolish. I’m so sorry."

Eli turned to Noelle, about to lecture her next, but she darted into her room and slammed the door shut before he could get a word out.

"Eli," Eli muttered under his breath, shaking his head in exasperation.

On Saturday morning, Leia meticulously dressed up, determined to make a lasting impression on Harley. Over breakfast, Kimberly couldn’t help but notice her daughter's effort.

"Leia, you look lovely today. Are you going out?"

"Yes," Leia replied, blushing. "Harley invited me to a gathering with some classmates."

"Harley?" Vincent perked up, intrigued. "You mean the Parker family’s young heir?"

"Yes," Leia confirmed shyly.

"Why would Harley invite you?" Eli asked, confused.

"You don't know anything about your sister!" Damon cut in, his tone mocking. "Leia and Harley were classmates in high school."

"That was years ago," Eli retorted. "Who remembers that kind of stuff?"

"Leia clearly does," Damon said with a smirk. "Harley’s the one she’s been pining for all this time. Isn’t that right, Leia?"

Leia blushed even deeper, waving off Damon’s words. "Don’t tease me, Damon. It’s just a friendly gathering."

"Really?" Damon raised an eyebrow. "Then why’d Harley call you personally to invite you? Sounds promising to me."

Leia's heart soared at Damon’s words, though she tried to appear modest. "It’s just a class reunion. Besides, Noelle’s coming too."

At the mention of Noelle, everyone froze.

"Noelle?" Kimberly asked in surprise. "Why would she be invited? Isn’t it a class reunion?"

Vincent chimed in. "Why invite Noelle?"

Eli shrugged. "It’s fine. They’re all going to Eston University anyway. Maybe it’s a chance to get to know each other better."

Damon, however, frowned deeply. "Why would Harley invite Noelle? What’s his deal?"