No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Noelle's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "We haven't done anything wrong, so why should we apologize?"

"Noelle, you're so naive. Even if Justin started it, so what? Once the Parham family gets involved, your boyfriend might not even keep his job. That's how the Parham family operates, do you understand?" Xenia said, her voice dripping with smug arrogance. Alfred couldn't hold back any longer. "You little bitch. The Parham family isn't as bad as you're making it out to be. Do you really know them that well? Stop spreading lies about people you don't even know."

"Haha, of course I know the Parham family. But people like you wouldn't get it. When the powerful want to crush the ordinary, it's as easy as squashing an ant."

Xenia's tone was full of pride as if she had already married Justin and become part of the Parham family.

Alfred was left speechless by her arrogance. It was utterly absurd.

Watching Xenia walk away, he couldn't resist commenting, "Nelly, do people in your family always talk like that?"

"Xenia usually pretends to be sweet, but now that she's with Justin, she's getting carried away. Looks like her true colors are finally showing," Noelle replied.

Noelle cast a worried glance at Cedric. "I'll hire a lawyer. I won't let you apologize."

After all, Cedric had only acted because of her, and she couldn't just stand by.

Seeing her concern, Cedric's expression softened. "Don't worry, it's just a minor issue."

Alfred added, "Nelly, don't stress. I'm here too. That kid won't dare to cause trouble."

It was then that Noelle remembered Alfred's wealthy background.

A flicker of disappointment crossed her face. "This is all my fault. If it weren't for me... Ugh."

Suddenly, Noelle felt a light tap on her forehead. She looked up at Cedric in confusion, wondering why he had done that.

Cedric's gaze was deep as he spoke. "What you just said sounded like the typical 'little bitch' speech. I couldn't let you keep that up."

"But Justin was aiming at me from the start, not you."

Cedric had noticed everything-how she had pushed him aside to take the hit herself.

"Your small frame couldn't have taken that. Don't try to be brave next time."

"Yeah, Nelly, just let Cedric take the hit. He's fine, but you'd definitely have gotten hurt. A big guy like him can take a few hits, but you can't."

BUMS

Noelle lowered her head, feeling a bit down. After everything that happened with Justin, she had

completely forgotten about the awkwardness of her failed

confession.

The group left the bar and returned to the apartment.

Cedric glanced at her. "Don't overthink it."

Noelle nodded casually, then turned and walked into the apartment.

Cedric and Alfred went into the next room. As soon as the door closed, Cedric said coldly, "What's wrong with your family?"

"Shit, I didn't expect this. If Lucas hadn't interrupted, I would've gone up and slapped Justin myself. I've got to teach him some respect."

"Remember to go to the hospital tomorrow and teach your cousin some manners."

Cedric's eyes darkened. He had noticed how badly the incident had affected Noelle on the way back.

Alfred nodded helplessly. "Alright, I understand."

Who could have predicted this turn of events?

...

Back in her room, Noelle felt restless.

This matter with Justin wasn't going to end easily.

But she absolutely couldn't let Cedric get into trouble with the Parham family because of her.

Her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she realized it was Frank calling.

After a brief hesitation, she answered. "Hello, Frank."

"Nelly, I know about what happened I with Justin. It's a tricky situation, but Lucas and I will handle it. Stay out of it. It's best if you move back home and distance yourself from that school doctor." noveldrama