No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 644

Cedric hummed. "I guessed as much, but I didn't expect you to help Mia. She did try to set you up before."

"I know. She explained everything to me and apologized. She didn't understand the situation with the Liddell family or the kind of person my brother was back then. She decided to cut ties with him now that she saw their true colors."

Noelle helped Mia partly because of their friendship and partly for herself. After today's events, Donovan was sure to hate Xenia, blaming her for ruining the birthday banquet. She was curious to see what Xenia would do next.

Cedric glanced at her. "Mia wants to stand up to Salena, but she's still too weak."

"She'll get there. As long as she sees Salena for who she truly is, she'll find a way to be independent. Look at me. I've managed to live on my own just fine." Noelle met his gaze. She was lost in thought and accidentally stepped on his foot.

Her face flushed as she apologized, "Sorry."

Cedric chuckled. "No need to apologize. I should be the one saying sorry for being late today. They wouldn't have had the chance to corner you if I had arrived earlier."

Noelle grinned. "I can't rely on you forever, can I?"

Cedric teased, "Why not?"

Noelle lowered her head to avoid his eyes. Flustered, she quickly changed the subject. "Since you're here, does that mean your grandmother's condition has stabilized?"

"For now, yes." Cedric's voice grew softer at the mention of his grandmother.

A silence fell between them. By the time their dance ended, the banquet was also coming to a close.

Noelle had planned to leave with Mia. She was worried Salena would make things difficult for Mia if she returned home alone.

Cedric reassured her, "Don't worry. The Liddells embarrassed Salena tonight. She won't be too hard on Mia to avoid being criticized for mistreating her niece."

Right now, Donovan controlled the Liddell family. With Xenia ruining his plans, Noelle wanted to go home and watch the drama unfold. She also wanted to investigate the details of Donovan's deal with PZ Groups.

Cedric didn't argue and drove her to the Liddell residence. Before she got out of the car, he said, "Call me if you need help."

Noelle didn't respond to that. Instead, she smiled at him. "Thank you for bringing me back."

As Cedric watched her, he recalled how painful it was to watch the smiles she forced around him. His gaze lingered on her until she disappeared into the house.

He clicked his tongue. Noelle was not easy to win over.

Meanwhile, as Noelle entered the residence, she heard the sound of Xenia's desperate wailing.