No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 950

Emma said, "It all happened so suddenly, and Ced's father was between life and death. If Ced got involved in legal trouble, his position as heir to the Greene family would be in jeopardy.

"So I pulled some strings to erase his involvement and used my connections to have the case quickly classified, preventing you from tracing anything back to Ced."

Noelle gave a mocking smile. "I'm guessing the Merlocks didn't have enough influence to erase everything, right?"

"That's correct. I did all of it. Looking back now, everything seems too convenient—our car suddenly breaking down and then coincidentally meeting the Merlocks' executive. I trusted my good friend completely, so I never suspected the Merlocks had planned it all along."

Emma's voice was hoarse and hollow as she revealed these truths. The most agonizing part of this period for her wasn't her illness but the betrayal and deception from someone she considered a close friend.

The car fell completely silent.

After hearing the story, Noelle looked at Emma. "Why did Cedric come looking for me?"

"Because of guilt. He took all the responsibility upon himself, believing that he caused the accident by urging the driver to speed up, which led to running the red light.

"Over the years, he's managed the Greene family business well, but I know there's always been one thing weighing on his heart—you."

Emma gazed at Noelle. "So when he sought you out, he only wanted to make amends, nothing more."

Noelle nodded. "But now you know that everything was orchestrated by the Merlocks."

"Yes, and the Merlocks will pay for everything they've done. I'll also take responsibility for my mistakes—you don't need to worry about that."

Noelle looked at the sickly socialite before her. "But only Mrs. Merlock has the treatment for your illness, right? Aren't you afraid of dying?"

"Noelle, don't worry about me making deals with the Merlocks—I won't. I'll tell the police the truth, and I won't let Ced do anything to help the Merlocks."

At this moment, Noelle didn't look up or meet Emma's gaze. But the latter held onto her hand firmly, and Noelle could feel how cold Emma's touch was.

"Noelle, let's end the previous generation's troubles with us. Don't let it affect you and Ced, and please don't break up with him. He's been suffering terribly these past few weeks."

Noelle tried to pull her hand away, but Emma wouldn't let go. She pressed her lips together and asked, "Aren't you his stepmother? Why are you so good to him?"

"Because he's a good kid, too. I promised his father I would always take care of him." Emma's eyes filled with tears. "Will you grant this as the final wish of a dying woman?"

But Noelle felt this wish was too heavy a burden for her to carry.