No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

When Justin looked up again, Noelle and Cedric were nowhere to be seen. Maybe he had been mistaken.

Justin then tried to reassure Xenia, "What could I possibly be looking at? No one could compare to my precious. I was just curious about what Noelle's boyfriend looks like."

"He's quite handsome but clearly not well-off. Taking her to a dump like that for a date."

Xenia was in a good mood. "Hurry up and take me to L Bistro for dinner. I need to get some photos for my social feed."

However, when Justin drove to L Bistro, they were told no tables were available. Justin was confused. "I made a reservation with my cousin's card."

"Mr. Alfred has instructed that you are no longer allowed to use his card."

Justin's body stiffened, unable to shake off the embarrassment. He called Alfred. "Alfred, why can't I use your card anymore?"

"I told you to stay out of Noelle's business, but did you listen? You even spread rumors in the legal circle. Who gave you the audacity?"

Alfred berated him, hanging up without waiting for a response. Justin's expression soured instantly.

Xenia walked over. "Justin, what's wrong? Can't we eat here?"

She had been looking forward to this moment, even boasting about it to Noelle earlier.

Justin replied irritably, "It's all because of you. My cousin found out about the rumors you spread in the legal circle and warned me not to get involved. If my mom finds out, I'm finished."

Xenia cautiously replied, "But it was Samantha who started those rumors."

"My cousin's not an idiot. He must've caught wind of something."

Xenia became curious. "Why do I feel like your cousin is protecting Noelle?"

"I think so, too. Do you think something's going on between them? When I got hurt

in Aldoria last time, my cousin personally handled it. I wouldn't have let it slide otherwise!"

Xenia paused, recalling the man who had visited Justin in the hospital. She hesitated before asking, "The man who came to the hospital that day was that your cousin?"

"Of course. Why else would I have dropped the issue with Noelle?"

Xenia's face turned pale. "But that man seemed really close with that school doctor."

Who would've guessed that a penniless school doctor could have such strong connections with an heir to the prestigious Parham family?

Justin frowned. "They're probably just friends. I'll ask my cousin about it later. But for now, I can't cause any more trouble for Noelle, or he will make me pay."

Xenia could only force a weak smile in response. If Alfred was really Justin's cousin, hadn't she already made a bad impression on him? Wouldn't he tell Justin's mom?

Frustration bubbled up inside her. It was all Noelle's fault! She could have made a good impression on the Parhams.

Now, what was she supposed to do?

After returning to her dorm, Noelle saw a WhatsApp message from Cedric. "Did you finish the cream?"

She glanced at the container and realized she was out. Then, she replied, "Where did you buy them?"

She couldn't find the brand anywhere online.

"You can't get them anywhere else."noveldrama

"How much were they? I'll pay you back."

Cedric narrowed his eyes slightly at her message. "There's no need to be that specific when talking about money."

Noelle deliberately asked, "Then what should we talk about?"

He typed a reply with his long fingers. "Love."