No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Donovan glared at Noelle. "What kind of trouble are you trying to stir up now?"

Noelle retorted, "I'm not. Xenia is the daughter of the Liddells by name, and she has no share in the family's wealth. If she marries Wyatt, she'll be entitled to her shared marital assets. That fulfills Wyatt's wish, too."

The smile on her face deepened as she continued, "It's a win-win situation."

Wyatt was overjoyed. "That's right! I think so, too."

"We can divide the assets now. We have to wait until the company gets listed." Donovan waved off the idea. He was particularly sensitive about anything that had to do with wealth distribution right now.

Xenia quickly chimed in, "Donovan's company is at a critical stage before listing, Wyatt. Any such disturbance could have an impact. We're in no rush, and we have plenty of time."

For now, she just needed to stall Wyatt.noveldrama

Donovan gave Xenia an approving glance. "That's exactly what I mean. Once the company succeeds in listing and the adoption has been in place for over a year, we can quietly dissolve it. No one will say anything."

Yet, he still hadn't agreed to Xenia and Wyatt's marriage. For now, he was just buying time and would figure something out later. Everyone except Wyatt seemed satisfied with this outcome.

Noelle got up and stretched. "I'm starving. Let's eat." The show was over, and it was time to fill her tummy.

Aside from Noelle, no one else had much of an appetite. Wyatt sat beside Xenia and cut her steak. They looked all lovey-dovey and affectionate. As Donovan watched this, his mood turned sour.

When Noelle had almost finished her meal, she looked up at Xenia and said, "Though I won't press legal charges, you have to return all the money you embezzled down to the last dime."

Xenia lowered her gaze and muttered, "But I don't have that much money right now. Can I pay in installments?"

Though it was just ten million, she'd spent all her money on clothes and luxury bags. There was no money left for her to pay her debt.

Wyatt looked up. "I'll pay for Xenia. It's just ten million, right?"

"About it. Transfer it now so we can settle this clean." Noelle refused to play tactics with the two and delay time.

Wyatt's expression stiffened slightly. He turned to Donovan. "Donova there should be quite a lot of dividends, right? I think getting twenty million is no problem."

"Your dividend payouts will only be available at the end of the year. Didn't you save anything from last year's payout?"

Wyatt froze. "I spent it all on Carl's lab. You know research is expensive."

Noelle chimed in and sounded surprised. "But as far as I remember, Carl's lab has plenty of inventors fighting to fund it. They're not short of money at all."

"Shut up, Noelle. This isn't your place to speak. Donovan, just give me this year's dividend in advance." Wyatt cowered away in diffidence at her words.

"Fine." Donovan agreed readily, though his expression darkened.

Xenia finally smiled and turned to Wyatt, looking utterly fragile and delicate. "Wyatt, I feel guilty to have you pay so much for me. Don't worry. I'll definitely pay you back."

"What nonsense are you talking about? We're getting married, so my money is entirely yours." Wyatt held her hand tightly with his eyes full of affection.

Donovan lost his appetite entirely and set down his utensils. Then, he walked away.

Suddenly, Wyatt seemed to

remember something and looked at Noelle. Oh, right. You should move out of your bedroom and let Xehia have it. We're moving into your room after getting married."

Crack! Noelle grasped her spoon so hard that it broke.