No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Cedric's expression became a little awkward when he saw Noelle. He adjusted the belt of his robe and cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. "You're awake?" "Mm, just a little dizzy," Noelle mumbled.

After a brief pause, Cedric looked at her and asked, "Do you remember what happened last night?"

Noelle frowned, racking her brain for any fragments of memory. Then, she shook her head. "No clue. Did I do something embarrassing?"

She could only hope she hadn't embarrassed herself in front of Cedric.

Cedric studied her carefully.

Noelle wasn't exactly subtle. Her face practically broadcasted every thought running through her head. Judging by her blank stare, she really didn't remember.

He had been up all night thinking about it, but now he realized he might've overthought everything. He let out a sigh. "It's dangerous for a girl to get drunk at night. Don't drink again." Noelle blushed a little, stammering, "I didn't mean to get so drunk. I just wanted a few sips."

Cedric narrowed his eyes. "Alcohol makes you careless. Besides, your brain wasn't exactly sharp to begin with."

Noelle's confidence took a direct hit. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Cedric placed a cup of honey water in front of her.noveldrama

"Drink it," he ordered coolly.

"Thanks," she said, sipping the drink and sneaking a glance at him. "Sir, I've realized you're actually quite considerate. Any girl who gets to be with you must be really happy." Cedric's gaze deepened at her words. "I don't have plans for that right now," he replied.

"Why not? Is it because of work?" Noelle asked curiously. She couldn't help but recall the time she had seen him dining with a woman at a fancy restaurant.

Cedric seemed to catch on. He coldly said, "My standards are high. I haven't met anyone who fits them yet."

Noelle sneaked another glance at him. "What are your standards?"

"Why are you asking so many questions? Focus on school. When you go to college, you'll meet someone. Everyone has different standards," he replied. "Oh, okay."

Noelle lowered her gaze. Perhaps he wasn't interested in her. Cedric was handsome and successful, and he probably had lots of girls interested in him. Her small hope from earlier sank in an instant. She had nothing right now, and it was clear she didn't measure up.

Cedric noticed her change in mood. "I need to go out for a bit."

"Oh, okay," Noelle replied, watching him leave. She curled up on the couch, feeling frustrated.

She had known all along that Cedric wouldn't be interested. It wasn't just the age difference but their lack of connection. She had no experience with relationships.

To make things worse, she didn't even know how to start one.

Noelle felt slightly annoyed. Later that afternoon, she logged into her game and saw her fanbase had grown significantly. She glanced at the top post. "Popular Streamer SweetNelly's Real Identity: Noelle Liddell!"

Noelle knew her identity would be

exposed after the event, and

didn't try to hide it. The rumohet

about her having a sugar daddy would finally fade away.

She invited Rachel to team up for a game. Rachel was quick to comment, "That bitchy Xenia is twisting the truth in her stream!"

Noelle raised a brow and clicked on the video link Rachel had sent.

On her screen, Xenia appeared pitifully. She had bandages wrapped around her wrist and a small cut on her cheek.

Tears glistened in her eyes as she

said, "Noetle, I know you've been ignoring our calls and messages, but I had to say this publicly. Your brothers are really worried.

"What happened at the party was just a misunderstanding. Please come home."

The comments were pouring in.

"Don't cry, XenBaby. We're here for you."