No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Noelle remained calm, carefully observing the changes in Laura's expression. In just a few seconds, Laura's face shifted from awkwardness to anger, then quickly settled back into composure.

Noelle could not help but admire the socialite's ability to control her emotions. After all, the last time they met at the café, Laura had fooled her completely.

Laura's smile faded, and her tone turned condescending. "Ced and I grew up together. We're from the same world. But you? He didn't even tell you his real identity. How much sincerity do you think he has for you?"

Noelle's heart ached at those words, but she kept her composure. She smirked and retorted, "Ms. Merlock, dropping the act now, are we?"

Laura's eyes flashed with irritation. "What act? Everything I told you before was for your own good. Did you really think a Cinderella story would ever come true?"

Noelle scoffed. "And yet, Ms. Merlock, you've spent years scheming to marry into a richer family, haven't you? But since that didn't work out, you resorted to dirty tricks to drive a wedge between me and Cedric."

After hearing Emma clarify that Cedric and Laura were not engaged, Noelle pieced Laura's schemes together. Laura had been at L Bistro that day and must have known about her relationship with Cedric, and the phone call must have been the start of Laura's plan.

Nevertheless, the fact that Laura knew Cedric's phone password bothered Noelle deeply.

Laura's expression darkened for a moment, thinking, "This bitch is sharper than she looks."

Then, she whispered, "So what? He didn't even tell you his real identity because he was afraid you would cling to him.

"You've probably asked him by now, right? It won't be long before he starts distancing himself from you. He'd never marry someone like you."

Laura rambled on, but Noelle remained unmoved, which only made Laura's heart sink. Noelle suddenly laughed, her mocking gaze piercing through Laura.

Laura's voice sharpened. "What's so funny?"

"Ms. Merlock, you should really check a mirror when you talk. Your jealousy is showing-even under all that foundation," Noelle said lightly, her words instantly enraging Laura.

"Don't get too cocky, Noelle. You're not good enough for the Greenes Neither Mrs. Greene nor Mrs. Greene Senior would ever approve of you," Laura snapped, clinging to the only card she had-her social status.

Noelle simply smiled. "That's for me to worry about, not you. You're in such a rush

to talk to me—weren't you just trying to see if Cedric and I are still together?"

She was not going to fall for Laura's tricks this time.

Laura gritted her teeth. "Ms. Liddell, you're just as unpleasant as the rumors say."

"And you're just as cunning and manipulative as they say, Ms. Merlock. You can twist lies into truths. You even tried to paint me as the other woman. I don't have the thick skin for that!" Noelle fired back.

She could no longer hold back. After all, this woman had schemed against her, causing her so much pain and heartache. Now that she saw through Laura's games, she was not going to let her off easy.

Laura sneered. "Ced and I grew up together. Our families have been discussing an engagement."noveldrama

"Keep telling yourself that. The truth is, the Merlocks are desperate to climb into the Greenes' good graces. You want to marry Cedric, but he's never been interested in you He doesn't love you," Noelle said bluntly.

Laura's face twisted in anger, and she raised her hand to slap Noelle.

However, Noelle caught her wrist mid-air and mocked, "What's wrong? Can't handle the truth?"

"Noelle, you shameless, ill-bred girl! How dare you even dream of being with Ced? Look at yourself—no parents, no background, nothing!" Laura spat, her voice trembling with rage.