No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 449

Blake was taken aback by Donovan's words. Before he could respond, Frank cut in. "Donovan, you can't do this."

Donovan argued, "If we don't make the first move, Frank, do you want Blake to end up in prison like Lucas? If you can fix this, I won't stop you."

Frank knew the situation was not easy to resolve. He let out a bitter chuckle. "But Noelle is the victim here. She didn't do anything wrong—Xenia deliberately manipulated Blake into turning against her. Why should Noelle be the one to back down?"

"I get that it was a misunderstanding, but can't this be handled privately? Why let things escalate this far?" Donovan's biggest issue with Noelle was that she never backed down and never took a loss.

Frank was so furious that he was left speechless.

Donovan turned to Blake. "If you don't do what I say, prepare yourself for prison. Noelle isn't going to let you off the hook."

Blake fell silent. He did not want to go to jail and ruin his entire career. He had not even won Best Actor yet.

Sensing an opportunity, Xenia leaned into Donovan's side, her voice soft and pitiful. "Donovan, don't be mad. It was probably my fault, too. If I hadn't upset Noelle, she wouldn't have left home out of spite."

Donovan's expression shifted with guilt. "You've suffered enough. I actually have a charity fund that needs managing—why don't I put you in charge?"

Xenia's eyes lit up. Sean had been right—Donovan was easy to manipulate. Still, she played her part, pretending to hesitate.

She mumbled, "Donovan, I don't know if I'm capable of something like that, but I'll do my best not to disappoint you."

"I trust you. You'll handle it well."

Blake's temper finally snapped. "Donovan, are you seriously rewarding Xenia? Are you giving her a whole foundation as compensation? Didn't you originally say it was meant for Noelle?"

Donovan remained unfazed. "I don't need you to remind me who Xenia is."

His tone was calm as he added, "Noelle refuses to compromise, and Xenia has been through enough. What's wrong with giving her a little compensation?"

Xenia lowered her head in fake modesty. "Donovan, maybe I shouldn't—"

"Cut the act, Xenia!" Blake could not stomach her performance any longer. "I swear, I'm ruining your face today. Let's see how you handle suffering like I did!"