No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 287

Noelle thought of how the Merlocks had threatened to involve her family, and it seemed they had gone after the Liddells.

For some reason, she felt quite pleased. And she calmly answered, "I've severed ties with the LIddells anyway. This is my business."

"So you're saying you can handle it on your own? The Merlock family has come to me and warned me to rein in my disobedient sister. They warned that they'd show no mercy the next time this happens."

Noelle replied in a cold voice, "The Merlock family arranged a car accident that almost killed me. How much more lenient can they get?"

Standing nearby, Xenia's expression flickered briefly at her words. It seemed everyone believed the Merlock family had orchestrated Noelle's accident. That worked just fine for her.

Then, she feigned concern and chimed in, "Noelle, Donovan is doing this for your good. Though you've cut ties with the Liddells, you'll always be one of us. That's not something you can change."

Lucas explained, "Donovan spent the afternoon drinking with the Merlocks. He's had it tough."

Donovan glared at Noelle and was furious at her unbothered expression. "Noelle, remember it was the Lidells who dealt with the Merlocks for you!"

Noelle scoffed. What an impressive claim.

"I didn't ask for your help, did I? You could've just told the Merlocks that I'm no longer part of the Liddells and left me to fend for myself. Wouldn't that have been easier?"

Noelle's gaze was steady, and her demeanor exuded strength.

Donovan was livid. "You ungrateful brat! I cleaned up your mess, and is this how you thank me?"

Xenia hurriedly calmed him down. "Don't get too worked up, Donovan. She's just stubborn, and she doesn't mean what she says. She'll come to understand your kindness."

"Donovan, let's talk this through." Lucas stepped in to block Donovan, who seemed ready to explode.

"Why are you stopping me? I said back then she shouldn't have come to Yasnia for school. We know she might offend those she isn't supposed to, and the Liddells can't keep covering for her. Look at what came out of her insistence!"

He pointed at Noelle and continued, "Do you know how much effort I put in to resolve this with the Merlocks? And not a single word of gratitude from you!"

Noelle looked up and smiled faintly. They'd always been like this—full of condescension, scolding, and blame.

Donovan froze and was stunned, while Xenia exclaimed, "But doing this will completely offend the Merlocks!"

"So what's your plan? Should I sit here and let you lecture me about how I survived only because of the Liddell family's support? Spare me!"

Xenia chimed in, "But Donovan did make an effort. The Merlock family only backed off because they respected him."

"Stop flattering yourselves. The Merlock was just trying to probe you and see if you had the evidence." Noelle snapped.

She gave Xenia a pointed look. "I have the evidence and leverage, after all. How could they dare make a move?"

Xenia remembered Noelle's earlier threat and guiltily avoided her gaze. Noelle held her weakness, so she couldn't afford to act recklessly. The latter's words were clearly a warning.

Donovan's face darkened as he realized Noelle was right. He did find the Merlock family's sudden retreat off, and it seemed that was the reason.

He felt his pride crumble. "Maybe you got lucky this time, but don't think you'll always be this lucky!"