No longer a pushover

Chapter 6

Noelle hailed a cab back to the Liddell residence. As she entered the grand foyer, she could hear Xenia's voice. The Liddells sounded like they were having a great time. However, the lively atmosphere froze when she appeared, and tension settled as if Noelle was an unwelcome guest. Noelle kept a straight face, intending to head straight to her room.

Just then, Blake shouted, "Noelle, stop right there! Is that how you're supposed to behave? Aren't you even going to greet us?"

His tone grew harsher as he continued, "Don't think just because some school doctor is backing you up, you can run around threatening to call the cops and think you're untouchable! Without the Liddell family, you're nothing!" Blake stood up, his anger escalating. "Do you think we favor Xenia? Look at all the horrible things you've done to her! Her father saved your life, and we're just helping you repay that debt!"

Noelle felt emotionally drained. She paused and turned toward the living room, saying flatly, "Frank, Blake, I'm home."

She hoped this would suffice.

"Dinner's ready," Frank announced.

"You all go ahead. I'm not hungry," Noelle replied before heading upstairs.

"Frank, look at her attitude! She's completely out of control!" Blake exclaimed.

Xenia sweetly chimed in, saying, "Blake, please don't be angry at her. It's all my fault. Maybe if I left the Liddell family, Noelle wouldn't be so resentful."

"Don't be silly. If anyone's leaving, it's Noelle. Why should you go?" Blake retorted.

Noelle heard the conversation as she climbed the stairs. She quickened her pace to her room, immediately locking the door behind her. She leaned against it, taking several moments to compose herself as her eyes welled up with tears. She looked up at the ceiling, forcing the tears back. This time, she promised herself she would not waste any more energy on this superficial family bond.

The next day, Noelle went to school as usual and shared a car with Xenia. The latter asked, "Noelle, are you still angry?"

"Xenia, don't you always tire of putting on an act?" Noelle closed her eyes and leaned back, ignoring her further.

adopted her usual pitiful look and flashed him a sweet smile. The driver instantly concluded that Noelle was being mean to Xenia and made a mental note to report it to Frank

more important things to focus on and no time

...

home, she found Lucas sitting on the couch with

"Lucas, you're back! I've

foul mood visibly improved after Xenia's sweet antics. Meanwhile, Noelle

you've become increasingly rebellious. I didn't believe it initially, but now

avoid

I'm rebuilding the team. Frank and Blake

had eagerly agreed to please Lucas and gain her brothers' attention, training relentlessly until it affected her college entrance exams. And

Now, let's give Xenia a chance to

team captain. When I say we're switching

had been humiliatingly replaced by Xenia. Without her intense dedication, the team would never have made it to the finals, yet

handed her hard-earned championship glory to Xenia on a silver platter. What had all her effort meant? This time, she absolutely refused to repeat

to focus on my college

accurately, his command. His words were not a request for her input; they simply told her what she would

hear that right? You're actually refusing my invitation?"

possibility of her declining. For years, Noelle had

decline," Noelle responded flatly, maintaining eye contact as she

think carefully before answering," Lucas snapped. "Don't be stubborn. Otherwise, you'll cry and beg me for another

he had won in his first year as a pro player, which was immensely meaningful to him. Xenia gently tugged at Lucas' sleeve and said, "Don't be mad. Joining your

at Noelle and warned, "Noelle, this is a one-time

amusing as she realized that Lucas was all bark and no bite, wholly wrapped around