No longer a pushover

Chapter 8

Just as Noelle was about to lose her temper, Xenia finally appeared. While running toward them, she called out, "I'm so sorry! I was discussing tournament strategies with the others and lost track of time." "That's fine," Blake replied calmly. "At least you're contributing to the family, unlike certain ungrateful people."

Aiden smiled warmly at Xenia. "Don't worry. I'll drive faster to make up for it."

Despite his efforts, they still arrived late to school, where their homeroom teacher, Lionel Kramer, caught them at the classroom door. Xenia, breathing heavily, immediately spoke up. "I'm so sorry. It's my fault that we're late. I even held Noelle up." Noelle remained silent, her face expressionless. Lionel glanced at both women before saying kindly to Xenia, "I understand. There is no need to explain further. Go ahead inside."

"Thank you," Xenia replied.

As Noelle tried to follow Xenia into the classroom, Lionel's voice turned harsh. He scolded, "Noelle, stop holding Xenia back. Don't let this happen again!"

Noelle turned back. "Xenia just admitted that it was her fault we were late."

"Enough! I know what you're really like. Keep arguing, and you'll spend class standing in the hallway."

Not wanting to miss any more lessons when she was already behind, Noelle entered the classroom silently, her mood darkening. She wished she could take her exams sooner and finally escape all of this.

A crowd gathered around Xenia during their lunch break as she shared stories about the professional gaming team. Everyone listened enviously.

One of her lackeys glared at Noelle and mocked, "Someone is just jealous of Xenia and deliberately made her late."

Xenia smiled faintly but did not bother correcting the person. Meanwhile, Noelle remained unfazed, resting her head on her desk and ignoring them all.

After school, Xenia deliberately provoked Noelle again, saying, "I'm heading to training again today."

Noelle simply packed her books and left the classroom without saying a single word. Xenia's face broke into a triumphant smile as she watched Noelle leave.

She turned to her minions and said, "Do my homework like usual, okay? And make sure the teachers don't notice."

They all assured her. "Don't worry about it. Train well and chase your dreams. We've got you covered."

I'll surely remember this!" Xenia left happily, determined to prove that she was the more

...

infirmary, where Cedric sat with an amused expression. "Do you

her throat and replied, "I'm here to study. Please let

surprised by her confidence. He had expected her to be too timid to return. However, Cedric still did not hold back when Noelle asked

problems and

argument, diligently taking notes. The room was quiet-until her stomach

face turned red as she tried to hide her embarrassment. She had

clock and ordered takeout. "Let's

again. She could

desk. He looked at Noelle, his gaze unreadable as he replied,

"Me too. My parents died in the crash, leaving

then, they had struggled, but their bond as siblings had been unshakable. However, everything changed when Xenia came into the picture. "What are your plans now?" Cedric asked,

I want to leave this city

"Quite a big dream for someone with your grades. Getting into Yole University doesn't

responded confidently.

moment before averting his gaze. Then, he said, "Well, stop asking such

smiled, taking this as permission to

until she

They all favored Xenia and merely accepted her excuse

her gaming with the brothers, their usernames matching in a coordinated style. The events played out just like in her previous life, except

I was just watching. Studies

unexpectedly said, "If you make the top 100 in next week's exams, you

up, grinning. "Will you play with me then?" She knew that he played the

ever. "I haven't played in ages. Let's see if

him walk away, determined to rank among the top 100 in

had been an excellent player in her previous life, she looked forward to potentially impressing Cedric in-game, reclaiming some of her lost