No longer a pushover

Chapter 19

Noelle stood in place, looking at the others expressionlessly. She wondered if the Liddell brothers really thought she was still the old Noelle.

They never asked her opinion, acting like letting it go was a huge favor to her, even though she didn't care at all.

Lucas felt diffident. He avoided looking Noelle in the eye while waiting for Frank to step in.

On the authority as their older brother, Frank continued, "You've proven yourself in this repechage, Noelle. No one will be able to replace your position on the team in the future."

He figured that his words would put Noelle at ease.

Xenia's expression darkened instantly. She was beyond frustrated to see how easily Noelle had taken her spot away despite working so hard. Although she had no natural talent, she had put in just as much effort as Noelle. Lucas looked at Noelle with an equally hopeful gaze. Although he said nothing, he hoped she would join their team. He figured that she shouldn't be sulking anymore now that he had given her an out. Noelle's gaze was cold when she replied, "I refuse."

Lucas became somewhat agitated. "Why?"

Noelle replied, "I joined the repechage this time because they insulted my parents, not because I wanted to join the team."

"But you've clearly been practicing in secret. Wasn't it just so you could return?"

They thought that it was impossible for Noelle to become this skilled overnight. They figured she must have been secretly practicing just so she could join the team.

Lucas refused to believe what she said, staring at her intensely.

Noelle's expression was neutral. Her gaze was cold when she replied, "It wasn't."

Lucas' heart sank. He blurted, "Do I have to personally apologize to you for you to forgive me, Noelle?"

Noelle stopped walking. "This has nothing to do with forgiveness. The Liddell family's team isn't the only team in this world."

She loved playing in competitions but refused to be confined to Team Luminark. Her implication was clear.

me, Noelle!" Xenia suddenly cried, her voice choking

turned to

walked toward Noelle and said submissively, "Lucas really wants you to join the team. If my presence

the team because I don't want to. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Stop putting yourself on the

angry! I had overestimated

the opportunity you didn't want, I'd be able to work hard to prove myself and contribute to the Liddell family. But I was just too stupid!" She sniffled, sounding meek and making it impossible for people not to feel sorry for

sympathy for her. He now regretted his decision to

at her wrist and said,

gone mad. Whether she decided to join the team or not

opposed her joining the team. Noelle thought that Xenia must be out of her mind to

"Calm down, Xenia. This has nothing

"It's all my fault, Lucas. Perhaps I wouldn't have upset Noelle if I had never seized the opportunity

satisfied having grown up in the Liddell family all these years anyway. I

holding some reservations about her earlier, felt his heart instantly

to stand there and watch your

he figured that everything would be alright if only Noelle agreed to join the team. All she had to do was to agree to it. Noelle asked indifferently, "I'm sorry, but have you guys

He asked,

"Firstly, I've made myself clear. I'm not joining the team because I don't like it. It has nothing to do with any

force me to compromise and

The other teammates, who originally wanted to speak up, all fell silent

matter what, Xenia

and lacked a sense of responsibility, she was only

me? I don't care if Xenia self-mutilates or commits suicide.

you agitate her like

hit her. Aside from Blake, her

Lucas' slap never fully

slap. He had a stern expression when he said, "This is already your second act of violence under child protection laws. By law, the victim has the right to call the police and