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.

Noelle!" Xenia suddenly

to look at

join the team. If my presence upsets you, I'll immediately leave the team.

don't want to. It has

You're still angry! I had overestimated myself and

Liddell family. But I was just too stupid!" She sniffled, sounding meek and making it impossible for people not to feel sorry

Xenia was acting pitifully, yet he couldn't muster any sympathy for her. He now regretted his decision to let her join the team. She was better suited to remain as their sweet and obedient sister -not someone to make a name

out an eyebrow razor. She pointed it at her wrist and said, "Don't worry, Noelle. I won't ever compete with you for your spot if I die

she decided to join the team or not had nothing

Noelle thought that Xenia must be out of her mind to try to force her to join the team

shocked. "Calm down, Xenia. This

upset Noelle if I had never seized the opportunity

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

some reservations about her earlier, felt

Noelle. "Are you really going to stand

Although he knew that Xenia's measure was somewhat inappropriate, 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,

dumbfounded. He asked, "What do

because I don't like it. It has nothing to do

between Xenia using self-mutilation to force me to compromise and me pressuring King to marry me by

originally wanted to speak up, all fell silent upon

what, Xenia is still part

game and lacked a sense

if Xenia self-mutilates or commits suicide. None of that

her like this?" Lucas

hit her. Aside from Blake, her

Lucas' slap never fully

from receiving the full force of the slap. He had a stern expression when he said, "This is already your second act of violence under child protection