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 cried, her voice choking

to

you to join the team. If my

because I don't want to. It

knew it. You're still angry! I had overestimated

that if I could seize 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

for her. He now regretted his decision to let her join the team. She was better suited to

razor. She pointed it at her wrist and

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

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

was equally shocked. "Calm down, Xenia. This has nothing to do

fault, Lucas. Perhaps I wouldn't have upset Noelle if I had

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

reservations about her earlier, felt his

anxiously turned to Noelle. "Are you really going to stand

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.

dumbfounded. He asked, "What do you

because

force me to compromise

sarcasm hit the mark perfectly. The other teammates, who originally

blurted, "No matter what, Xenia is still part

in the game and lacked a sense of responsibility,

"Does that have anything to do with me? I don't care if Xenia self-mutilates or commits suicide.

father saved your life, Noelle. How could you agitate her like this?" Lucas lost his temper

him to actually hit her. Aside from Blake,

slap never fully landed

had made contact with her face, preventing her 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 laws. By law, the victim has the right to