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.

you hated me, Noelle!" Xenia suddenly cried, her voice choking with

turned to look

Noelle and said submissively, "Lucas really wants you to join the team. If my presence upsets you, I'll immediately leave the

I don't want to. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Stop

You're still angry! I had overestimated myself

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 her. Frank felt sorry for Xenia. "Lucas was the one who went overboard

upon being unfairly blamed. He glanced at how 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

pointed it at her wrist and said,

she decided

that Xenia must

down, Xenia. This has nothing

wouldn't have upset Noelle

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

been holding some reservations about her earlier,

you really going to

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

"Firstly, I've made myself clear. I'm not joining the team because I don't like it.

using self-mutilation to force me to compromise

hit the mark perfectly. The other teammates, who originally

what, Xenia

game and lacked a sense of responsibility, she was only a teenager in

I don't care if Xenia self-mutilates or commits suicide. None of that has anything

could you agitate her like this?" Lucas lost his

react in time as she never expected him to actually hit her. Aside

Lucas' slap never fully landed on

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