No longer a pushover

Chapter 29

Chapter 28

Frank covered his face with a hand as he slowly realized how much Noelle had done for him. Before this, he had always assumed that the medicinal congee was a simple thing to make.

Frank was beginning to regret neglecting her. He didn't even know half of the things she'd done for him. He felt that he had failed as a brother. He finally realized that Noelle wasn't merely sulking. She'd truly been hurt!-

He turned to Gordon and said, "Bring me the gifts Noelle gave to Xenia."

The butler was surprised. "Weren't those Ms. Liddell's peace offering? Won't it be unfair to Ms. Quigley if you take them back?

"She already feels insecure about living under someone else's roof, so she'll feel even more vulnerable if you do this. You shouldn't feel bad just because of some medicinal congee. Ms. Quigley even made you soup and got hurt in the process."

Frank hesitated, his resolve wavering as he recalled the sight of Xenia's burnt hand. After a moment, he said, "Forget it. Just bring the gift I prepared and leave the rest alone for now." He knew he needed to start making some changes.

dinner, Noelle locked herself in her room again. Soon, someone knocked on her door, and Frank's voice rang out. "Noelle, it's

to open the door, her expression blank. "What do

"This is for you."

familiar emerald necklace inside. Wasn't that the apology gift she'd given Xenia?

buy Xenia a new one. This necklace is special to you, so I never should

would have expected her brother to "return" the necklace to her. She found

she had never gotten anything

gaze, her voice steady. "Forget it.

Noelle. I'll feel terrible if you don't. Just think of it as my

was only giving her a

the stick.

deliberately raised her voice and said, "You shouldn't be doing this, Frank. I gave this to Xenia as a gift, so how could you take it away without asking? You're going to

her hiding spot and said, "Noelle, I was just keeping them for you temporarily. I'm more than happy to return them to you. After all, I know someone like me

sounded extra sincere in her comments. However, she immediately pretended to be hurt by turning around and wiping her tears