No longer a pushover

Chapter 139

Noelle's response was sharp and loaded with hostility.

The reporters were stunned by her bluntness. Lucas's face darkened-he hadn't expected her to dismiss his abilities so openly. Before he could respond, Xenia quickly stepped in. "Noelle, how can you say that? The match hasn't even started yet.

"Our team has worked so hard to get here. Just because you're gifted doesn't mean you can look down on us."

Lucas's expression darkened further, his frustration palpable.

Noelle responded with a cold smile, "I was just joking. Don't take it so seriously."

Xenia pressed on, "Noelle, it's fine if you're sitting out, but do you really have to tear us down like this?"

"I'm only trying to help," Noelle replied indifferently. "Better to keep you grounded before the match than to let you get overconfident and blow it, right?"

She turned to the reporters with a smirk. "Lucas has a point-competitions aren't just about individual skills.

"Teamwork and synergy are key. Ms. Quigley and Lucas clearly have an amazing connection, so I believe they'll overcome every obstacle and crush the competition." Lucas's expression turned even darker-he knew she was being sarcastic.

couldn't hold back her frustration. "Noelle, did you come here today just

Noelle replied. "For the record, I'm here as a special guest. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered showing up." Just then, a fan approached her with a gift. "Noelle,

was caught off guard by their enthusiasm. Momentarily flustered, she responded, "Thank you, everyone." Before she knew it, she was surrounded by fans asking for photos, leaving Xenia standing awkwardly on the sidelines. Frustrated, Xenia turned to

before. Unable to stand the situation any longer, he stormed

the crowd. Waving to her fans, she called out, "The

don't want

find your seats

"I told you: you

Noelle admitted. As they entered the

this match was formidable

If he wasn't careful, his

secure this very victory. Now, she was curious to see how things would play out without her on the team. She doubted

some popcorn and drinks." Frank appeared out of

to her and said, "This match is going to

of sitting here munchingon popcorn, maybe you should be

this on himself. He has no one else to blame," Frank replied with a shrug. "Maybe losing will