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.

her frustration. "Noelle, did you come

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

Before she knew it, she was surrounded by fans asking for photos, leaving Xenia standing awkwardly on the sidelines. Frustrated, Xenia turned to Lucas. "Do something, Lucas! This is our match-we're supposed to be the stars of the show!" She couldn't stand

Noelle's biting remarks from the night before. Unable to stand the situation any longer, he stormed off without a word. Xenia had no choice but to

later, Noelle finally managed to break free from the crowd. Waving to her fans,

want to

find your

inside. "I told you: you should've worn

never expected anything like this," Noelle admitted. As they entered the venue, Noelle took in the packed

team for this match was formidable their captain

other hand, had a fiery temper. If he wasn't careful, his

see how things would play out without her on the team. She doubted if anyone-not even Xenia-could keep

appeared out of nowhere,

is going

here munchingon popcorn, maybe you should be

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