No longer a pushover

Chapter 188

"Are you free tonight?" Cedric asked.

"I am," Noelle replied casually.

"Put on a nice dress. I'll pick you up later," Cedric said.

Noelle's heart skipped a beat. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"You'll see," Cedric replied.

After hanging up, Noelle found herself pressing a hand to her warm face. She wondered if Cedric was asking her out on a date. After all, he was never the type to joke around.

She purposely washed her hair and changed into something nice. As she waited nervously, her phone buzzed again.

"I'm downstairs."

When Noelle stepped into the parking lot, Cedric was waiting by his car. He wore a black suit, and his hair was styled perfectly. He looked sharp-more so than usual.

"You look different today," she commented, feeling a little shy.

as he opened the passenger door for

as they

stopped

then that Noelle realized this was the venue

time she had been here. In her previous life, Lucas had been honored for his first-place

Cedric into the hall, a staff member approached them with a warm smile. "You must be the top scorer, Ms. Noelle Liddell! Please come with me to prepare. You'll need to give

was stunned. She turned toward Cedric, unsure of how to

now, as the top scorer, you're being

exactly how

it to secure investment for a streaming platform, and that investment made all the difference. Now, as she thought about it, Noelle realized how useful the Outstanding Youth Award could be if she wanted to start her own esports team

the staff to the preparation room, still

her thoughts. "Noelle?

see Donovan

didn't bother answering. Instead, she focused on

was ignored by Noelle. "Do you think you can do whatever you want just because you're a top scorer and got into Yole

take it easy," Lucas interjected. "Maybe she's here

Donovan wasn't done. "What has she done to deserve this? She's just good

defiance felt like a direct

be here isn't your concern," she said, grabbing