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.

replied as he

they drove. She couldn't

car finally stopped outside the

Noelle realized this was the

here. In her previous life, Lucas had been honored for his first-place victory in a competition. He brought Xenia along to attend the event and gave an interview

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

stunned. She turned toward Cedric, unsure of how

successful launch, and now, as the top scorer,

how

she thought about it, Noelle realized how useful the Outstanding Youth Award could be

the preparation room,

a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. "Noelle? What are

around to see Donovan and Lucas

focused on her

he was ignored by Noelle. "Do you think you can do whatever you want

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

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

Noelle's defiance felt like a direct

standing up and glancing in his direction. "Whether I deserve to be here isn't your concern,"