No longer a pushover

Noelle's expression turned ice-cold after hearing Donovan's words. She couldn't tolerate anyone speaking about Cedric that way.

She turned to Frank and announced, "I'll say this one last time: Cedric is someone I really like."

"You're young, so what do you know about love? Now that you're in Yasnia and the Liddell family is here to back you up, you'll marry a wealthy heir, not the poor school doctor!"

Donovan's anger was evident as he couldn't believe Noelle still hadn't broken up with Cedric. Noelle let out a mocking laugh. "Who I marry has nothing to do with you."

"Who says it doesn't? You're my sister! If word gets out that you married a broke school doctor, what will people think of me?"

He'd planned out the future for both Noelle and Xenia. Since they were staying in Yasnia, they had to marry into powerful families and live a life of luxury. That would benefit the Liddell family as well.

Then, Xenia spoke up in a soft voice, "Noelle, Donovan is thinking for your sake. What good would it do you to marry a poor man?"

Though Xenia secretly wished Noelle would marry a penniless man, she knew the more she said so, the more Noelle would rebel.

Noelle's eyes gleamed with a venomous glint. "Oh? Should I act like you did? Fawn over Justin and casually sleep with him, only to be scorned and humiliated by Mrs. Parham?"

Xenia's face turned pale with rage. "What nonsense are you talking about? There's nothing going on between me and Justin!"

"That lie might fool an idiot." Noelle sneered. "Justin has been bragging to his friends about how he slept with you and took your virginity."

raised his hand and slapped Xenia hard across the face. "How dare you behave that

with pain from the slap, and she looked at Donovan in

was grave as he snapped,

stammered, "J-Justin tricked me into

never sleep around! Did you

the flames by saying, "Everyone knows you were

tears. "Donovan, I swear I'll get back with

has arranged two bodyguards to keep an

to keep you away from him. The Parhams have made their

"How do you expect me to make plans for you

Noelle a

"At least I tried my best for

of

be

Liddells, Noelle would rather

a lowly school doctor."

rubbed his temples. "Xenia, forget it if you can't

of one of our business partners. That way, at least you'll live