The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Chapter 23 Chapter 23

Noelle looked earnest, like what she said wasn't a joke, but Maxwell laughed.

"Come on. I brought back a pastry chef from abroad. I think you'll like his cakes," he said as he led Noelle forward.

He was the star of the party, so most people at the party had their eyes on him.

Maxwell seemed unaffected. He led Noelle to the buffet table and handed her a mini cake. He looked like a little kid, showing his friends his favorite dessert

He did not mind the stares, but Noelle couldn't ignore them. She stared at the cake for a moment before taking it." You're being too obvious," she said.

Maxwell raised his eyebrows. "Oh?"

"You're trying to use me as a shield, aren't you?" Noelle sail, taking a small mouthful of the cake.

time since she last had cake. They had personal chefs at Nivis Villa, but

more for the sense of ritual than

the world. The cream on the cake melted in her mouth, sweet-tasting with a hint of fruitiness. It lifted her spirits. Maxwell saw her brows unfurrow

me with

sighed. "As expected, I can't

Ruth, who was staring at her

are trying to set you up with

one of the

focused back on her cake. "She seems interested in

"How so?"

despite that shows that she's clearly interested

friend invited me," Noelle answered, putting