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.

since she last had cake. They had

a popular dessert amongst the upper class. The confectionery was just something for specific occasions, more for the sense of ritual than actual enjoyment. No one ate the cakes, and no

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

with cake?" Noelle

"As expected, I can't keep anything

glanced over at Ruth, who was staring at her with clenched teeth. Ignoring Ruth,

Maxwell. "The Quinlans are trying to set you up with

She's one of

cake. "She seems

"How so?"

the only one being gossiped about. The fact that she was willing to come here despite that shows that she's clearly interested in you," Noelle said

me," Noelle answered, putting emphasis