Chapter 7

The phrase "family" sounded absurd to Noelle. In her previous life, she had believed in that concept, too. However, she learned what "family" truly meant to them when Xenia replaced her right before winning the championship. "I won't be joining the team," Noelle replied firmly. "I need to focus on my studies and prepare for my exams." Lucas sneered. "That's funny. You weren't so concerned about studying when you begged me to teach you gaming and stayed up late to train, desperate to be on the team. What changed?" Noelle's heart ached slightly at his words. She had only pursued gaming with Lucas so they could have something in common so she could bond with him. However, it was not necessary anymore. "Playing games affected my grades," Noelle explained calmly. "My test scores dropped significantly last month, so I'd rather not continue." Lucas was momentarily speechless before retorting, "Fine. Suit yourself! When the tournaments start, everyone will see Xenia representing the Liddell family. They'll know she's the real family member." He refused to care anymore since Noelle was ungrateful. "That works for me," she replied before leaving the dining room. Once back in her room, she composed herself and focused on catching up with her studies. ... The next day after school, Noelle and Xenia approached the front gates where their driver, Aiden Monroe, was waiting. Xenia said, "Oh, right. I have to head to the training center today. Aiden will take me there first." Aiden's expression was stern as he said, "Ms. Liddell, Mr. Lucas called and instructed me to take Ms. Quigley to train first. We can't be late." "I'll get my own ride home," Noelle replied indifferently. As Xenia got into the car, she called out with barely concealed excitement, "Noelle, I'll talk to Lucas about this later." Noelle simply walked away without acknowledging her. Watching Noelle's retreating figure, Xenia bit her lip in anger. She muttered, "Just wait, Noelle. One day, I'll take everything from you. You owe me that much!" Standing at the curb, Noelle realized she did not want to return to the Liddell residence. She figured that she could perhaps find a study room nearby instead. "Hey, kiddo. Why are you hanging around here after school?" Just then, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts. Noelle turned to see a handsome man and took a moment to recognize him. It was Cedric. She was used to seeing him in a lab coat and mask, and he was almost unrecognizable when he dressed casually. "Well?" Cedric pressed when she did not respond. "I don't want to go home yet. I was looking for a place to study," she explained. "Come with me," he said simply. Noelle hesitated before following him to the school infirmary. She stood at the door and asked, "Why here? I'm not sick anymore." Cedric gestured to a desk. "It's quieter than any study room. Safer, too." After considering his reasoning, Noelle agreed. "Thanks for letting me stay," she said, taking out her books and settling down to work. Cedric glanced at her before heading to the examination room. He closed the door behind him. When Noelle finally looked up, she realized how late it had gotten. Then, she noticed a nameplate with Cedric's photo on the desk. "So, his name is Cedric Greene," she thought. "Are you done snooping?" Cedric's voice made her jump. Noelle blushed, quickly putting the nameplate back. "I wasn't snooping; I just happened to see it." "Finished with your homework?" "Most of it. I'll ask my teachers about the parts I don't understand tomorrow." Cedric picked up her notebook. "You can't solve these basic problems?" Feeling slightly discouraged, Noelle looked down at her book. "I wasn't a good student before. I was distracted by other things." "Listen up because I'm only explaining this once," Cedric said as he grabbed a pen and began working through the problems on scratch paper. Noelle froze, looking at the man before her. Complicated emotions swelled within her. Because of Xenia, she had no friends, and even teachers seemed to dislike her. No one had ever voluntarily helped her with schoolwork before. Cedric glanced at her and remarked, "With that attention span, you must be daydreaming through all your classes!" Snapping out of her thoughts, Noelle quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I'll pay attention." Seeing her obedient response, Cedric paused briefly before patiently continuing his explanation. The warm evening light cast a gentle glow around them as she sat at the desk while he stood beside her with one hand on the table. He diligently demonstrated the problem-solving process. "Your thinking is very linear. Can't you connect the dots? This uses the same method as the last question," he critiqued. "How did you miss such an obvious misdirection? What's the point of having eyes if you're not using them? "Have you ever tested your IQ? Are you sure you passed? Redo this question!" His tone was calm, but his words were sharp and unrelenting, cutting straight to the core. Fortunately, Noelle had already braced herself for Cedric's personality. She might have cracked under pressure if she had not known who he was. Nevertheless, she persevered through his harsh teaching style. As she packed up her completed work, she said, "Thank you, Dr. Greene. You're amazing for remembering all of this." Cedric twirled his pen, studying her. "Can't your guardians hire tutors for you?" "I don't want to owe them anything," Noelle replied quietly. She knew that she could not afford tutoring and refused to ask the Liddells for help. Cedric's eyes lingered on her delicate profile. He observed how her lashes lowered, masking her emotions. "Dr. Greene," she said hesitantly, looking up. "Could I come to you with questions in the future?" He turned his head slightly, and his voice sounded slightly strained as he said, "No. I'm busy." Noelle was not upset by his blunt rejection and simply continued tidying up her things. Cedric tapped the desk a moment later and added, "Well, it depends on my mood." "Thank you!" Noelle smiled brightly before running off without waiting for his response. Cedric narrowed his eyes at her retreating figure, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips. Well, it would at least help pass the time. ... When Noelle arrived home that night, the Liddell family butler, Gordon Sloane, informed her, "Ms. Liddell, the others are having dinner out tonight." "Okay," she replied simply before heading to enjoy a rare peaceful dinner alone. She checked her phone and saw Xenia's social media post that read, "Having an amazing dinner with my brothers!" The photo showed her brothers smiling adoringly at the camera. Noelle barely glanced at it before closing the app and continuing her meal. The next morning at breakfast, only Xenia was present when Noelle arrived. Xenia boasted smugly, "I made so much progress at team practice yesterday." Noelle ate silently, ignoring Xenia's attempts to provoke her. Yet, Xenia remained cheerful, assuming Noelle's calm exterior masked her inner rage. After quickly finishing her breakfast, Noelle headed for the door. However, Aiden, who was standing nearby, firmly said, "Ms. Quigley isn't ready yet. We need to wait for her." Noelle got into the car and waited for over ten minutes, growing increasingly irritated. Glancing at the time, she snapped, "If she doesn't come soon, we're going to be late!" Her patience with the Liddell family was wearing thin. Just as she opened the car door to leave, Blake emerged from the house. He snapped, "Would it kill you to wait a few minutes for Xenia? Her father saved your life and didn't abandon you, yet you can't even show her this basic courtesy." Noelle's hand gripped the door handle tightly, her knuckles turning white.