No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 2

All eyes turned to Noelle as soon as she showed up. Despite the crowd's attention, she remained indifferent.

She wore a simple T-shirt, but an exquisite antique tiara sat on her head. An emerald necklace adorned her neck, while diamond and gold bracelets decorated her wrist. Her finger also bore a large pink diamond ring.

Laughter erupted from the crowd.

"Look at how tacky she is! How could she pile on all her accessories like that? She's like a flamboyant nouveau riche!"

"I bet she's doing this on purpose to show off and make Xenia look bad."

Unfazed, Noelle swaggered up to Xenia and said, "Congratulations. You've finally become a part of the Liddell family."

In her previous life, her nightmare began the day Xenia joined her family. No matter how much she tried to please everyone or how obedient she was, her brothers all still sided with Xenia. Frank had even once said that he wished Xenia were their biological sister.

This time, she wouldn't yearn for some stupid familial love.

Jealousy filled Xenia's chest as she saw how many lavish accessories Noelle had. Nevertheless, she kept her composure.

She shrunk back slightly and tentatively said, "Noelle, I know you're upset, but don't worry. I won't compete with you for your brothers' affection.

"I'll always be an outsider. You're their real sister. How could I possibly compare to you?"

Her eyes reddened as she spoke, looking pitifully fragile.

Noelle sneered. With that flawless act of hers, Xenia was indeed a remarkable actress. In her previous life, she had been a victim of Xenia's facade. She only saw the latter's true colors before her death.

Seeing this, Blake quickly intervened, "Don't cry, Xenia. You're not an outsider. From now on, you're my real sister."

Xenia dropped her gaze, a hint of smugness flickering in her eyes. Just then, Frank handed her a box. "Xenia, this is a gift for you."

Looking surprised, Xenia exclaimed, "Frank, wasn't this gift meant for Noelle? How could I possibly accept it?"

Noelle was not surprised when she saw the limited-edition figurine in the box. In her previous life, Frank had also "kindly" taken it upon himself to give the figurine she had waited for so long to Xenia as a form of apology.

"Take it," Frank urged. "She owes you this."

Visibly upset, Blake chimed in, "Noelle, even though Xenia doesn't hold a grudge about you pushing her into the water, and Frank has also given her a gift on your behalf, where's your gift for her?"

Noelle nodded. "I'm aware of that. That's why I've prepared a heartfelt apology gift." She began removing the accessories she wore, placing them one by one on a tray.

"Donovan gave me this antique tiara and this emerald necklace was from Frank.

"This century-old Ginrex herb was from Carl, and Blake gave this rare pink diamond ring.

"Wyatt gave this emerald bracelet, and finally, this gold trophy was from Lucas."

After placing everything on the tray, Noelle continued, "These are all very important to me. As a token of apology, I believe that giving these represents my utmost sincerity."

She anticipated that Blake would demand that she offer something to Xenia as a reparation, so she had prepared these items in advance.

Since Xenia's arrival, her brothers hadn't given her any meaningful gifts. Only these valuable items remained. After all, her brothers would ultimately reclaim these with various excuses and give them to Xenia instead.

Blake froze once he saw the items on the tray. Knowing that these were all items Noelle had cherished, he couldn't fathom her intention.

Frank's expression turned grim. "Noelle, what are you on about?"

"As I said, this is a token of my sincere apology. Do you think it's not enough?" Noelle remained calm and unwavering.

Astonishment crossed Xenia's face when she saw the items Noelle had laid out. She couldn't comprehend Noelle's actions. She wondered if this was the latter's attempt at appearing at a disadvantage to gain leverage.

"These are the gifts your brothers have given you, Noelle," she quickly said. "They're far too valuable. I can't possibly accept them!"

Infuriated, Blake fumed, "Exactly! These gifts were meant for you. How could you just give them away to others like that?"

Xenia's smile faltered. She bit her lip before saying, "Yeah. I'm just an outsider, Noelle. I don't deserve such gifts."

Realizing his slip, Blake immediately corrected himself and said, "Xenia, that's not what I meant. I'll pick out something new for you. You shouldn't take something someone else has already used."

"Thank you, Blake," Xenia said, beaming at him.

Blake's heart softened. He thought that this was how an obedient younger sister should act.

Meanwhile, Frank felt somewhat helpless. "Noelle, why are you throwing such a tantrum again?"