No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Noelle was dizzy from all the kisses as her eyelashes fluttered. Finally, Cedric stopped and uttered in a hoarse voice, "They're probably here."

Upon hearing this, Noelle instantly sobered up. She'd almost forgotten they'd come to the gym to meet with the PR team, yet she was here getting all lovey- dovey with Cedric.

Her face flushed red as she tripped to break free from his arms, yet he refused to let go. He rested his chin on her shoulder. "Let me hold you a little longer."

"But they're all here... It wouldn't be okay for them to see us like this." Her voice was small and filled with embarrassment.

Still, Cedric refused to let go. "They've been here for a while. A few more seconds won't make a difference."

Noelle blushed even more as she stayed in his arms and listened to his strong and steady heartbeat. Her mind was a complete blank, still stuck on the kiss they'd just shared.

After some time, Cedric finally let go.

Noelle, who still had a flushed face, stammered, "I-I'll check outside."

Then, she scurried away almost as if she were fleeing. Cedric glanced at her and let out a low chuckle.

Outside, Noelle took a deep breath and patted her face. She needed to calm down, as keeping the team waiting wasn't polite. Sure enough, she looked up and saw the TG Public Relations team running on the treadmills.

Tilly noticed her and immediately walked over. "We saw that you were busy, so we didn't come over to interrupt. We figured we'd use the time to get some exercise. It's good for the body, too."

Noelle embarrassedly apologized. "I'm really sorry for keeping you waiting."

"It's nothing. Meeting at the gym is actually a great idea. Getting a workout during work hours is a win-win."

Tilly's words soon eased Noelle's worries. Seriously, who would dare interrupt the rich bachelor of Yasnia when he was making out with his plus-one? Plus, with Cedric involved, there wouldn't be anything that couldn't be solved.

Noelle led the team to the boxing area, where Cedric sat with a bottle of mineral water. He said, "Go ahead."

Tilly reported, "Ms. Liddell, we hacked into the Liddell residence's surveillance system last night and found that someone did sneak into the house in the middle of the night.

"But the intruder seemed very familiar with the surveillance layout. There was no clear footage of their face aside from a blurry silhouette."

"If they're familiar with the Liddell residence's surveillance setup, Xenia must've provided them with the information," Noelle pointed out.

"That's what we suspect, too. We're currently reviewing surrounding surveillance footage and have identified a few suspicious vehicles. We're investigating them one by one, but it'll take some time."

Noelle knew this wouldn't be easy. Still, the fact that they'd forced Sean to take such a risk and attempt

murder meant her strategy was winning. As long as they pushed Xenta into a corner, the peopte hiding behind her would eventually show themselves.

Noelle nodded. "We'll find the truth as long as there are clues."

Cedric gently ruffled her hair. "There are no secrets in this world that stay hidden forever. It's only a matter of time before we uncover everything. You did great."

"It's just a shame that Gordon was murdered, and they pinned all the blame on him. We still can't bring down Xenia yet."

She'd hoped they could finally take Xenia down and added in a slightly regretful voice, "I don't think this was the first time Sean committed a murder.

"Do you remember Betty, who helped Xenia cheat during the college entrance exams? I think it was Sean, too."

If Sean could easily take a life, he must be associated with her parents' death, too! It hadn't been just an accident!noveldrama

Cedric found it equally suspicious and agreed that the driver from back then was problematic. He said, "Since we've found some clues, we'll get to the bottom of it. I promise."

He wondered if Noelle would hate him a little less if he uncovered the truth about the car accident.

Noelle nodded. "Hopeful Hearts Foundation is holding a charity sales event tomorrow, and that little bitch will definitely make a move. This

time, I'm going to get solid proof of

her embezzlement and see how she

talks her way out of it."

After their boxing practice, Noelle and Cedric had a meal together before he drove

her back to the Liddell residence.

"Call me if anything happens. Don't try to handle things alone. If there's fighting to do, let me take care of it, and don't dirty your hands."

"Got it." Noelle was starting to like him more and more.

After getting out of the car, she waved at him before heading into the Liddell residence. The main hall was brightly lit, and all her brothers were present while Xenia sat behind Donovan.

Noelle looked up and said, "Wow, everyone's here. Having a family meeting?"

Donovan was the first to question in a sharp tone. "Didn't Frank say you broke up with that poor school doctor a long time ago? Why are you still messing around with him? Are you that desperate for a man?"