No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Noelle took the card and turned to Emma. "Thank you for vouching for me."

To become a member here, one needed more than just status. Someone had to guarantee them. It was thanks to Emma's backing that Noelle had been able to join.

Emma smiled. "It's nothing. Come on, let me show you around."

Laura spoke up. "Mrs. Greene, I'm afraid you'll have to return Noelle to me. We still have a meeting today."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot. I'll come along and listen in, then." Emma nodded.

"I'd love that." Laura took Emma's arm as they walked, discussing matters concerning both families. Their conversation was seamless, and their rapport was evident.

Noelle couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling of being an extra with Emma around. After all, Laura almost became Emma's daughter-in-law.

Before long, they arrived at a banquet hall.

As soon as Laura entered, someone approached. "Didn't you go pick someone up? What took so long? Who was important enough to make you fetch them personally ?"

"Noelle is here for the first time and wasn't a member, so I had to bring her in," Laura introduced Noelle.

The woman who had spoken earlier observed Noelle. "I heard your charity auction event was pretty underwhelming.

"Yes, the venue setup was so plain. Those invited would know it was a charity event. But others might have thought it was a beggars' gathering."

Xenia interjected. "I was in charge of that event. Samantha even gave me the materials from a previous event Laura had organized as a reference. But in the end, Noelle said the decorations were too extravagant and had everything replaced."

With that, she placed all the blame on Noelle.

Noelle looked indifferent. "I don't think a charity auction needs luxury decorations. That's just a waste of money."

Samantha huffed. "So you're saying my sister usually wastes money?"

"Samantha, what are you talking about? Noelle didn't mean that. She's not in the wrong either." Laura tried to smooth things over.

Laura was getting a headache. Couldn't Samantha think before speaking? Didn't she see Emma was here? Saying things like this would only drag her down, too!

Emma also backed Noelle. "I actually agree that charity events should be more frugal. It's a waste to spend more on decor rather than helping those in need."

Noelle felt a wave of gratitude at Emma's support.

Laura quickly adjusted her stance. "Noelle,

talk to was actually planning to

talk to you about this. Our previous setups did cost a lot. We'll learn from you and make some changes."

Emma nodded approvingly. "I'm glad you think that way, Laura."

"I need to keep improving so I don't let everyone down."

After hearing Laura's thought-out response, Noelle understood Emma once considered Laura as a

potential daughter-in-law. Lauramet

ability to navigate conversations so smoothly was something few could match.

The brief commotion passed. No one dared to argue against Emma. Emma kept Noelle by her side, introducing her to various ladies.

Laura's heart dropped as she watched this unfold. Although she had initially

planned to make her move on the day of the event, she couldn't wait any longer.

She gave one of her people a look. Soon, several boxes were brought in.noveldrama

Laura spoke up. "Everyone, come take a look. These are items

donated through our foundationet

mostly sanitary pads. Let's decide which brand is most suitable."

It's

Noelle stepped closer and saw that the brands varied widely. Suddenly, someone picked up a pack and exclaimed, "Who bought this? They're all expired!"

Noelle's heart skipped a beat. She remembered their foundation had purchased that exact brand. Did Xenia tamper with it?