No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Marvin's words caught Noelle off guard, but she did not let it show. Instead, she turned to her team and said, "Let's head up to the lounge upstairs. There's no point in interrupting Mr. Merlock from socializing with others."

Laura's face instantly darkened. "Ms. Liddell, what's that supposed to mean?"

"We don't drink, so we'll leave you to your fun. Consider it a favor," Noelle replied coolly.

Samantha snapped, "Noelle, who do you think you are? Even Laura has to book the VIP lounge a month in advance. Mr. Wilcher, are you sure you didn't make a mistake?"

Marvin remained calm. "There was no mistake. Ms. Liddell reserved the VIP lounge."

Noelle glanced at Laura. "Didn't realize the VIP lounge was so exclusive. You're welcome to join us upstairs if you'd rather."

Laura stiffened but stayed silent.

...noveldrama

As Noelle led her team upstairs, Grace walked beside her and whispered, "That was so satisfying. You should've seen the looks on the Merlock sisters' faces." Noelle squeezed Grace's hand. "Are you okay after what happened earlier?"

"I'm fine. But did you actually record the video?" Grace asked.

Noelle shook her head. "Didn't get the chance. But guilty people panic easily, so it doesn't matter."

The team filed into the VIP lounge, but Noelle spotted Tilly from TG Public Relations talking to a server nearby. Curious, she walked over.

Tilly tensed when she saw her. "Ms. Liddell."

"Was this your doing?" Noelle asked.

"Actually, Mr. Greene instructed us to handle

everything for you," Tilly

admitted carefully, knowing tensions

high between them.

Noelle had assumed Mia had arranged it. However, after hearing the VIP lounge required a month's notice, she had started suspecting Cedric's involvement, and seeing Tilly only confirmed it.

Tilly hesitated before adding, "I wasn't going to interfere, but the Merlocks were out of line. I couldn't just stand by."

"Thank you," Noelle said. She genuinely appreciated the gesture.

Back in the lounge, she struggled to focus. Grace, ever the gossip, leaned in. "So, was Mia the one who got us the VIP spot?"

Now that Grace knew Mia's connections, it was the obvious assumption. Noelle forced a nod, not about to admit that Cedric was behin it—not after their breakup. Later, she slipped out to go to the restroom and froze when she saw a familiar figure leaning against the wall, seemingly texting somebody.

Cedric straightened when he noticed her, his gaze intense. "Done eating?"

"Not yet. Just a bathroom break. About the lounge... I owe you one," she said, looking straight at him.

"You don't owe me anything. The lounge is yours whenever you want it—no membership needed," he said softly.

Meanwhile, Noelle suddenly panicked and avoided his stare.

After Cedric received Tilly's call, he could not help but rush over. He took a step closer and whispered, "Actually-"

But before he could say more, Raymond's voice cut in. "Captain?"

Noelle turned to see Raymond watching them, and she awkwardly asked, "You're done?"

"Just stepping out for a smoke," he replied.