Fake Heiress Reborn Drops Masks Finds Family (Noelle and Sebastian) novel Chapter 328

Wesley’s voice followed, gentle, with a subtle note of guidance. “Mary, don’t think that way. She was out there for 20 years. She must’ve suffered. It’s normal if she’s a little guarded. The important thing is that she’s back. We can take it slow. Don’t put too much pressure on her, and don’t put so much on yourself either.”

“Take it slow? How am I supposed to take it slow?” Mary’s voice jumped despite herself. “Did you see her at dinner? She didn’t even look at me once. With that attitude, where’s the grace a proper young lady should have? And I heard at school she doesn’t fit in either, always alone, prickly like a hedgehog…”

“Mary!” Wesley lowered his voice. “You can’t say things like that. She’s our daughter now. The Guzmans‘ legitimate heiress.”

“I know!” Mary snapped, her emotions spilling over. “But I can’t help it. It just feels wrong! My daughter shouldn’t be like this. She should be-”

“Should be what?”

A cool, steady voice cut in without warning, slicing cleanly through Mary’s unfinished complaint.

Mary and Wesley both stiffened and spun around.

Noelle was standing a few steps away, somehow having appeared without a sound.

Moonlight fell over her, outlining a slim but straight figure.

Her face was blank, her eyes like a frozen lake, calm and cold as they looked at them.

Mary’s face drained of color. Her lips trembled, but not a single word came out. Everything she’d just said had clearly been heard.

Wesley was startled too, but he quickly forced a smile, trying to smooth things over. “Noey… when did you get here? We were just chatting…”

Noelle didn’t look at him. Her gaze stayed fixed on Mary’s pale, unsteady face.

The corner of her mouth lifted slightly, the curve holding no warmth at all. Her voice was clear and even.

“Mrs. Guzman, it seems my return has caused you a great deal of distress. Even … disgust.

“If my presence makes you this uncomfortable, I’ll do my best not to appear in front of you again. I appreciate Grandpa and my uncles‘ kindness, but forced affection only hurts everyone involved.”

With that, she didn’t spare a glance for Mary’s stricken expression or Wesley’s hesitation. She turned cleanly, her back straight, het steps decisive, without a trace of reluctance.

“Noey!” Wesley couldn’t help calling after her.

Noelle didn’t slow down, as if she hadn’t heard him at all.

Mary stood there, staring blankly at Noelle’s figure disappearing into the night, a chill spreading through her body.

That wasn’t what I meant… It really wasn’t… I was just confused, my thoughts a mess…

I’m happy–happy to have found my real daughter… right?

1/3

4:34 pm PD

Chapter 328 Calm and Cold

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Noelle didn’t stop. She crossed the garden and went straight into the brightly lit main house.

In the living room, Angus was chatting and laughing with the three uncles. Seeing her return so quickly, the smile was still on his face. “My dear girl, back from your walk already? Come here, your Uncle Kenny was just talking about when you were little-”

His words cut off when he saw her expression.

It was calm but colder than usual, with not a hint of warmth in her eyes.

“Grandpa, Uncle Brian, Uncle Kenny, Uncle Lance,” Noelle stopped at the entrance and interrupted evenly. “I just remembered! have something urgent to take care of. I need to leave.”

“Leave?” Angus froze and immediately stood up. “What’s so urgent? It’s almost 9 p.m. Can’t it wait until tomorrow? We’ve already had your room prepared…”

“It can’t wait, Grandpa. I have to deal with it tonight. Thank you for dinner. I was very happy.”

Brian Guzman sensed something was off. “Noey, is something wrong? Or did someone at home-”

“It’s nothing,” Noelle shook her head, cutting him off gently. “It really is just something urgent. I’ll be going now. You should all rest early.”

She inclined her head slightly to the elders, then turned and headed for the door, her steps firm, without hesitation.

“Hey, Noey! I’ll walk you out!” Lance stood up quickly.

“No need, Uncle Lance. The car’s already waiting outside.” Noelle didn’t turn back. Her voice faded as she stepped out.

Leaning on his cane, Angus hurried to the window. He watched Noelle’s slender figure get into the car, the black sedan pulling away at once and disappearing into the night.

He turned back, his expression dark, eyes sweeping over his three sons, who looked just as stunned and worried.

“What happened?” Angus demanded, anger edging his voice. “Dinner was fine just now. She goes out for a walk, and suddenly she’s leaving, with that look on her face?”

The three uncles exchanged glances. They had no idea either.

“Could it be… Mary?” Kenny adjusted his glasses, thinking aloud.

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