No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 1267

After Noelle returned to her room, she lay in bed and thought about what Carl had said earlier. Rolling over, she picked up her phone and texted Cedric.

He'd asked if he'd done anything in the dream, and she figured now might be the time to tell him. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

It was Frank who stood outside and asked, "Noelle, is it okay if I come in?"

"What's up?"

"I brought your gift."

Noelle thought about it before sitting up. "Sure, come in."

Frank opened the door and entered, followed by Blake and Lucas, each carrying a gift. Noelle glanced at them and said, "Gifts received."

Upon hearing that, Frank was the first to speak up. "Don't take what Carl said to heart."

On the other hand, Blake was more direct. "It was wrong of him to use the antidote as leverage. Does he think we can't tell what he's doing?"

"I don't mind either," Noelle replied flatly.

Blake nodded. "Fair enough. You just have to hold out until Mrs. Greene's treatment is over, and after that, you won't have to deal with him anymore."

That was Noelle's plan, but of course, she wasn't going to admit that loud. Blake might have said so just to test her out.

Frank chimed in and attempted to ease the tension. "It's fine, Noelle. We'll back you up. If Carl tries to force you into anything again, just tell us."

"Can you handle him?" Noelle shot back, sounding skeptical and mocking.

Frank nodded. "Of course."

"I don't want to join the family for New Year's dinner then." After saying that, Noelle noticed the surprise on Frank's face.

He hesitatingly asked, "Can't we even have one meal with the family?"

"You see? You're all the same," Noelle said, brushing past him and leaving the room.

Carl was visibly annoyed. "Whose side are you on?"

"I'm on the side of facts. While I don't particularly like Cedric, there's no denying that he treats Noelle far better than we ever did."

Then, he turned to Noelle and continued, "Stay the night after dinner, and I'll take you back to the Greene residence tomorrow. Mrs. Greene Senior treats you well, and it's only right to spend the holiday with her. You should also get her a gift."

Noelle turned to Blake in surprise. She hadn't expected that from him.

Sure enough, Carl was displeased and slammed his hand on the table. "Stop deciding everything on your own, Blake. Noelle will return to Liddell Manor with us for the New Year."

"What's the difference? The Liddell residence is home, too, and there's no need to go all the way back to Aldoria. Plus, who knows what people will say if Noelle doesn't visit Mrs. Greene Senior during the holidays?

"And don't think you can pressure Noelle with the antidote again," Blake warned as he met Carl's gaze head-on.

"When have I ever done that? I just made a suggestion, and she agreed to it."

Then, Carl turned to Noelle and pressed. "Tell them, Noelle. Did I threaten you?"