Winter exchanged a glance with Annie, who nodded and then looked over at Noelle.
Noelle noticed Suzy and Simon leaving and pretended to feel dizzy, stumbling a few steps. Winter quickly came over to support her. "Noelle, what's wrong?"
Noelle shook her head and smiled weakly. "It's nothing. I probably just drank too fast. I'm fine."
"You're still saying you're fine when you're in this state? Look at you. Come on, let me help you rest for a bit. We won't be cutting the cake just yet. We're waiting for your brother-in-law to arrive," Winter said in a caring tone. "Let's go."
"No need," Noelle refused, shaking her head. "It's your birthday today. It wouldn't be right for you to leave. I'll just sit here for a bit."
Winter appeared to hesitate. "How about this? I'll ask Annie to take you to the rest area instead."
She gave Annie a subtle look. "Annie, could you help take my sister to rest?"
"Of course!" Annie responded, moving to support Noelle. "Come on, I'll take you over."
"Thank you," Noelle replied with a faint smile. The next moment, she pretended to lose her balance, leaning heavily on Annie. Annie supported her as they left while Winter watched Noelle's retreating figure with a smirk.
"Noelle, this time, you won't escape disgrace."
Winter signaled to a few people hidden in the crowd, who then discreetly followed behind.
As they walked, Annie whispered to Noelle, "You should knock me out later and then either return to the hall or leave. Simon is unpredictable. He's not working with Winter, but if he tries anything, I might not be able to stop him."
"Alright, but knocking you out seems a bit extreme, doesn't it?" Noelle hesitated.
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