Noelle was curious, but she didn''t ask any further. After all, she and Laura weren''t close.


    However, Laura couldn''t ignore the blush on Noelle''s face or the rosy tint on her lips. Laura swallowed her bitterness. "Did youe to the gym alone, Ms. Liddell?"


    "No." Noelle didn''t exin and headed straight to the locker room.


    Laura watched her retreating figure with sorrow. She then walked toward the boxing area and finally spotted Cedric.


    She stepped forward. "Cedric, why have you been avoiding me these past few days?"


    Cedric''s expression hardened at Laura. He stared at her coldly. "Why would I be avoiding you?"


    Laura pressed on. "Then why haven''t you answered any of my calls?"


    "If it''s a work-rted matter, you should speak to thepany''s representative. I don''t see a reason for us to talk." He sounded indifferent.


    Laura''s eyes watered. "You''re cutting ties with me because of her?"


    "You need to understand that there was never anything between us." Cedric''s tone remained calm but firm. "I had my brother rify the rumors this time. But I''ll do it myself if your family keeps clinging to me."


    His gaze sharpened. "I''m only giving you a choice out of respect for our families'' history. Either you address it yourself, or I will. Think carefully."


    Laura paled. She never expected Cedric to be this ruthless, but she also knew he wasn''t bluffing. He would do it.


    Cedric''s patience was wearing thin. "You should leave before my girlfriend sees and gets the wrong idea."


    Laura clenched her fists. "Do you even know that she was dating an older man back in high school?"


    Cedric''s expression darkened. "I don''t want to hear any provocation again."


    Laura scoffed. "You''re saying you don''t care?"


    Cedric shook his head. "That ''older man'' was me. And we were just friends back then. Don''t spread baseless rumors about her."


    Laura was stunned. That school doctor was Cedric? Her mind raced. Why had Cedric been working as a lowlyschool doctor? Had he known Noelle all along?


    His expression hardened. "Go back and warn your sister. If she targets Noelle again, your family will regret it."


    Laura took a step back, shaken. Then, she turned and fled.


    Cedric narrowed his eyes. The Merlocks are getting bolder these days. He assumed they would take the hint after Magnus dismissed the engagement rumors.


    Not long after, Noelle returned in fresh clothes. Her face warmed when she saw him.


    "Oh, I forgot to tell you. The press conference a few days ago didn''t go well."


    "That was because I wasn''t there. We can always reschedule it. This time, there won''t be any issues Cedric looked at her seriously. "I ise."


    He regretted his business trip even more. He hadn''t expected Donovan to plot against Noelle.


    Noelle smiled. "No need."


    Cedric hummed. "What''s your n now?"


    Noelle shrugged. "I''m going back to the Liddell family."


    Cedric''s expression shifted. "Why?"