But Noah wasn''t exaggerating. Everyone in his family spoiled L. His older brother, Nathan, and his dad, who lived abroad most of the time, woulde home with gifts they specially selected for L. But they never did that for him.


    Just like L, Noah had nothing to show, but he was the target of the family''s criticisms. At the same time, they would celebrate all of L''s little wins, such as receiving a minor award for her movie. Such celebrations were usually reserved for huge asions, such as the major holidays.


    Ruby immediately got it. She sounded envious. "Well, she''s quite lucky, then."


    "Not really." With a frown, Noah said, "You have no idea how difficult her life used to be."


    After a brief pause, he waved. "Forget about it. I shouldn''t bring it up.''


    He turned to her. "Ms. Clemence."


    "Just Ruby, please," she replied, looking up with clear eyes.


    He hesitated. "Whatever happened in the past, L is now part of our family. No one can hurt her. Got it?"


    He watched her from the corner of his eyes. It wasn''t until she nodded that he looked away.


    But Ruby felt a little puzzled by his choice of words. "But hasn''t Ms. Hart always been part of your family?"


    He snapped speechlessly, "d you''re aware." He couldn''t believe she had been pedantic with him for no reason.


    He thought, "My entire family will not forgive you if you eye anything that belongs to L!"


    After their conversation, they arrived at the table L had sat down at. Kieran was speaking with the waiter.


    Ruby immediately tried to sit beside L, but Noah pulled her away. "Sit here." Noah was annoyed at her. Did she forget about his warning just now? Was she trying toe between L and Kieran, and break up their rtionship?


    Like a guardian of L and Kieran''s rtionship, Noah made Ruby sit in the innermost corner so that she was neither seated between the couple nor across from Kieran.


    Ruby did not look displeased when Noah puffed her over to sit beside him. With a smile, she took a cup and asked Noah, "Can you get me some water?"


    She turned to the cup before L. "Ms. Hart, do you want some water too?"


    L nodded. Ruby picked up her cup and handed it to Noah, saying, "Sorry for the trouble."


    While pouring the two cups of water,


    Noah stole a nce at Ruby. Ruby seemed like a youngdy from a reputable family who had seen it all. She carried herself with poise without betraying any emotion; she even expressed care to her love rival.


    The faint smile on L''s face annoyed Noah. He silently clicked his tongue. Why


    did the Morgan family raise such a silly, gullible girl?


    Kieran took his seat and set the


    utensils for L. He said, "The food


    but


    here might not be to your taste, b you can give it a tryter. When we''re back at the hotel, I''ll whip something up for you."


    L nodded. The conversation unfolded leisurely.


    Ruby piped up, "How long have you been here? Do you n to visit other ces?"


    Noah gave her a side-eye, thinking, "You already knew everything, so why did you ask? Look at you, prodding around for their itinerary."


    Noah cut her off tly. "After thispetition, another one will be hosted back in the country. Do you want to attend?"


    Ruby gave him a slightly surprised look. Amused, she said, "This is the first time you invited me to watch yourpetition."


    "Are you going alone or with friends? I can get two of the best seats for you." Noah treated it like a business.


    "Alone, I guess." She looked at L. "Will your trip end by then? Would you like to join me?"


    Noah shot Ruby a bewildered look, shocked that she could guide the


    conversation back to L somehow.


    Why was Ruby so obsessed with Kieran?


    Noticing L''s confusion, Ruby rified, "Would you like to join me and watch


    Noahpete?"