Noah thought he must have misheard. "Who?"


    "You," Ruby said with a faint smile. "Noah."


    She reached for his ss with her slender fingers, stood up, and walked over to him. "Be good. Drink up."


    "Whoa..." Amelia chimed in, her exaggerated enthusiasm adding fuel to the moment.


    L, sitting nearby, leaned over, plucked the card from Amelia''s hand, and nced at it.


    Then, without a word, she shoved it back into the pile.


    Sure enough, Amelia had made it up.


    Amelia just grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling as she watched the scene unfold. Noah looked visibly torn, his reluctance in, but he seemed unable to refuse.


    He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, wearing the expression of someone being cornered into doing something ridiculous.


    As the gathering wound down, L excused herself to use the restroom. On her way back, she spotted Noah standing alone at the end of the hallway.


    She walked over, her voice soft as she spoke. "If you don''t feel likeing next time, just don''t."


    For once, Noah''s expression was unusually serious. "It''s fine. A little noise helps clear my head. Otherwise, being alone all the time isn''t much better."


    He paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, "How are things with you and Uncle Kierantely?"


    L chuckled softly. "We''re doing great. Starting over, dating from scratch."


    Noah nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like one of those drama plots you''re always into—married first, loveter. And there''s even that whole childhood sweetheart angle."


    She smiled, nodding.


    Seeing her expression, Noah seemed genuinely happy for her. "Nice. Just make sure you keep an eye on your man. Don''t let anyone stir up trouble."


    L raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"


    "You didn''t notice? Ruby fed me that drink just now. It wasn''t just for fun. That was aimed at you."


    L blinked, surprised.


    After a brief pause, she asked, "That''s how you see it?"


    "What else could it be?" Noah replied, his toneced with mild irritation as if he couldn''t believe she wasn''t on the same page.


    He paused, and then added, "But... it could also be for a different reason."


    L watched him expectantly.


    Noah could be a little full of himself at times, but now and then, his overthinking managed to hit the mark.


    Maybe this would be one of those rare moments where he stumbled upon the truth.


    The hope barely had time to take root before Noah opened his mouth, and L realized she''d expected too much.


    He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "She''s probably still holding a grudge because I told everyone


    about her failed confession baget


    then. Now she''s deliberately picking me to make people specte even more about her and Uncle Kieran."


    L was momentarily at a loss for words.


    After a brief pause, she asked, "Have you considered any other possibilities?"


    Noah gave it some serious thought for about two seconds before shaking his head. "Nope."


    "Ame told her to pick the guy she''s most interested in. What if she does like you?" L said.


    "Impossible!" Noah shot back, rejecting the idea instantly without so much as a second of consideration.


    "What are you two talking about?" Ruby''s voice interrupted them as she approached.


    Her face held a gentle smile, making her seem even more elegant andposed.


    L''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Noah just said... he kind of likes you, and he— mmph!"


    Before she could finish, Noah mped a hand over her mouth.


    Under normal circumstances, L would never meddle in someone else''s rtionships.


    But she had noticed Noah paying unusually close attention to Ruby, attention that might hint at feelings he wasn''t fully aware of yet.


    All she nned to do was give him a little nudge. After that, the rest was up to them.


    "Don''t say stuff like that!" Noah hissed, his voice low.


    in


    L raised her eyebrows, signaling for him to let go. Once free, she lowered her voice to a whisper. "You''re always so worried about Ms. Clemence ruining things between me and Uncle Kieran, right?


    "Well, if you distract her, she won''t have time to mess with us. Sacrifice yourself


    for the greater good! If there were a ''Good Person of the Year'' award, you''d


    definitely win."


    She gave him a pat on the shoulder, her expression one of mock solemnity, as though bestowing a great mission upon him.


    Noah froze, staring at her. "That... kind of makes sense, but at the same time, it feels a little off."


    Ruby''s eyes flickered with interest for the briefest of moments before her usual calm returned.


    She let out a softugh. "Mrs. Morgan, don''t tease me. It''s gettingte, and we should head back."


    L nudged Noah with her elbow, gesturing for him to make a move. Caught off guard, he blurted out, "I''ve been drinking, I can''t drive." Ruby chuckled lightly. "Then I''ll drive you home."


    When he didn''t respond immediately, Ruby''s eyes dimmed briefly before she spoke again. If you don''t want me to that''s fine. You can call a cab instead. I just take Mrs. Morgan home."


    Her expression remainedposed, but there was a fleeting hint of emotion that


    disappeared as quickly as it came.


    Noah''s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing.


    Take L home? That would mean a chance to run into Kieran!


    This wasn''t just a casual offer-this was a trap!