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55 vouchers
Part of their family? Joshua never mentioned that there was a design genius in his family, Xylia thought.
Eliza looked at Xylia with a smile.
“You’ll get to knowter.”
Xylia also didn’t continue to ask.
Today, she had chosen not to use her wheelchair. A little walking was good for her recovery, though she couldn’t stand for long.
After a short stroll, Eliza guided her to a seat nearby.
“Xylia, sit here for a moment. I just spotted an acquaintance and wanted to say hello. I’ll be right back.”
“Got it,” Xylia replied softly
Once Eliza left, Xylia rubbed her ankle, her gaze drifting toward the crown disyed on the stand.
To be honest, she preferred the jewelry beside it–a set of pearl hair essories.
Intricately woven from smooth and delicate pearls throughplex craftsmanship, blending romantic style with traditional aesthetics to create a look that was both unique and refined.
The sharp click of heels interrupted her thoughts.
Xylia saw a tall, beautiful woman walk up to the disy booth. She took out her camera and took several photos of the crown.
Then she walked to a spot not far away, in front of Eliza.
After a brief greeting, Eliza delightedly embraced her.
“Noelle, when did you get back? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Noelle smiled warmly and said, “Thepetition ended early, so I returned ahead of schedule. Yesterday, Joshua messaged me. He said he wanted to talk.”
At that, a faint blush spread across her cheeks.
Joshua unexpectedly took the initiative to message her, which made her so excited that she immediately purchased a ne ticket and came back early.
Eliza’s heart ached at the sight of her excitement, but she quickly masked it.
“Come, Noelle. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Eliza, holding Noelle, walked up to Xylia.
8:21 Thu, Sep 18 N
Xylia rose politely as they approached.
:
Eliza, holding Xylia’s hand, introduced her to Noelle, saying, “Noelle, this is Xylia Sadler.”
She then teased, “Maybe she’ll soon be your sister–inw.”
<b>89 </b>
55 vouchers
Noelle’s expression changed; the smile at the corner of her lips froze, then she pressed her lips into a straight line.
Her gaze toward Xylia carried a sh of hostility, though she quickly smothered it and forced a smile.
She smiled and greeted Xylia, saying, “Hello, Ms. Sadler. My name is Noelle Coffey, Joshua’s younger sister.”
Xylia was taken aback by Eliza’s teasing remark. Though she felt ufortable, she didn’t exin herself.
She shook Noelle’s outstretched hand. “Hello.”
Eliza immediately continued the conversation, gesturing toward the crown at the exhibition booth as she introduced it to Xylia.
“The jewelry designer genius I just mentioned is Noelle.“”
Noelle gave a gentle smile and, holding Eliza’s arm, acted coquettishly towards her.
“I am not as aplished as you. You are truly a leading figure in the field of jewelry design.”
“I’ve been out of the scene for years, now it’s just a hobby for me. Your talent is even greater than mine was when I was your age.”
Their close bond was obvious, leaving Xylia on the sidelines. Only after their exchange ended did she interject with a polite smile.
“Ms. Coffey, winning such a prestigious award at your age is truly impressive.”
Noelle’s smile faded when she faced Xylia.
“Thank you for yourpliment, Miss Sadler.”
Noelle’s attitude toward Xylia was not enthusiastic. Compared to her warmth toward Eliza, her attitude toward Xylia was noticeably cold.
Xylia sensed that Noelle didn’t like her.
She searched her memory and confirmed that she had neither met Noelle nor offended her before.
‘Perhaps it’s simply a sh of temperament,‘ she thought.
Not long after, Noelle tugged Eliza’s sleeve. “Let’s go out for dinner. You have to keep mepany.”
Eliza spoiled her, and she agreed at once.
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Noelle looked at Xylia.
“Are you going to join us?”
55 vouchers
Although she was soliciting Xylia’s opinion, her tone was distinctly cold, as if she hoped Xylia would refuse.
Xylia had no intention of forcing herself where she wasn’t wee. She smiled faintly. “No, thank you. You two go ahead.”
“No way!” Eliza objected immediately. “I was the one who brought you out. I won’t leave you behind. Come with us. It’ll just be the three of us girls.”
Xylia shook her head. “It’s alright, Mrs. Garcia. I’m a bit tired and want to go back and rest. I’ll take a taxi and leave in a while, so you go ahead.”
Eliza considered her injuries to the hands and feet and understood that she could notpel her to go along.
“At least let the driver take you home. I’m notfortable letting you take a taxi by yourself.”
Xylia considered for a moment and agreed.
She got into the car driven by the Garcia family’s driver and headed in the direction of the Sadler Mansion.
She couldn’t help but recall how Joshua had once disguised himself as the family’s driver. The memory made her smile.
Had he revealed his true identity earlier, she might never have epted his help.
‘Help. That word lingered in her mind. ‘Was her feeling for Joshua merely gratitude or dependence?‘
*****
At a restaurant, Eliza and Noelle sat facing each other.
Eliza studied her closely, recalling the hostility Noelle had shown toward Xylia at the exhibition.
She was aware that Noelle had always harbored feelings for Joshua. But love couldn’t be forced.
The woman Joshua had longed for all these years was Xylia, not Noelle.
Moreover, Joshua was stubborn by nature; once he had made up his mind about someone, he rarely changed it.
She had repeatedly tried to persuade Noelle, both openly and discreetly, but unfortunately, Noelle stubbornly insisted on going her own way.
With Joshua’s marriage approaching, she decided it was time for an honest talk. After all, she still cherished Noelle as a daughter.
“Noelle, how long will you be staying this time? When you have time, let’s formally register your information under the Garcia family. That way, you’ll officially be our daughter, and no one will dare to bully you in the
8:21 Thu, Sep 18 <b>N </b>
future.”
Noelle paused while cutting the steak.
Eliza meant formally adopting her, and she would be Joshua’s legal sister.
That meant there could never be anything between her and Joshua.
Herplexion looked slightly unwell, and she remained silent, offering no response to Eliza.
Upon witnessing the situation, Eliza felt a pang of sympathy.
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“Noelle, Joshua has devoted his heart to a woman all these years. You know this. Feelings cannot be forced.”
“Is it Xylia?”
Noelle finally spoke. She raised her head expressionlessly.
Eliza met her dark, steady gaze and gave a small nod.
“I’ve met her before. She used to be Connor’s wife. This’ll be her second marriage. Do you and my uncle not mind?”
Eliza frowned. “Noelle, what do you mean by this?”
“Women who remarry are looked down upon. Do you truly think she’s worthy of Joshua?”
Eliza’s expression darkened, and her tone became serious.
“Should a woman’s worth be measured by marriage? Noelle, when did you begin to embrace such shallow, worldly views?”