No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Lucas' expression shifted as he looked at the man sitting beside Noelle. "That's the school doctor," he said.

Donovan frowned. "The school doctor? Why does he look so familiar?"

Lucas glanced at him. "Donovan, have you met him before?"noveldrama

Donovan narrowed his eyes and studied the man. "There's a resemblance, but I've only seen him from a distance, given his status," he muttered.

The Liddells were nothing compared to the Greene family. There was no way the heir of the Greenes would be at an event like this, let alone be involved with Noelle.

Donovan shook his head and convinced himself it must have been a mistake.

The host stepped onto the stage with a bright smile, holding a microphone. "Welcome, everyone! We're thrilled to have you here today. Our first Outstanding Youth Award goes to this year's youngest recipient-Yasnia's top exam scorer, Ms. Noelle Liddell!"

Donovan's expression twisted in disbelief. "What? She actually won?"

Noelle froze in shock when she heard her name.

He couldn't help but wonder when Noelle had become so capable.

Lucas grinned. "It's great. Noelle's incredible, and I'm proud of her."

However, Donovan felt something sink inside him. His emotions churned uncomfortably.

Noelle took a deep breath as she stepped onto the stage. This felt like the beginning of something new.

After her speech, the host turned to Noelle with a warm smile. "Ms. Liddell, not only are you the top scorer this year, but you were also involved in a highly successful game development project. Despite your young age, you've achieved so much. You've mentioned before that your family played a big role in your success. Since the Liddells are here tonight, let's hear from them!"

Then, she handed the microphone to Donovan.

Donovan held it awkwardly, as if it were burning his hand. With all eyes on him, his face flushed hot.

"Noelle's achievements today wouldn't have been possible without the support and guidance from her family," Donovan said smoothly.

His years of business dealing had made him adept at polite public statements. Familiar faces in the crowd congratulated him.

"Mr. Liddell, you must be proud to have such an accomplished sister," someone said.

"You'll have to share your secrets to raising a top scorer," another added with a chuckle.

Donovan smiled politely. "Well, her grades are good, but her personality could use some work."

Noelle's success suddenly seemed like a valuable asset. If she could acknowledge her mistakes, he might consider letting her return to the family.

Noelle let out a scoff as she listened. The Liddells had some nerve.

After Donovan's brief speech, the host looked back at Noelle. "Ms. Liddell, is there anything you'd like to add?"

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Noelle looked at Donovan with a hint of amusement in her gaze. "I find it funny," she said calmly. "It's amusing how someone who contributed nothing to my success can stand here and claim credit for myo achievements."

The host was taken aback. "Ms. Liddell, could you explain what you mean?"

"It's simple," Noelle said without hesitation. "Before the exams, they forced me to take time off to participate in team competitions. If I refused, they threatened to cut off my living expenses. I barely made it to the exams thanks to

scholarships.

"When my scores improved, they accused me of cheating and tried to make me admit to something I didn't do. They didn't believe in me-not even for a second. So tell me, why did they have the nerve to call themselves my family?"

Then, she added, "I've already cut ties with the Liddells. I don't have a family anymore."

The room exploded in whispers.

Donovan's face burned with rage. Anger rose in his chest like a cloud of smoke.

He had never been so humiliated. How could Noelle dare to say something like this in front of the media?

He clutched his chest, feeling suffocated.