No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

"But isn't your sister named Noelle? I don't recall her being called Xenia." Mia remained calm.

Seeing Mia's expression, Noelle finally felt relieved. It seemed that Mia wasn't as weak as she appeared.

Mia turned and handed Noelle a tissue.

Noelle took it. "Thank you."

"I should be the one saying that." Mia had overheard the conversation among the Liddells and knew what had happened.

Donovan muttered, "I'll get you another birthday gift."

He couldn't afford to offend the Cantrell family.

"No need. I actually like this dress." Mia walked toward Xenia. Though her pace was steady, it was clear her legs weren't in the best condition.

Xenia suddenly realized something. "Donovan, is... is she Ms. Cantrell?"

After all, Donovan was being overly nice, talking about birthday gifts, and this woman's legs didn't seem fully functional.

Donovan nodded. "That's right, she is."

Xenia's expression shifted, and she forced a smile. "Ms. Cantrell, I..."

"Don't even get me started." Mia glanced at the dress on Xenia. "Now, take off my birthday gift."

Xenia froze. "I... I didn't mean to..."

"Whether you meant to or not, don't you think it's rude to flaunt a dress that doesn't belong to you?"

Mia's words hit Xenia hard. The latter felt utterly humiliated, and a dark glint flashed in her eyes. That cripple didn't deserve to wear such a beautiful dress.

She quickly turned to Wyatt and sobbed, "Wyatt..."

But before she could continue, Mia grabbed her wrist. "I'm talking to you. Why are you-ouch!"

Xenia forcefully yanked her hand away, causing Mia to lose her balance.

"Careful!"

"Mia!"

Both Noelle and Donovan lunged forward. But Noelle was faster and caught Mia first. She looked at Mia with concern.

"Are you okay?"

Mia was stunned. Then, her cheeks flushed as she steadied herself. "I'm fine."

Donovan's outstretched hand

Hawkwardly in the air beforenoveldrama

he withdrew it. He then

sharply to Xenia. "You!" cla

"What the hell is wrong with you? Were you trying to push her on purpose?"

Noelle cut in before Donovan could finish.

Donovan looked at Noelle in surprise. Why was she stealing his lines?

Xenia shrank back beside Wyatt. "Wyatt, I really didn't mean it! I didn't know Ms. Cantrell would grab me."

"Xenia, I know you're innocent. I'll stand up for you." Wyatt turned to Mia. "Ms. Cantrell, don't try to frame Xenia. She has always been kind and would never do something like this. If your legs aren't in the besto condition, maybe you shouldn't go out..."

"Shut up!" Donovan roared as he slapped Wyatt.

Wyatt was stunned and yelled in disbelief, "Donovan, how could you hit me over some cripple-"

Before he could finish, Noelle

Let

grabbed a wine bottle and poured it straight into his mouth. He

tshut up already! Con it