No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

"I'll be starting school in two months and won't have a fixed schedule for streaming every day," Noelle explained over the phone.

Firestorm's representative responded, "That's no problem! We can adjust the terms, so you only need to stream on weekends. We'll have no requirements for weekdays. How does that sound?" Noelle was surprised. She couldn't believe that they were willing to be that flexible.

"I'll think about it," she said.

"Our streaming platform is very competitive. Don't let the people at Starlight mislead you. We saw they offered you 500 thousand dollars, right? We're ready to double that one million dollars a year. What do you think?" Noelle felt tempted. "That's a great offer. Let me consider it and get back to you later."

After ending the call, she left the study. Cedric was sitting on the couch with his phone in hand.

On the other end of the line, a voice said, "Sir, the executives at Firestorm have been instructed as you requested-"

Hearing Noelle's footsteps, Cedric promptly hung up and looked up at her. "There are fruits on the table."

Noelle's throat felt slightly dry, so she grabbed the fruit platter. "Firestorm just called. They're willing to let me stream only on weekends and even offered a one million signing bonus."

"They see your potential. Signing you is a smart investment."

Noelle was in a good mood. "That solves my tuition fees and living expenses."

Since leaving the Liddell family, she hadn't touched her credit cards or any of the bank savings from her childhood.

Cedric's gaze was deep as he asked, "Is there anything else you want to do?"

His question caught Noelle off guard.

"Not really. Earning money takes care of my biggest worry for now."

After finishing her fruits, she returned to her place next door to rest.

Only then did Alfred walk out of his bedroom slowly. "Ced, you've paved the way for Nelly. She's set for the future. Isn't it time for you to leave?"

Cedric's expression darkened slightly. "I'll leave after she starts school."

Hearing that, Alfred had a slight headache. "You can't fall for her. Nelly's great, but you two aren't a good match."

That accident years ago ensured that the two of them could never be together.

Noelle still had no idea who Cedric really was. If she ever found out, things between them wouldn't be as peaceful.

If only that accident hadn't happened...

...

The next day, Noelle agreed to sign with Firestorm. After all, her goal for streaming was to earn money.

They sent her an invitation. It read, "We're hosting an influencer social event tomorrow night. Feel free to attend if you have the time." Noelle looked at the invite. In her past life, she had desperately wanted to go to the event, but Lucas brought Xenia there instead. She had many regrets in her past life.

However, such events required formal evening wear. Since she had left the Liddell family, she only brought basic clothes with her. Noelle walked next door to find both Cedric and Alfred missing.

She found a note scrawled with messy handwriting on the table that read, "Nelly, we're out to run some errands!" It was unmistakably Alfred's handwriting. Noelle decided to go shopping herself.

Noelle took a cab to the shopping mall she had frequently gone to. This time, being able to spend her own money gave her a new sense of confidence. "Noelle? What are you doing here?"

She turned to see Rachel, her class president. Noelle smiled and said, "I'm here to buy clothes."

"Is it for tomorrow night's influencer event?"

"How did you know?"

"Just a guess. My brother's a crew member of the event, and he mentioned that SweetNelly might attend."

Noelle didn't bother hiding it. "Are you here alone?"

"I just left an internet café. My family doesn't let me play games at home. Want some company while you shop? I've got nothing else to do anyway." Noelle didn't refuse and let Rachel tag along. The two headed to the top floor of the mall.

Rachel looked at the brands around them and said, "The clothes here look expensive."

"Don't worry. I've got money."

Noelle confidently walked into a designer boutique. A store attendant greeted her immediately, "Ms. Liddell, how may I assist you?"

A voice broke through, saying, "Noelle's credit cards are frozen. Where would she get money to shop here?"

Xenia smugly strolled in with Betty.