No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

At that moment, Laura felt her heart shatter. She had spent years by Emma's side, hoping to marry into the Greene family one day. Was her plan falling apart?

Laura forced herself to maintain her composure before walking over with a smile. "Mrs. Greene, Ms. Liddell, what are you both doing here?"

Noelle turned to Laura. She was dressed in a designer gown, and her smile was graceful and poised-the perfect image of a rich lady.

Before Noelle could speak, Emma answered, "I'm here to help Noelle get a membership card."

"Oh, I'm sorry! I've been so busy that I forgot Ms. Liddell was coming here for the first time. She wouldn't be able to enter without a membership." Laura sounded apologetic as she turned to the manager. "Please issue a guest pass for Ms. Liddell under my name."

Noelle frowned and refused. "There's no need for that."

She had no desire to be tied to the Merlock family in any way, let alone use Laura's name for entry.

Laura smiled. "Ms. Liddell, no need to be shy. We'll see each other at future events, most of which are hosted here. Having access will make things more convenient for you."

"Laura, there's no need for that. Just get Noelle a membership. It'll be much easier," Emma interjected.

Laura's expression darkened. She had suggested a guest pass to prevent Noelle from obtaining a membership, but she hadn't expected Emma to insist on one.

Emma turned to the manager. "Get her a card."

The manager nodded and asked Noelle, "Do you have an ID with you?"

Noelle shook her head. "I didn't bring it."

Laura breathed a sigh of relief and quickly added, "Membership also requires asset verification. What's the minimum amount needed?"noveldrama

"At least ten million dollars," the manager replied.

Noelle remained calm. Ten million dollars was a lot, confirming that this club was indeed exclusive to the wealthy.

Laura looked at her. "Noelle, I can lend you the money for the verification if you bring your ID next time."

Noelle couldn't shake the feeling that Laura was harboring some hostility toward her, though she wondered if she was overthinking it. She declined. "No need. I have the money."

Laura feigned surprise. "It looks like your family gives you quite a generous allowance."

Given the Liddell family's wealth, ten million dollars was no small sum. Even Samantha's monthly allowance wasn't that high.

"Laura, where would she get that kind of money? She must've sold off her parents' estate to get the cash." Samantha scoffed as she stormed over.

Noelle's expression turned unpleasant at the mention of her parents' inheritance.

She turned to Samantha. "Samantha, do you live in the clouds?"

"No, we live in a villa!" Samantha flaunted.

But Laura immediately caught on and quickly tried to stop her sister. "Samantha, what nonsense are you spouting? Is this how I've raised you?"

Samantha pouted but didn't dare argue back. She simply glared at Noelle, silently cursing her.

Emma was displeased. "Laura, you need to teach your sister some manners. Other people's assets are none of her business."

"You're right, Mrs. Greene. I'll make sure to educate her properly." Laura swallowed her frustration. Having an insufferable sister like Samantha was exhausting.

Noelle watched as Samantha got scolded. She had to admit that Laura was leagues ahead in social finesse.

Emma then turned back to Noelle. "If that's the case, I can cover the cost for you first."

"No need, I have it," Noelle replied as she took out her bank card.

Xenia couldn't help but speak up. "Noelle, as far as I know, your inheritance

consists mainly of real estate. How did you get the money?"

Noelle shot her a look. "Shut up."

"Don't be mad, Noelle. I'm just worried you would take the wrong path. After all, the recent charity auction only raised a little over ten million dollars in donations...Xenia trailed off.