No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Noelle could not shake the feeling that tonight's celebration dinner was not going

to be as straightforward as it seemed. Still, her teammates were thrilled, especially since L Bistro was not a place just anyone could get into.

Grace was particularly excited when Noelle returned to the dorm. She had never dined at such an exclusive spot.noveldrama

Overhearing the plans, Mia pulled Noelle aside and whispered, "I did some digging. Going to L Bistro probably has something to do with the Merlocks. You should be careful."

She suspected Laura was behind this, likely up to no good.

Noelle nodded and said, "I figured as much."

Mia continued, "The Merlocks haven't been doing well these past couple of years. That's why they're desperate to marry Laura off to the Greenes. Too bad Cedric isn't interested in her. Laura's all about appearances and can't hold a candle to you."

Mia had always been overlooked in social circles due to her limp, but that had also allowed her to overhear plenty of juicy gossip over the years.

Noelle smiled. Ever since she had taken Mia to L Bistro last time, their friendship had grown much stronger.

Mia handed her a membership card to L Bistro. "Here's my card. I don't need it since I can just walk in, but you might find it useful."

Having navigated elite circles for years, Mia had a good idea of what Laura might be planning.

Noelle took the card without hesitation. "Thanks."

If Mia was offering, she was not going to turn it down. Just then, Grace came out of the bathroom, dressed and ready to go.

After that, Noelle gathered the team, and they headed to L Bistro together. When they arrived at the private room, they found several people already seated and drinking, clearly not waiting for them.

Noelle's brow furrowed as she took in the scene. The Howie stood up and greeted her, "Noelle, you're finally here! We've been waiting. Let me introduce you these are the sponsors from the Merlocks."

Noelle's expression darkened as

they sat down, the mood in the room shifting uncomfortably. One of the middle-aged men raised his glass and said, "Congratulations on your win today. Fill your glasses and have a drink with us."

Noelle, however, placed her hand over her glass. "We're still students. We don't

drink alcohol-just soda or water, please."

Her refusal immediately soured the atmosphere.

One of the sponsors sneered, "You're not going to give the Merlocks any respect? I've seen plenty of college kids like you. You're adults now it's time to learn how to socialize and handle a little alcohol. Don't you know how the world works?"

Howie chimed in, trying to smooth things over. "The Merlocks have been our partners for years. It's just a drink-no big deal. Show some courtesy."

Noelle shot back, "I never asked for the Merlocks' sponsorship in the first place!"

It was clear to Noelle what kind of dinner this was, and she thought Laura really was truly disgusting.

Seeing Noelle stand her ground set

Howie turned his attention to Grace and two senior teammates, pulling them over to sit next to the sponsors.

"You girls can have a drink. It's just one-no harm done." Despite his words, he filled their glasses with red wine, pressuring them to comply.

The two seniors, not wanting to cause a scene, reluctantly took sips of their wine, even covering for Grace by drinking hers as well. The sponsors smirked, clearly enjoying the power dynamic.

"See? The veterans know how to follow the rules. Have another," one of them said.

Feeling guilty for letting her teammates take the heat, Grace finally picked up her glass. She said nervously, "I'm not much of a drinker, but I'll have a little."

As she did, one of the men leaned in, placing his hand on the back of her chair and closing the space between them. With a sleazy grin, he remarked, "Don't worry; I'll teach you how to drink."

Noelle had seen enough. She stood up abruptly, walked over to Grace, and forcefully pushed the man's hand off the chair.

The sponsor's face turned red with anger, and he snapped, "What do you think you're doing? Just because you're the team captain doesn't mean you can act like you're above everyone else!"