No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Many things had changed compared to the past life, so Noelle knew she had to be extra cautious.

More importantly, the person backing Xenia still hadn't been found, and the Merlock family's side remained a mystery.

These people felt like a sharp blade hanging over her head, ready to fall at any moment. She knew the danger, but she had to uncover the truth.

"Noelle."

She turned to see Mia slowly approaching and asked in surprise, "Why are you here today?"

"My family sent me. I heard the Al project is developing prosthetics, so I wanted to see if there's anything suitable for people like me with uneven legs."

Mia spoke in such a calm and matter-of-fact tone without hiding anything from Noelle.

Noelle glanced at her foot. "It's possible. Would you mind testing it on the equipment? I can collect some data for research, and maybe we can create something for you."

Mia nodded without hesitation. "Sure."

Just as she was about to proceed, Donovan strode over and stopped her. "Come to Liddell Corporation later. I'll arrange for someone to measure your data, but it's inappropriate to take off your shoes for testing here with so many people watching."noveldrama

Donovan thought it was embarrassing. Everyone knew about Mia's leg condition, but with specially made shoes, her limp wasn't too obvious. If she removed her shoes, the difference in her legs would be apparent.

Today's attendees included competitors and investors. Many among them recognized Mia, and someone was bound to gossip.

Mia's expression stiffened awkwardly, and she nodded. "Alright."

Noelle, however, held onto her hand. "It's just a simple test, so what's

inappropriate about that? Everyone else is taking the test, too."

Donovan lowered his voice and hissed, "Can't you see the ones testing are all

missing arms or legs? Mia isn't the same. People will talk."

"Seems like you're the one who's afraid of people talking."

Mia didn't mind. No one else did either, but Donovan did.

Noelle glared at Donovan. He'd always considered Mia's unusual legs an

embarrassment, and he'd never liked her at all.

Not wanting to argue further, Donovan turned to Mia. "If you do that, the Cantrells won't be pleased."

The Cantrells had never liked her showing up in public.

The smile on Mia's face faded. She turned to Noelle and said, "Thank you, Noelle,

but I'll test it some other time when there are fewer people around."

Noelle said nothing but firmly believed that cases like Mia's should be accounted for research. At that moment, Wyatt and Xenia entered. The latter's expression stiffened unnaturally when she saw Mia.

After all, Mia was the reason she'd been humiliated at L Bistro. Wyatt recalled the same incident, which ended with Lucas being forced to pay the bill.

Donovan looked at them and instructed, "Since you've run into each other, you both should apologize to Mia."

Both Xenia and Wyatt's expressions darkened instantly. Neither looked the least bit willing.

Mia sneered and shot Donovan a glance. "Looks like they're not very sincere." Donovan's expression turned harsh. "What did you both promise me at home?"

Wyatt knew he still needed

Donovan's financial support for his upcoming wedding, so he had no

choice but to say, "I'm sorry, Ms.

Cantrell. It was my fault. I made the decision to give Xenia your dress."

Donovan then turned to Xenia. "You've always been the most sensible one in the family. Don't let me down."

Xenia was seething, but she still needed Donovan to continue partnering with PZ Group, so she couldn't afford to fall out with him now.

She put on a pitiful expression and murmured, "I'm sorry, Ms. Cantrell. I didn't

know the dress was yours. I wouldn't have worn it if I'd known."

That was just a stupid dress. What was so special about that?

Mia continued staring at her. "That's not what you should be apologizing for. You should apologize to Noelle for spilling red wine on her dress on purpose and trying to frame her."

Xenia's eyes turned red instantly with grievance. She looked up at Donovan and whined, "Donovan, I know Mia doesn't like me, but I can't admit to something I've never done."

Ha! Donovan would surely trust her over Mia.