No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Noelle wasn't surprised by the outcome of the match at all; she knew it would turn out like this.

If Lucas hadn't insisted on making Xenia the gunner and had instead brought in another expert, they probably wouldn't have lost so miserably-they might not have lost at all. Yet, Lucas had chosen Xenia as the gunner, probably trying to prove that she alone was enough for the team. It seemed Lucas' stubbornness hadn't changed a bit.

Noelle smiled at the thought. She wasn't sure if Lucas was satisfied with how things turned out, but she certainly was.

In her previous life, she had worked tirelessly to help the team win the championship, only to be replaced by Xenia at the last minute, who took all the credit for the victory.

This time, she stepped aside and watched as Lucas's team fell apart. Back on stage, Lucas stormed off without a word, his expression dark.

When the winning team was interviewed, the captain glanced over at Noelle in the audience. "This match turned out easier than we expected. We were prepared for elimination, but we didn't expect Noelle to sit this one out and give us a lucky break." They all knew that if Noelle had played, with her ability to perform a 12-hit combo, they wouldn't have stood a chance.

Noelle took a sip of her drink as a reporter handed her a microphone and asked, "Ms. Liddell, do you have anything to say about today's match?"

"Well, in competition, there will always be winners and losers. It's part of the game. But I believe the final champion will bring honor and make the country proud," Noelle said, offering a diplomatic response.

"Let's go, Rachel," she added, standing up.

After Noelle left, Frank headed to the locker room, where he found Lucas venting his frustration.

Xenia was being berated mercilessly. She felt wronged, still believing she had done her part but that the rest of the team had let her down.

Frank approached and said, "Alright, everyone. It's been a tough day. Why don't you head to the bus first?"

After the rest of the team left, Xenia wiped her tears and said, "Frank, I really did my best."

"I know. Go on with the others first," Frank urged.

Xenia didn't want to stay any longer and hurriedly walked out.

"Frank, do you really think Xenia did her best? Her performance could barely be compared to Noelle's

shouldn't have trusted her!" Lucas

fumed.

"You can't blame her," Frank replied. "You knew her abilities, but you still brought her in to spite Noelle. This is on you, Lucas."

Lucas couldn't let go of his

frustration. He admitted he had

he

wanted to get back at Noelle, net poorly. ve

never expected Xenia to play so

He thought she had improved, even just a little. But he was sorely mistaken!

"Lucas, Xenia did what she could. You can't put all the blame on her. You're the one who pushed Noelle away. No one else is to blame."

Lucas slumped into a chair, defeated. "I just couldn't accept Noelle's change. It happened so quickly! I thought she was just upset."

"I warned you, but you didn't listen. Now it's time to think it through," Frank said, his tone firm.

Lucas covered his face in his hands, overwhelmed with emotions.

He finally realized how much he missed Noelle his life just didn't feel right without her.

...

When Noelle left the venue, she was

quickly surrounded by fans. She managed to hail a taxi and finally relaxed when she got back to her apartment.

Alfred was sitting on the couch. "So, how did you feel about the match, Nelly?"noveldrama

"It felt great!" Noelle replied, not missing a beat.