When the first woman who'd spoken noticed Noelle approaching, her gaze turned cold. Frowning, she said, "I don't recall there being attendants today. How did you get in? Who are you looking for?"

As Noelle held the gift, she awkwardly stood and said, "I'm here for Sebastian Cole."

"For Sebastian?" The woman's voice rose sharply. Moments ago, she hadn't bothered to spare Noelle a single glance, but now, her eyes swept across Noelle from head to toe.

Noelle might've been pretty, but she had a modest, unremarkable air about her. She was most probably not the type Sebastian would take a fancy to.

When the woman finished sizing Noelle up, a mocking smile tugged at her lips. "Where did you get his address and details? You know, we could call the cops for something like this…"

But before the woman could finish speaking, Noelle felt a sudden warmth at the back of her hand, as if a warm hand

Yvette seemed loyal and insisted on leaving with Sadie, but in truth, she was worried Sebastian's temper might turn on her next.

So, the two of them unhappily left the Cole residence, leaving only Noelle and Sebastian in the corner of the hall.

Tension swirled in the air around them.

Noelle held up her gift and was the first to speak. 

"Mr. Cole, these are gifts from me and my mom. Happy birthday, and thank you for helping my dad."

It was their first proper meeting, and Noelle believed that formality and politeness were necessary. 

But to Sebastian, Noelle's courteous and distant tone felt too formal, and he didn't like it.

Upon noticing the subtle changes in his expression, Noelle immediately wondered if she'd said something wrong. 

This was a reflex she'd honed after staying with the Ashfords for so long. Having been widowed young, Yasmine was sensitive, and an unintentional, m

Noelle had barely set foot in the Spencer residence when she received the picture from Sabrina curled up in Conner's arms.

Mary took the carry-on from her and worriedly studied her frown. "What's wrong, Noelle? Still haven't moved on?

"The Coles have been pressing, but I'm not going to force you. We'll talk about it when you're ready."

Noelle glanced at the picture before expressionlessly deleting the chat. Then, she slipped her phone away and flashed Mary a smile. "I'm over it, Mom. The dead have gone, and life goes on for the living. Let's move forward with the Coles as soon as possible."

Mary had heard Noelle say the same thing over the phone, but hearing it in person still left her stunned. She knew Noelle well enough to know that she wasn't the kind to pretend to be fine.

Relief washed over Mary as she patted Noelle's shoulder. "You're right. The living are what matters most. Once we've settled the situation on your dad's end, we'll arrange for the Cole family's proposal."

Noelle grinned. 

It was only when she was home that she could finally relax. She'd been running on light naps for some days, and it was about time she caught up on some sleep.

…

The next morning, Noelle woke up to good news.

Mary excitedly knocked on her door and exclaimed, "Noelle, Mr. Marshall took on your dad's case! We're as good as won!"

Still half-asleep, Noelle thought she must've been dreaming. It wasn't until Mary came in, sat on the edge of her bed, and shook her arm that she woke up.

As she blurrily rubbed her eyes, she asked, "Mr. Marshall? Are you talking about the renowned Mr. Marshall in Norland?"

After Patrick was involved in a medical bribery scandal, Noelle had been following the legal world closely. If she remembered correctly, the Ashfords had told her that someone like Alan Marshall couldn't be hired with money alone. One needed connections.

Soon, Noelle's sleepiness slipped away as she frowned in disbelief. "Are the Ashfords even capable of hiring him?"

The Ashfords had promised to help after Noelle had gotten them in touch with Dalton Brown, but she hadn't expected them to act so quickly. For a moment, she almost believed they had one redeeming trait—keeping their word.

But Mary shook her head. "No. It was Sebastian Cole."

That name sounded vaguely familiar. Noelle had to dig through some old memories before it clicked. "As in Sebastian Cole from the Cole family?"

Mary nodded. The excitement in her eyes showed just how much she admired Sebastian.

It wasn't the Cole family's influence that she respected. Rather, it was the relief of finally seeing a way forward. 

The Spencers had been deeply troubled by Patrick's scandal, and Mary had barely slept since his arrest. But now, there was finally hope.

Coincidentally, Mary was going to visit the law firm, so Noelle got up and announced, "I'm coming with you, Mom."

But Mary stopped her. "Today's Sebastian's birthday. I was going to visit the Cole residence, but I can't be in two places at once.

"Also, I've prepared a gift, so why don't you take it over?"

Noelle saw no reason to refuse, but before heading over to the Cole residence, she stopped by Luxe Plaza. 

The gift might be from Mary, but since she was paying a visit and Sebastian had just pulled her family out of a crisis, she wanted to bring something of her own.

So, Noelle chose a men's fragrance with a blend of cedar, sandalwood, and blackcurrant. It had a unique, woody scent that she hoped Sebastian might like.

…

At the Cole residence, Noelle couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

This was her first time meeting Sebastian Cole, and because it was his birthday, the Cole residence was extra lively. Relatives, friends, and Norland elites filled the house, chatting and laughing.

Once Noelle stepped into the crowd, she was quickly swallowed by the sheer volume of people and couldn't spot a single familiar Cole family member.

She'd met some of the Coles as a kid, but that was 20 years ago, and she could barely remember their appearances anymore. So, all she could do was clutch the gift and look around for someone to ask. 

But everyone was in small groups and chattering loudly. Her quiet inquiries were no louder than a mosquito's hum, and no one noticed.

Soon, Noelle was jostled toward a corner, where two elegantly dressed young ladies stood talking. She'd meant to ask them for directions when she overheard their conversation as she approached.

"Have you heard? Sebastian is marrying a divorcee. Word is that she can't even have children."

The other lady let out a mocking laugh. "A twice-married woman who can't even give him a child… As if I'd take her seriously."

When the first woman who'd spoken noticed Noelle approaching, her gaze turned cold. Frowning, she said, "I don't recall there being attendants today. How did you get in? Who are you looking for?"

As Noelle held the gift, she awkwardly stood and said, "I'm here for Sebastian Cole."

"For Sebastian?" The woman's voice rose sharply. Moments ago, she hadn't bothered to spare Noelle a single glance, but now, her eyes swept across Noelle from head to toe.

Noelle might've been pretty, but she had a modest, unremarkable air about her. She was most probably not the type Sebastian would take a fancy to.

When the woman finished sizing Noelle up, a mocking smile tugged at her lips. "Where did you get his address and details? You know, we could call the cops for something like this…"

But before the woman could finish speaking, Noelle felt a sudden warmth at the back of her hand, as if a warm hand had gripped hers.

When she looked up, she was met with a perfect face straight out of a sculpture.

Chapter 13