Chapter 21
An odd look appeared on Joseph’s face upon hearing what Noelle said. He directed his stern. gaze onto her. It only made her sit up straighter, seemingly not at all afraid of his gaze.
No matter how angry he felt, he could not berate her directly. He merely gave an awkward chuckle as he said, “It’s been so long since you’ve last seen your grandfather, child. Don’t you miss him?”
Noelle raised an eyebrow. If there was anyone left in the Shaw family she still cared for, that person would definitely be her grandfather. Joseph was urgently trying to make her go home because he wanted her to sing praises about him before the old man so he would relent and give his blessings to Xavier and Winter’s marriage.
What an intricate plan they had laid out. They were the ones in the wrong, but they had somehow managed to back her into a corner.
He noticed she had not said anything, so he added, “It’ll be his birthday in a couple of days, Noelle. No matter what Xavier and Winter have done, you’re still part of the Shaw family, and your grandfather will always remain your grandfather.”
“Don’t
worry, Mr. Harris. I’ll return home for my grandfather’s birthday. Is there anything else I can help you with? If not, I’ll head out now so I can return to work!”
“Think about what I’ve just told you, Noelle. What point is there in keeping this going? Why won’t you let
go? I promise you’ll get to be the general manager of the sales department if you throw in a few good words when you’re speaking to Sir Shaw.”
Noelle looked up in astonishment, an odd look in her eyes as she stared at Joseph for the longest time. Finally, she chuckled and asked, “Mr. Harris, can’t you tell the difference between private and public interests?”
“You…”
“I have work matters to attend to, so I’m leaving unless you still have work–related issues to discuss with me, Mr. Harris.”
Noelle’s bluntness caused an ugly expression to appear on Joseph’s face. As he gazed at her retreating figure, he said vehemently, “Preposterous!”
One week later, Noelle received a phone call from her grandfather. “Pay a visit home, Noelle. I’ll take your side if anything happens.”
Noelle knew nothing could be resolved if she kept avoiding the proble
the Shaw last name and was a bad
*15 BGANS
my rock, Grandpa. Besides, how could I not be there for your birthday? I’ll get you an extra present this year because I couldn’t be there for your birthday last year,” she said, trying her best to keep her voice steady.
Samuel could tell, though, and said before saying, “It’s enough for me that you come home. I don’t need any material goods.”
“That won’t do. I’ll bring you a present that you’re bound to love.”
Noelle hung up the phone, losing herself in a brief reverie when she noticed Xavier walking towards her.
She had spent the past week avoiding Xavier as best as she could. However, he seemed particularly determined and gave Noelle no chance of escaping. He grabbed her arm when she got to her feet and said, “We have to talk, Noello.”
Noelle shoved him aside and met his gaze coolly
“There’s nothing for us to talk about.” Her hatred for him was as passionate as her love for him in the past. “I have a lot of work to do.”
“What’s the point, Noelle? It was destined that nothing would ever happen between us. Why can’t you accept the truth?!”
Xavier’s head pounded as he looked at Noelle, thinking to himself that the kind and
considerate girl she used to be no longer existed. It had only been a year, but her personality had changed drastically. “Can’t we remain civil and be friends instead?”
“Friends?” Noelle scoffed. “We could never be friends. Besides, I’ve never pestered you since we broke up. Please don’t spew such nonsense in public.”
“Noelle,” Xavier called out, “Grandpa Shaw’s birthday is next week. Both Winter and I would love to have you home!”
Noelle froze. She felt a wave of hot anger wash over her, but she forced herself to keep her temper in check. As she tightened her grip on her purse, she straightened her back and said, ” I’ll visit, but it won’t be because of you two!”
BIG SALE: 3500 b
bonus free fou you