No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)

Cedric flicked Noelle's forehead. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Noelle replied casually, silently vowing to get to the bottom of it.

As the car stopped outside Yole University, Noelle glanced at Cedric and said, "Well, this is where I get off. Remember: keep your wound dry over the next couple of days."

Cedric remained silent, his brows slightly furrowed.

Noelle rummaged through her bag and pulled out four Band-Aids, placing them around his wound. "This should do the trick."

"What's this? Some kind of rune?" Cedric raised an eyebrow. "You seriously think this will make my wound waterproof?"

"Nope, but at least it'll let me know if you've gotten the injury wet," Noelle responded with a victorious smile. "Bye!"

Cedric watched her walk toward the campus, then glanced at the pink Band-Aids on his arm.

"How childish," he thought, a smirk playing on his lips. But he didn't tear them off, leaving them as they were.

After Noelle entered the campus, Cedric finally looked away, his expression darkening.

"Have those punks been dealt with?" he asked, his tone cold and menacing. He hadn't acted upon earlier in Noelle's presence, but that didn't mean he was going to let it slide.

Zachary checked his phone. "They've been taught a lesson. We're waiting for your next instructions."

Cedric rolled down the car window, resting one arm on the frame, his long fingers tapping lightly.noveldrama

"Sew Norman's mouth shut and warn him not to speak out of turn," he said icily. "Then, have them testify against Mark Baker-make sure he's locked up for life." Zachary nodded in agreement. Scum like Mark was a threat to society and deserved to stay locked up.

Cedric's gaze shifted toward Yole University's dormitory, his eyes distant and thoughtful. Suddenly, his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he hesitated briefly before answering. "Hello, Mom?"

"I heard you were injured. Is it true?" Emma said on the other end.

Cedric's expression darkened. "No."

"Don't try to fool me, Ced. I know you went to Aristelle Hospital."

Cedric rubbed his temples. "It's just a scratch."

"Was it because of that young lady again? Last time, you got into a car accident with her, didn't you?"

"This had nothing to do with her," Cedric replied flatly.

He knew going to the Greene family's hospital would reach his family eventually. But at the time, he had no choice he had to go if only to avoid raising Noelle's suspicions.

"Ced, if you really like that lady, I won't stop you. Why don't you bring her over to meet me? Which family is she from?"

Cedric replied in a deep tone, "That's not necessary."

"Don't tell me she's from an ordinary family. You've always had high standards. There are so many ladies chasing after you, yet you prefer an ordinary lady?"

"That's irrelevant, Mom." Cedric brushed her off. "And please don't investigate her."

"I couldn't even if I wanted to; no one can get near her with you watching over her so closely," Emma said, sounding a little frustrated.

She had been trying to learn about the young lady for a while, but all her efforts had been in vain. Clearly, Cedric was guarding her well. If the young lady didn't mean anything to Cedric, why would he go to such lengths?

After the brief conversation, silence fell between them. Emma sighed and eventually hung up.

Cedric glanced at his phone and dialed Magnus. When the call connected, he could hear the sound of a bar in the background.

"Where are you?" Cedric asked.

"Ced, I'm at the bar. Want to join me?" Magnus replied.

"Go home and spend time with Mom. Stop messing around outside," Cedric said flatly before ending the call.

With Magnus causing a ruckus at home, Emma wouldn't have the energy to focus on him.

Overhearing the conversation, Zachary said nervously, "Mr. Greene, I shouldn't have taken you to Aristelle Hospital. That was on me."

He had just realized that taking Cedric there had been a bad decision-it was too easy for familiar faces to notice them. Cedric slowly closed his eyes. "Your only job is to protect her. That's all."

He would handle the rest himself.