Chapter Wife 32

Chapter 32 the Noelie put it that way, Samuel could only let out a resigned sign and gently pat her hand “Don’tyou worry, kiddo. Your grandpa’s got your back. And if you’ve got a thing for that Javer, I see what Ican do…

“Grandpal” Noelle cut him off her head shaking just a bit. “Fool me once, shame on your fool metwice, stame on me. I know that much. Besides, he’s spoiled goods now. I’m done with Then there Our Noelle knows her worth!” Samuel was proud that Noelle was not letting it get to her.However, he was not letting Winter and Xavier get away with pulling a stunt like ma Tige them toapologize to you and clear up the whole mess!”

Hand in hand, Samuel led Noelle downstairs, where all the guests were buzzing with curiosity scout the girl he was with The recent scandal had not gone unnoticed. All this time, the Shaw family was known for MissWieter, with no mention of a Miss Noelle. After the last bit of gossip hit the airwaves, rerne staredwhispering about Noelle being a secret child. Now, with Samuel’s protective stance, they were allsecond–guessing sade cought sight of Samuel holding Noelle’s hand. At that moment, it was like she could breamefire. Her eyes, which were filled with venom, were fixed on Noelle, as if trying to laser a hole nightthrough her Winters face was a storm cloud of gloom. It only darkened when she saw how her grandpa wasSosing over Noelle A pang of jealourd twisted in her chest. She turned, catching Javers gaze lingering on Noelle, and her heart sank further into bitterness. “Xavier, are you having secondthoughts?” she asked, her voice laced with accusation.

Javer’s attention snapped back to Winter, her eyes wide and pleading. His heart softened, and hegently took her hand, shaking his head. “Not at all. Choosing to be with you is the best sepsion heever made. But Winter, about Noelle today.

He trailed off, unsure of how to explain his concem. Noelle stood out with her cool elegance next toSamuel, and Xavier could not help but be captivated. Still he knew his commitment wo to Winter.“Im just worried about what your grandpa might think…

Don’t sweat it Winter out in, her voice brimming with confidence. “Grandpa will come around. Hehas to Noelle was helping Samuel down the stairs. Across the room, Jade was signaling frantically toJuan, who humed over “Dad, Noeller he called out.

Julian was iced that Noelle had shown up early and gone straight to the old man, but he had biggerfish to fry Noelle, I was starting to think you wouldn’t show. Luckily for you, grandpa’s got a soft spotfor you. Good thing you made it +15 BONUS “What’s that supposed to mean?” Samuel bristled at Julian’s words, his eyes narrowing. “I’m theone who asked Noelle to come straight to me. Got a problem with that?”

“Look, I’m not trying to stir things up,” Julian stammered. “I just didn’t want Noelle to feelembarrassed again, you know, after what happened last time…”

His words trailed off as Samuel fixed him with a piercing stare. Julian had already spilled the beans,and now the whole room buzzed with whispers of that recent scandal.

Winter stood a little way off, smirking at Noelle as if she had won the lottery.

Noelle’s face turned a shade paler, her fingers tightening around Samuel’s arm. Samuel felt it, andhis blood boiled. “Today’s my birthday party, and here’s Noelle, my darling granddaughter. How could she possibly be an embarrassment? What kind of father are you?Hmph!”

With a thump of his cane, Samuel shot Julian a withering look, then turned to Noelle with areassuring smile. “Don’t you worry, Noelle. Grandpa’s got your back. No one’s gonna push youaround like before. Remember, if something’s tainted, we toss it out.”

“What are you saying, Father?” Julian’s face twisted into an ugly scowl.

Jade and Winter weren’t looking too pleased either, shooting daggers at Noelle with their eyes.Noelle just narrowed her eyes, pretending not to notice. She would not have bothered showing up ifit had not been for Grandpa’s birthday.

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