No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric) novel Chapter 1243

Laura's sudden appearance interrupted the group's conversation. Olivia looked at her and said, "I'm still thinking it over."

"I understand your concerns, Mrs. Parham, but I'd suggest waiting to see how the Cantrell family's refund goes. There's no need to rush and risk losing a significant amount of interest. That would be a real pity.

"Sometimes, friends might seem like they're looking out for you, but they may not be thinking things through as thoroughly. After all, not everyone has invested in our family's products."

That jab made Noelle uncomfortable. It was clearly aimed at Emma.

She turned to Laura and snapped, "Don't try to sow discord here."

"How am I sowing discord? You're close with Mia, so you rushed her to withdraw but never invested. At the end of the day, you have nothing to lose.

"Plus, I'm aware that Maple Enterprise and PZ Group are rivals in the clean energy project. You're just trying to smear us."

Then, Laura turned to Emma and continued, "Mrs. Greene, you didn't invest either because of the Greene family's situation. You're the same as Noelle, and you're making sweeping statements when Mrs. Parham is the one bearing the risk."

Emma's expression soured. "Don't come at me with this nonsense, Laura."

"I'm just stating the facts," Laura replied innocently. Then, she turned back to Olivia. "Just think about it, Mrs. Parham. Reach out to me if you have any concerns."

With that, Laura confidently walked off, clearly satisfied with her performance.

Once she was gone, Emma was still visibly upset. Olivia took her hand and said, "Alright, calm down. I didn't say anything, so why are you getting so worked up? It won't do your health any good.

"Also, how did Laura turn out to be someone like this? She's terrifying."

Already in poor health, Emma now looked paler after the confrontation.

Olivia tried to soothe her by saying, "She's just like her mother. I never imagined she'd join PZ Group and be appointed the president. If I'd known that before I invested, I never would've joined."

After they arrived at the Greene residence, she took Noelle's hand and said, "It's cold out, so just stay the night. Tell the staff if you need anything."

Seeing the warmth in Emma's eyes, Noelle nodded and said, "Alright."

She really liked the Greenes. Back in the bedroom, a housekeeper soon brought her a bowl of chicken tortilla soup. "Mrs. Greene had these made for you. She noticed you didn't eat much at dinner."

"Thank you."

Noelle hadn't felt particularly hungry, but seeing the steaming bowl of chicken tortilla soup had her appetite kick in.

Nothing was more comforting than a bowl of hot, steaming soup on a cold winter night. It was certainly better than some chilled Weltien cuisine that never seemed appealing.

Just as she finished eating, the door opened, and Cedric walked in. "What are you eating?"