Blake had only gone to Carl for plastic surgery after his disfigurement. Now that he was back, did that mean the surgery was a success?
After a moment of thought, Noelle replied, "I've already cut ties with all of you. Why ask me to join your little family reunion?"
"Nonsense, Noelle. Sure, we've had our differences as siblings, but we're still family. Weren't we always on the same side when it came to Mom and Dad? Carl and the others are coming back tonight because of that very reason." Frank sighed.
Noelle sounded cold. "That's their responsibility. It doesn't mean I have to show up for dinner."
"Why not?" Donovan cut in. "Noelle, Carl's been abroad for years, but he's putting aside important research to come back.
"Can't you at least meet up with him? Besides, many families are lining up to work with Carl. That could be helpful to you, too."
"I don't need it." Noelle was about to hang up.
But Frank piped up. "Maybe not, but what about the Greenes? The Merlocks are using Mrs. Greene's illness to threaten you. It would do wonders if Carl could help with that."
Noelle didn't reply and ended the call. But her thoughts lingered. Frank was right. Carl had been a brilliant doctor in her past life. His lab developed numerous medications, even breakthroughs for several types of cancer.
If she could persuade Carl to treat Emma, perhaps he could come up with an alternative to a kidney transplant. Something that was less risky.
She thought of Cedric standing on the side of the road—injured because of her—and sighed to herself. Cedric had done so much for her. Maybe it was time she did something for him, too.
Noelle picked up her phone and texted Frank: "I'll come home for dinner tonight."
Frank replied instantly: "Great. What do you want to eat? I'll have the chef prepare them."
"Anything is fine." But in truth, all she could think about was Emma's illness.


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The readers' comments on the novel: No longer a pushover (Noelle and Cedric)