Chapter 5 The Necklace Incident

• Noelle took Nelson to the hospital, completed the formalities, paid the fees, and confirmed that Nelson was alright before leaving the hospital.
• When she returned home, she still felt a little scared when she thought of Nelson's appearance.
• Noelle and her mother, Lindsey, lived in an old neighbourhood. This house was where Noelle's grandparents lived and where her mother grew up.
• Before Noelle's grandparents passed away, they owned three properties. Noelle's uncle, Marco Sinclair, inherited the two larger ones, while Lindsey inherited the old house.
• After returning to Arcadia, Lindsey has always lived here. And when Noelle returned, she also lived in this old house with her mother.
• The original character never really liked the old house; it felt too run-down for her liking, but she had to endure it to live with her mother.
• But to Noelle, this house was just right. Although it was a bit old, it was clean, tidy, and quite cosy, with all utilities.
• Lindsey is a screenwriter and doesn't need to go out every day. She stays at home to work.
• When Noelle returned, the food was already waiting for her. Seeing her daughter come in, Lindsey took off her apron and came over for a kiss.
• Noelle couldn't shake off a bit of unease in her heart, though. She wasn't Lindsey's biological daughter anymore.
• During the meal, Lindsey casually asked about Noelle's school life. Although Noelle had returned to Arcadia more than a month ago, Lindsey was still somewhat worried.
• She knew what kind of life her precious daughter had lived before. It was not an exaggeration to say she had lived like a princess. Lindsey had always worried that she couldn't adapt to her current lifestyle.
• Just then, there was a knock on the door.
• "Who is it?" Lindsey got up to open the door, and Noelle saw a middle-aged woman outside with heavy makeup – her aunt, Zoey.
• Zoey's initial glance at Lindsey and Noelle carried a hint of scorn, quickly replaced by a friendly smile as she took Lindsey's hand. "Hi there, Lindsey. I'm in a pickle. There's a wedding I need to attend the day after tomorrow, and I need some jewellery. Can I borrow some from you to complete my outfit?
• Zoey added, "As you know, I had to sell all my jewellery back in the day to pay our mom's medical bills. Now I'm in a hurry and have nothing nice to wear."
• Noelle froze, her hand gripping the spoon tightening.
• Zoey, the aunt of the original character, had a habit of borrowing money and jewellery from Lindsey and Noelle when they returned to the country without ever returning them. She constantly weaved tales about how much she had suffered while caring for their elderly parents.
• Even though she cared for the elderly, they had left behind a significant inheritance of over three hundred thousand dollars in savings and two essential properties. Giving Lindsey and Noelle only an old, tiny house. And when the elderly were sick, all the expenses fell on Lindsey to handle.
• Whenever Zoey failed to gain benefits from Lindsey and Noelle, she would spread rumours everywhere. She claimed Lindsey married a foreigner who turned out to be a poor guy and couldn't make it abroad, so she returned home.
• She even said Lindsey had a bad reputation abroad, which led to her separation from her foreign husband, and so on.
• Lindsey, recognized for naive and idealistic personality, stayed unaware of all the drama around her. And the original character was too busy with Liam and had no clue about the gossip her aunt was spreading. Motivated by vanity and other reasons, she also lavished Zoey with numerous gifts.
• However, Lindsey's and her husband's misfortune didn't slow Zoey down. After their accidents, Zoey quickly took over the old house, leaving the original character, an orphan, with no place to stay. Zoey didn't return any of the borrowed jewels or money.
• Noelle is different than the type to assert herself. If Madeline and Nelson had a problem with the original character, she brought it on herself. Still, the original character never wronged her aunt.
• But later, Zoey mistreated the orphan girl, which was shameless.
• Lindsey had always been easygoing. When she heard Zoey criticize her, she found it somewhat annoying and went straight to get the jewellery. At this point, Noelle finally gathered the courage to stand up.
• She reached for Lindsey's arm, making eye contact with Zoey. She quietly said, "Auntie, you still haven't returned Mom's necklace from before. Should you really ask for more jewellery without returning what you borrowed?"
• Lindsey seemed taken off guard, remembering that incident.
• Zoey suddenly found herself in an awkward position. She clicked her tongue and said, "Lindsey, you married a foreigner and even had mixed-race kids. It would help if you were well off, but you're so petty in front of your elder sister-in-law. Marco and I worked so hard to fulfil our filial duties for you, and this is how you repay us?"
• In the old neighbourhood, neighbours quickly gathered upon hearing Zoey's loud voice. She knew Lindsey was thin-skinned, so she didn't want to step inside but continued to shout even louder.
• "Come on, everyone, let's discuss this. When it was time to care for the elderly, she wasn't around. Now that they're gone, she's back claiming property and treating her sister-in-law so heartlessly. After marrying a foreigner, this person looks down on us locals."
• Ordinary people loved gossip, and Zoey's voice attracted even more attention from outside.
• With a smug look, she continued, "Lindsey, no matter how well-off you were with your foreign spouse, now that you're back and single again, we're still family. Your child with him wasn't handed over to your ex. We're different in this regard."
• Lindset is not the type to argue with people, but Zoey's nonsense and accusations immediately soured her expression.
• She didn't want to argue, so she rubbed her temples, intending to grab something to placate Zoey. Sensing her intentions, Noelle quickly held her back.
• Zoey is just greedy and relentless. She got her way with all the drama this time, so she'll try the same tricks again. Noelle had encountered many neighbours like Zoey before.
• Holding Lindsey's hand, she fought back tears. "Mom, we barely have enough money to get by. Last time, Aunt borrowed money for Grandma's medical expenses, but wasn't it our responsibility back then? Why would she still borrow money, demanding we repay nine thousand dollars all at once?"
• That caught Lindsey off guard.
• Were they struggling financially?
• Even post-divorce from Lewis, money wasn't her primary concern.
• Yet, she caught the sneaky wink from her daughter and decided to play along.
• "Yes, Zoey, I paid all the hospital bills for our parents. Originally, I thought you and my brother could stay by their side to take care of them, so I should bear the financial responsibility. I handed over nine thousand dollars, so why do you still feel I owe you?"
• Seeing Lindsey play along, Noelle felt braver. She looked at Zoey seriously and said, "Aunt, you still haven't returned the necklace you borrowed from my mom, and now you're asking for more. My mom doesn't have much left. Couldn't you leave her some?"
• The neighbours glanced at Zoey with mixed reactions.
• Zoey's face turned red and then pale as she muttered, "I said I borrowed it, so of course, I'll give it back. You mixed-race kid."
• Lindsey frowned at Zoey's repeated calling Noelle a 'mixed-race kid'. As she was about to step in, Noelle earnestly said, "I'm not a mixed-race kid. I speak the Cucan language, and I'm a citizen of Arcadia. It's not okay for you to bully me and my mom just because we can't lend you jewellery."
• At this point, the neighbours outside couldn't stand it and started criticizing Zoey.
• "Caring for elderly parents, it's normal for those with financial resources to contribute money and those with time to provide care. You can't demand money from someone just because they didn't have the time to provide care. Now that they're gone, how can there be a nine-thousand-dollar debt?"
• "Yes, she was all dressed up and borrowed things last time without returning them. Now she's coming to borrow again. It's clear what she's after."
• "Who would call their niece 'mixed-race kid? Clearly, this woman can't be trusted."
• The neighbours chattered, pointing fingers at Zoey. Her face went from white to red, and she couldn't stay any longer. Before leaving, she snorted coldly, "I'll return your worthless necklace tomorrow. Acting like anyone cares."
• With that, she turned on her high heels and walked away.
• Lindsey breathed out, closed the door, and turned to Noelle with a mixed look.
• Noelle's heart raced, worried Lindsey had figured something out. But she was surprised when Lindsey wrapped her arms around her.
• "Noelle, it's been so long since we've seen each other. My separation from Lewis seems to have really hurt you, and Mom's sorry for it."
• Noelle was caught off guard.
• She realized Lindsey was blaming herself and her divorce for Noelle's recent behaviour, not suspecting anything but being filled with regret.
• It had been a long time since Noelle felt this close to someone. In that moment, embraced by Lindsey's regret and love, she felt envy and guilt. She felt a mixture of jealousy and shame in her heart and a more vital determination.
• She had to find a way to change Noelle's and Lindsey's ends.