Chapter 7 Drama at School

• When Noelle got to school the next day, she couldn't help but notice the strange looks she was getting. Specifically, those fake friends whispered to each other and glanced over at her occasionally.
• Eventually, they came over to Noelle. One of them raised her chin and said, "Noelle, we've heard rumours that you're just pretending to be rich. People say you live in a shabby house, and the driver you're seen with is just a hired car. Is any of this true?"
• Noelle was momentarily taken aback, recalling that this incident was part of the original plot.
• However, unlike the original character, who disdainfully flaunted her bank balance to shock everyone and leave no doubt about the rumours, Noelle had no intention of doing so.
• She had already learned from customer service that Madeline had subtly leaked this information. Realizing that Madeline wasn't as kind and gentle as portrayed in the original plot, Noelle saw an opportunity to let Madeline and Zoey think she and Lindsey were not well-off, hoping to ward off Zoey's occasional meddling.
• So, she kept quiet, not defending herself or explaining anything. Everyone interpreted her silence as an indirect admission that she was not a wealthy heiress but merely putting on a show.
• The expressions of those fake friends instantly changed. They gave her a disdainful glance and turned away. When class ended, they didn't call Noelle to join them like before.
• Noelle was never one for cliques and was glad to finally have peace and quiet.
• During the break after two classes, Madeline approached her and asked her to step outside.
• They went to a corner of the stairwell. Madeline handed Noelle a jewellery box with a fake smile, saying, "My mom asked me to give you this necklace. Please pass it on to Aunt Lindsey."
• Noelle's face changed slightly when she took the box.
• Inheriting the original character's memories, she almost instantly noticed that the weight wasn't right. Zoey had borrowed a gemstone necklace, which couldn't be this light.
• In the next moment, she opened the box. At the same time, Madeline's expression subtly changed.
• Noelle pursed her lips, her eyes turning cold. She returned the box, "This isn't the one she borrowed."
• Madeline felt anxious inside but didn't show it on her face. Instead, she looked puzzled and said, "What do you mean, Noelle? This is clearly the one she borrowed."
• Though Noelle wasn't good at arguing, she was observant. She immediately realized that Madeline knew this necklace was fake.
• Noelle shoved the box into Madeline's arms, lips pressed together in seriousness. "I want the one you borrowed," she said firmly.
• With that, she turned to leave. Madeline, seeing this, grabbed Noelle's wrist with great force.
• Noelle winced from the pain, instinctively trying to pull away. Madeline, however, refused to let go, raising her voice, "What are you trying to say, Noelle? This is the necklace my mom borrowed from Aunt Lindsey. What do you want?"
• Madeline's voice attracted the attention of many people around them. Noelle winced from the pain in her grip, biting her lip and trying to break free. At that moment, Madeline suddenly let go, exclaiming in surprise as she fell to the ground.
• The surrounding students were immediately in an uproar.
• A girl near Madeline ran to help her, looking suspiciously at Noelle. "Why did you hit her?"
• Noelle, still stunned, shook her head, "I didn't."
• At that moment, a cold voice sounded from behind her. "Do you really think we can't see what's happening?"
• Noelle instinctively looked back and saw Liam and a few other boys standing there, not looking too friendly.
• At this moment, Madeline's sobbing voice rang out, "Noelle, this necklace was borrowed by my mom from Aunt Lindsey. If you don't want it now, what should I do? How can I find another one? What do you want from me?"
• The girls around her saw the necklace on the ground and remembered the day's earlier rumours. Their eyes widened, "Could it be this fake heiress trying to swindle someone?"
• "Yeah, her identity as a wealthy heiress is all fake. Is she going to claim her family's necklace is a real gemstone? Oh my god, I've seen this necklace online; it's worth a fortune."
• Madeline's eyes grew wide with confusion and surprise as she stammered to Noelle. "Noelle, I really don't know what's going on. Clearly, this is the one my mom borrowed."
• Someone whispered, "Noelle has always been targeting Madeline. They're even cousins. Tsk, pretending to be a wealthy heiress while bullying her own cousin, it's quite amusing."
• "Shh, it's because she secretly likes Liam, but Liam ignores her."
• "Tsk tsk, now this ... fake heiress. Let's see how she'll keep up the act."
• Madeline's eyes flashed with a sense of accomplishment. Still, her expression remained soft and helpless, standing there supported by others, looking utterly powerless, "Noelle, please, don't do this to me."
• By now, Noelle had realized it was futile to explain.
• With the crowd whispering and pointing fingers at her, Liam strolled over to Madeline, asking in a low voice, "Are you okay?"
• Madeline bit her lip, managing a forced smile as she shook her head slightly.
• Under everyone's stares, Noelle clenched her fists, lips tight. Slowly, she said, "Consider that necklace a gift to you. I hope you won't come to me or my mom asking to borrow things again."
• With that, Noelle turned on her heel, heading downstairs, ignoring the sneers of those people. Behind her, Madeline's eyes flashed with mockery.
• Everyone knew now that the glamour of Noelle and her mother was all fake, so naturally, they would keep their distance.
• Some people around comforted Madeline in murmurs, and she looked gratefully at Liam, "Thank you."
• Liam remained indifferent, "Just stay away from people like her."
• He and his friends then headed downstairs to hit the basketball court. Right as they were rounding the corner, they saw Noelle standing downstairs.
• She clearly heard his words, glanced at him briefly, then immediately looked away. Her eyes no longer held the sparkle and enthusiasm they once did when she saw him.
• Liam looked coldly at her and walked past without a second glance.
• After everyone dispersed, Madeline left dejectedly. Before leaving, she entrusted a classmate of Noelle's to place the necklace on Noelle's desk.
• Away from the prying eyes, a calm settled over Madeline.
• At that moment, her phone buzzed.
• Madeline took out her phone and saw a message from Nelson.
• I'll repay you for the medical expenses in a few days. Consider this a favour owed to you.'
• After a moment's thought, Madeline chose not to respond.