Sebastian gave him an “OK” gesture.
Jason sighed. Sabastian was so smitten that he’d keep eating stuff he was allergic to. He was blinded by love and not thinking straight.
He stood, walked to the door, then cast a glance at Sebastian. “Another hour under observation and
you’re good to go.”
He paused, then added, “Congrats on the wedding, Sebastian. I guess your dream came true, huh?”
He didn’t approve of Sebastian wrecking his health like this, but they had been friends for years. When it
was time to offer a blessing, he gave it.
Funny thing, though, just minutes ago, when Jason had pointed out that he and Noelle weren’t married
yet, Sebastian had answered with absolute certainty that they would be. But the moment Jason actually
blessed him, a thread of unease slipped in.
Was he beginning to worry that they might not get married?
Noelle hurried to the Ashford residence, and everyone in the Ashford family reacted subtly to her arrival.
Conner wore a hint of smugness on his face. Yasmine, on the other hand, didn’t hide the fact that she
wasn’t happy to see Noelle.
Sabrina, who had just come home from the hospital, was clearly not happy to see Noelle, yet still went out of her way to put on a sweet, welcoming act.
She said, “Hey, you’re here, Noelle. What was so important you had to come all the way here yourself? We could’ve just had the maid send it over. It’s such a hassle for you to come all the way here!”
Her words dripped with an artificial sweetness.
Noelle let out a light scoff. She thought, if it weren’t for Conner throwing a fit and refusing to hand it over, she wouldn’t have set foot in the Ashford residence even if her life depended on it. Every inch of this place made her uneasy.
It wasn’t just discomfort but the kind of unease that came from deep in her gut. She couldn’t wait to grab what she came for and get out.
However, Conner clearly had no intention of letting her off that easily. He waved at her and said, “Noelle, let’s talk in the study.”
The moment he said that, Sabrina instantly stiffened. She followed right on his heels, ready to go with
them.
When Conner noticed Sabrina, he paused mid–step “Sab, Mom had some beetroot soup made for you.
Chapter 70
Better have it while it’s hot.”
She knew exactly what that meant, but she didn’t dare vent her frustration at Conner.
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Instead, she swept Noelle with a slow, cutting glance and said in a low voice, “Word’s already starting to spread in Norland that someone is about to have her wedding.
“So, don’t go dragging the Ashford family’s name through the mud or ruin your own wedding. After all, not every man will just take whoever comes along.”
Noelle had always been quick to pick up on an insult, and with Sabrina spelling it out that far, there was no way she could pretend not to understand.
Her gaze locked on Sabrina, her tone matching hers beat for beat. “I’m not that concerned about whatever gossip’s floating around Norland. People can talk, but I’ll live my own life.
“I heard that, according to Dr. Brown, you’re supposed to be resting in bed. And here you are, practically living at the Ashford residence, dropping by every other day. It sounds like you need to get your priorities straight. Take care of the baby, or don’t expect the Ashford family to take care of you.”
Sabrina’s barb hadn’t drawn blood. But every word from Noelle hit her squarely in her heart.
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Chapter 79
