Laurence was optimistic that Lilian was more than able to handle the situation. Though Jane was not quite like Lilian, she ran the household for twenty-odd years. She was something else. The pair would not put themselves at risk unless they held all the cards. Besides, Tony and Manny did not have the nerve to hurt them anyway. “We don’t have to worry about them, but I don’t see why we can’t watch Lilian in action.” Laurence chuckled. In the end, Laurence brought along eight bodyguards, including Noelle. They drove three cars out to the Longbottoms’ residence. Halfway to their destination, they encountered a massive police presence. They slowed down and rolled down their windows to enjoy the spectacle. They got a good look when they eased off the gas pedal. Plenty of men in black were scattered along the road. Some were wailing while others tried to get out without success. There were several rolling around on the floor, scratching themselves desperately. Many more were

Lilian said, “Why are you being formal with us? To us, you and Laurence are both our children. Noelle, you need to stop placing yourself in the role of a servant. You’re not a maid. “You are a child to all of us, a sister and family to Laurence. Yes, you keep Laurence safe as his bodyguard, but we don’t see you as hired help.“We are family, and that’s how we should get along.” Noelle pursed her lips before uttering, “Doc rescued me from the street to take care of Mr. Laurence. My task since day one was to protect and care for him. “People don’t really use terms like maid and servants anymore, so I’m Mr. Laurence’s bodyguard and housekeeper. Even though we grew up together, and you love me like one of your children, I can’t forget my place.” Noelle was eternally grateful to have found shelter with the old legendary doctor. She was fed, given an education, and an opportunity to learn medicine and combat. Laurence treated her like family. Doc and the Johnsons took her in as

“Mom. Master.” Laurence’s voice came from the kitchen. “I made you pasta. The food is ready.” Jane and Lilian stopped grilling Noelle. Their intention was to put a little pressure on Noelle, so she could face her feelings and be with Laurence. Noelle and Laurence were made for each other. Plus, they knew each other inside out since they had been in each other’s lives since childhood. Laurence could not make the first move, afraid that something might happen to him, which would end up hurting Noelle. On the other hand, Noelle was held back by her own insecurities that came with her upbringing. The pair could use a little push, or it would be years before they could be honest about their feelings. Society was less cruel to men who were still single in their thirties, but Noelle’s biological clock was ticking. Noelle was like a daughter to Jane and Lilian. The ladies wanted to shield Noelle from all the hurt. They could not sit by and watch Laurence drag his feet. For th

Not responding right away, Laurence quietly stared at Noelle. It was as if he was checking to see whether Noelle was lying. Noelle stood there, a face of composure. Jane and Lilian did talk about Laurence settling down, so technically, she was not lying. “What did you say?” Laurence knew that Noelle had lied through her teeth. Even though she was convincing, he saw through her, especially since she gripped her pants in secret. That was a telltale sign that she was not truthful. Not calling her out on the lie, Laurence let her spin the story. He trusted that Jane and Lilian were on his side to push the two of them together. The hard part was not telling Noelle how he felt. He had no problems doing that. His concern was Noelle’s attitude. She might not accept his feelings. Laurence could tell that Noelle felt something for him, but the real hurdle was her fixation on their social standing. If Noelle could not let go of that obsession, Noelle would only push him away,

Noelle walked out of Laurence’s study. When the door slipped shut, she stood outside for a bit before heading downstairs. Jane and Lilian had finished their supper. Jane was cleaning the dishes in the kitchen while Lilian stayed at the dining table. The two ladies seemed to be chatting. Picking up on Noelle’s footsteps, Lilian stopped talking. Noelle wanted to do the dishes for Jane, but Jane was done with the task. “Mom, just leave the dishes to me next time.” Jane replied, “I’m not helpless. I’ll keep going while I still can. I don’t need to leave the chores to you, especially since you’re already busy every day. You need to relax at home and stop sweating the small stuff.“Lilian and I aren’t princesses. It won’t kill us to do the dishes. Stop acting as if you let us down.” After putting away the dishes and cleaning her hands, Jane gave Noelle a squeeze on the cheek. “Lilian is right. I can’t get a good pinch like before. You need to start caring for your skin better.