Laurence grimaced.
He glared at Noelle.
Any idiot could see how he felt about her. Noelle, perceptive about everything else as she was, would not be oblivious.
Yet, Noelle had to name Callia as the woman he loved.
It was true that he adored Callia, but it was familial. He cared for Callia as a brother would.
Callia was a lot younger than he was. In some ways, Laurence practically raised her.
With Laurence's expression turning sour, Noelle smiled embarrassedly. "Sir, i-it was just an assumption. The only young girls around you are Chloe and Callie."
"Thank goodness the Yorks aren't here to hear that, or else I'd never be able to set foot in Wildridge Manor. They'd treat me like a predator."
Caught between laughter and tears, Laurence said, “Chloe and Callie are just family to me. There's nothing romantic between us. Can't you tell?
"Stop talking nonsense. Chloe has Devon, and Callie has Xavier. I'm in no business to break them up."
Noelle smiled awkwardly, not divulging more.
She did not have the guts to mention herself.
Noelle did not feel like she deserved him.
Like her, Laurence was an orphan. However, his family background was clear to him, while Noelle did not know who her family was.
Laurence had Lilian, his adoptive parents, and family-like friends. Even though Noelle addressed Jane as her mother, Jane had never adopted her. Her time with Lilian was not long either.
Plus, Lilian said that she would only have one apprentice.
Knowing Noelle, Laurence understood he would not get more answers out of her. He softened his voice and said, “It's late. You should get some rest while you can. Those people are probably going to attack us around two to three in the morning."
Noelle sighed to herself. At least, she did not have to face Laurence for now.
After the intense interrogation from Jane and Lilian, Noelle dreaded being alone with Laurence.
Before, Noelle could play dumb since no one spoke of the tension between them. Laurence kept his boundaries, and they got along well.
Jane and Lilian basically made Noelle confront her feelings, and she must admit that her mind was all over the place. She had never once allowed herself to explore a future with Laurence. All she wanted was to stay by his side.
She promised her late mentor, and it was her lifelong pledge.
“You seem relieved. What? Are you uncomfortable being alone with me?"
Noelle replied, “Not at all, sir. Don't read too much into it."
Laurence scoffed. "I hope I'm not overthinking. You should turn in for the night.”
"Get some rest, sir. The perimeter is secured. They will be walking right into our trap if they show up."
"Got it.
"We're heading to Satbury after lunch tomorrow. The ladies are attending the auction."
Noelle mumbled in her mind, 'They are clearly here for us.'
However, she would never say that right to Laurence's face.