Chapter 172 The Truth

Noel pinched the spoon between his slender fingers and stined his coffee slowly. "It's not surprising that the feids would agree with my mother and allow the

Daniel brand the implication in Noel's words. "But the same might not be said of Lilian. She might not get over the scandal so easily. After all, she is the kids' only Heiress and is likely spoiled beyond reason. If she wanted to, she could single-handedly call off the engagement."

Not released the spoon and let clatter against the mug with a delicate "ding". "Have you found out who snapped those photos?

Hound them. They're a couple of joumalists from an unknown tabloid. They knew they got into trouble. We cornered them this morning before they could make for 11 Darelanowcled.

Noel s gaze townrd for a second. "There's more to this than meets the eye. Make sure to squeeze every answer you can out of those two."

He doubted a pair of journalists would have the nerve to cross him, much less the Howard family. They could have taken smaller risks if all they wanted was fame.

From the looks of it, the scandal was either orchestrated by one of Beckham's rivals or someone who had a grudge against Noel.

In Wohi late at night when Noel timally returned to the Howard residence.

He climbed over his balcony and onto Whitney's just as he did the night before, only to find the doors locked and the curtains down. He couldn't see into her room

It seemed his little trip in her room last night had been discovered. An amused chuckle escaped him. He lingered by her balcony doors for a minute or so before

Meanwhile, Whitney lay awake in her bedroom. She hadn't slept well the last two nights and woke up when she heard sounds coming from the balcony earlier. She

with only the balcony doors separating them, Whitney did not sit up until she heard Noel leave for his room. Only then did she rum on her bedside lamp and stare at the warm, vellow light.

This was for the best. She and Noel were adults who didn't owe each other an explanation. They only had to go their separate ways and live their separate lives.

The next day, Whitney deliberately avoided having breakfast with the family in case she ran into Noel, She didn't leave her mom until it was nearly 9:00 am.

She had only reached her bedroom door when Rebecca called, which was surprising Rebecca rarely called her

She put the call through and heard Rebecca's panicked voice on the other line, "Your father has fainted" Come back at once!"

Whitney immediately had the driver drop her off at the Spencer residence. Upon entering the house, she asked the housekeeper why Westley had collapsed, only to bear Westley's voice sounding from the living room. "I appreciate you coming over here so quickly, Whit Westley looked perfectly fine as he sat in the living room, grinning at Whitney. He did not look like a person who had just blacked out.

"You Led to me?" Whitney asked, belatedly realizing that Westley must have told Rebecca to make up an excuse to get her to come back Westley explained, "I had to, or you wouldn't have agreed to come home,

He had a point. They could have asked nicely and she still wouldn't have returned without good reason.

Het Lace was stony as she demanded, "What do you need?" She doubted he had lied just to test her loyalty to the family.

et them

*Stella has gotten herself into trouble with Norland Mrs. Howard, and they're planning to hold her accountable. Could you put in a good word for her and get to back off her case?" Westley asked.

she crossed the Howards?" Whitney was surprised. "With her and Noel's photos spreading around, you'd think only Mrs. Howard was angry with her." Surly Madelyn would be furious to learn that herson had caught feelings for Stella.

Westley apprated conflicted as he said, "Well, Stella drugged Noel, hence the photos. Mrs. Howard found out about it, grew an

thew angry, and said she'd make Stella pay

Now, What, we know Mr. Howard Senior for you. You live in the Howard residence and you have some sway with the family. Only you can help Stella." Whitney land poor still. Stella had drugged Noel, which meant those photos had been taken while Noel was under the influence of drugs.

That explained Noel's behavior that night when he went into her room to serkurlease.

With all the pieces falling into place, the only question Whitney had was why Noel hadn't told Elijah the truth at bakast the other moming.

"What, we're counting on you We can't afford to get on Mrs. Howard's bad side," Westley continued pleading-

wi narsa; I'm undernoveldrama

Whitney shot famanary look "Stella should have thought about the consequences when she decided to pull this stunt. She has to clean up her own mass; no obligation to help het besides, this isn't some trivial matter Iran help cover up" Westleyard. "Stella is your sister! You have to help her whether you like it or not

chim a withering look over her shoulder "I can't help her with this. You do it then, if you're so capable. She is your daughter, after all."

"Fenaly?" Whitney served, "I don't thick you ever saw me as family, You know as well as i do what you are to me. I'm only tamily to you when you need my help and tum the away when all is well What a wonderful father you aİR."

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