The Cherished Wife

When Winter entered the banquet hall, Xavier had already calmed down most of the guests, with many having already left.

Only a few remained, including Noelle, who seemed to be waiting for her.

Winter took a deep breath and approached. "Noelle."

Noelle curled her lips into a smile. "You look upset, Winter. It's understandable. After all, having something like this happen at your birthday party would upset anyone. Especially when the main person involved is your best friend!" She smiled. "But are you more upset that your birthday party was ruined or that your good friend was taken advantage of?"

"Noelle, how could you say that? I didn't want something like this to happen either. I can hold my birthday party anytime, but... I didn't know this would happen.

"I'm sad because Suzy is my best friend, and she was hurt like that. But I'm also relieved that you weren't the one involved. Otherwise, it would've been you..." "Yes, I'm relieved and happy too." Noelle smiled brightly at Winter.

to your friend. Actually, I feel sad about it too. But I'm really relieved that it wasn't me who was affected today. You're happy for me too, aren't you?"

provoke her. "But Noelle, even so, my best friend was hurt, so

her eyes, her gaze turning cold. "Winter, have you ever heard

"What?"

commit it." Noelle's smile deepened, and she noticed

saying about shooting yourself in the foot. That

not hold it in any longer. "Noelle, you wretch! You knew all along,

her face paling. "Yes, I knew. You drugged me, didn't you? You thought

acting like you were being so thoughtful. Winter, you might get off drugging people once or