Chapter 33

Noelle was no fool. She knew she was not exactly the family favorite, but she had not expected them to stoop this low. Her dad, who was usually so composed, was showing his true colors at Grandpa's birthday, of all places. It was a real eye-opener for Noelle.

"Grandpa, how about I hang out with you for a bit?" Noelle flashed a smile. "Check it out. We've got a full house today, all here to party for you." She gently took Samuel's hand, ready to head off.

Julian was fuming, his face red and his mustache practically bristling. With the crowd watching, however, he bit his tongue.

Then, out of nowhere, the crowd started buzzing, and a wave of gasps rolled through the room. Noelle peeked through the sea of people and spotted someone making an entrance at the door the Shaw family had been keeping an eye on. The guy was tall and striking, walking with a confidence that said 'keep your distance,' completely stealing the spotlight from Noelle and her grandpa.

Dressed to the nines in a sleek