Chapter 204
Chapter 204:
Refusing to let disappointment get the best of him, Gerard accepted full responsibility for the hurt he’d caused her in the past. He understood he’d crossed a line, and that the wounds he left ran deep. Noelle’s reluctance to forgive him wasn’t something he held against her. He saw it as nothing but justified.
From a step behind, Brock watched Gerard’s desperate attempts and couldn’t hide his disapproval. “Gerard, why are you groveling for that brat p>
Without missing a beat, Gerard snapped, “That’s enough!” His voice was sharp and cold as he shot Brock a warning glare. “Brock, Noelle is my sister—my only sister. I’ll never let you talk about her that way. One more word out of line, and you’ll answer to me p>
A scowl twisted across Brock’s features. “Gerard p>
Willa bit down on her lip until it almost bled, bitterness burning in her chest. Once, Gerard would have taken her side this fiercely. Now, all of that loyalty was reserved for Noelle.
After setting Brock straight, Gerard turned back to Noelle, eager to clear the air. “I’m not here to spend time with them. If I’m being honest, just seeing Willa sets me on edge p>
Behind him, Willa pressed her lips tighter, her anger barely contained.
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺n𝘤𝖾 𝗮𝘯d paѕs𝗶о𝗻 o𝘯 ѕ.c𝘰m
Gerard paid her no mind, his gaze gentle and fixed on Noelle. “Noelle, the only reason I tagged along was to keep an eye on these two. I didn’t want Brock and Willa teaming up and making trouble for you p>
That last remark left Brock and Willa wearing identical looks of resentment.
Displeasure colored Brock’s tone as he raised his voice. “Gerard, what’s gotten into you? Take a look at Willa. She’s on the verge of tears because of what you said p>
Tears glimmered at the edges of Willa’s eyes, her lashes wet and trembling.
With a sharp, dismissive laugh, Gerard fired back, his words cutting through the room. “It’s strange how you leap to defend Willa from the slightest criticism, but had no problem speaking so harshly to Noelle p>
That remark caught Brock off guard, stealing whatever comeback he might have had.
In his heart, though, he remained convinced he had done nothing wrong. Willa, after all, meant everything to him. Protecting her felt only natural. As for Noelle, she could never measure up to Willa. In his mind, even comparing the two felt pointless.
Once Brock had been put in his place, Gerard’s glare settled on Willa. “Enough with the tears. All I did was speak the truth, and you’re already performing for the crowd? Back when you snatched Noelle’s recognition, I didn’t see you getting weepy. So what are these fake tears supposed to prove now p>
Those words hit Willa like a slap, leaving her stunned and motionless. Never had she imagined Gerard would call her out so mercilessly in front of everyone. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks as she stammered, “Gerard, I admit I was wrong to claim what Noelle did as my own before. I’m not going to deny it. All I want now is for her to forgive me. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it p>