Chapter 12 Noelle had barely set foot in the Spencer residence when she received the picture from Sabrina curled up in Conner's arms . Mary took the carry - on from her and worriedly studied her frown . " What's wrong , Noelle ? Still haven't moved on ? " The Coles have been pressing , but I'm not going to force you . We'll talk about it when you're ready . " Noelle glanced at the picture before expressionlessly deleting the chat . Then , she slipped her phone away and flashed Mary a smile . " I'm over it , Mom . The dead have gone , and life goes on for the living . Let's move forward with the Coles as soon as possible . " Mary had heard Noelle say the same thing over the phone , but hearing it in person still left her stunned . She knew Noelle well enough to know that she wasn't the kind to pretend to be fine . Relief washed over Mary as she patted Noelle's shoulder . " You're right . The living are what matters most . Once we've settled the situation on your dad's end , we'll arrange for the Cole family's proposal . " Noelle grinned . It was only when she was home that she could finally relax . She'd been running on light naps for some days , and it was about time she caught up on some sleep . The next morning , Noelle woke up to good news . Mary excitedly knocked on her door and exclaimed , " Noelle , Mr. Marshall took on your dad's case ! We're as good as won ! " Still half - asleep , Noelle thought she must've been dreaming . It wasn't until Mary came in , sat on the edge of her bed , and shook her arm that she woke up . As she blurrily rubbed her eyes , she asked , " Mr. Marshall ? Are you talking about the renowned Mr. Marshall in Norland ? " After Patrick was involved in a medical bribery scandal , Noelle had been following the legal world closely . If she remembered correctly , the Ashfords had told her that someone like Alan Marshall couldn't be hired with money alone . One needed connections . Soon , Noelle's sleepiness slipped away as she frowned in disbelief . " Are the Ashfords even capable of hiring him ? " The Ashfords had promised to help after Noelle had gotten them in touch with Dalton Brown , but she hadn't expected them to act so quickly . For a moment , she almost believed they had one redeeming trait -keeping their word . Chapter 12 2/3 But Mary shook her head . " No. It was Sebastian Cole . " That name sounded vaguely familiar . Noelle had to dig through some old memories before it clicked . " As in Sebastian Cole from the Cole family ? " Mary nodded . The excitement in her eyes showed just how much she admired Sebastian . It wasn't the Cole family's influence that she respected . Rather , it was the relief of finally seeing a way forward . The Spencers had been deeply troubled by Patrick's scandal , and Mary had barely slept since his arrest . But now , there was finally hope . Coincidentally , Mary was going to visit the law firm , so Noelle got up and announced , " I'm coming with you , Mom . " But Mary stopped her . " Today's Sebastian's birthday . I was going to visit the Cole residence , but I can't be in two places at once . " Also , I've prepared a gift , so why don't you take it over ? " Noelle saw no reason to refuse , but before heading over to the Cole residence , she stopped by Luxe Plaza . The gift might be from Mary , but since she was paying a visit and Sebastian had just pulled her family out of a crisis , she wanted to bring something of her own . So , Noelle chose a men's fragrance with a blend of cedar , sandalwood , and blackcurrant . It had a unique , woody scent that she hoped Sebastian might like . At the Cole residence , Noelle couldn't help but feel a little nervous . This was her first time meeting Sebastian Cole , and because it was his birthday , the Cole residence was extra lively . Relatives , friends , and Norland elites filled the house , chatting and laughing . Once Noelle stepped into the crowd , she was quickly swallowed by the sheer volume of people and couldn't spot a single familiar Cole family member . She'd met some of the Coles as a kid , but that was 20 years ago , and she could barely remember their appearances anymore . So , all she could do was clutch the gift and look around for someone to ask . But everyone was in small groups and chattering loudly . Her quiet inquiries were no louder than a mosquito's hum , and no one noticed . Soon , Noelle was jostled toward a corner , where two elegantly dressed young ladies stood talking . She'd meant to ask them for directions when she overheard their conversation as she approached . " Have you heard ? Sebastian is marrying a divorcee . Word is that she can't even have children . " Chapter 12 3/3 The other lady let out a mocking laugh . " A twice - married woman who can't even give him a child … As if I'd take her seriously . " Chapter 13 Chapter 13