Chapter 25 Yasmine's face darkened when she heard those words . She stared at Noelle in disbelief , her mind seemingly racing to figure out just exactly what Noelle knew about Conner and Caleb . Unbothered , Noelle simply stood across from her , watching on with an innocent expression . Meanwhile , Mary held her breath . After all , Yasmine wasn't someone to mess with , and with her pride . having been so publicly wounded already , she was bound to make a scene . But to everyone's surprise , she awkwardly clamped her mouth shut . Then , she hooked her arm through Sabrina's and tried to sound gracious - though her eyes told a different story . " Forget about them , Sabrina . Let's not stoop to their level . Right now , what matters most is your baby . Don't let this ruin your mood . " Sabrina had been ready to lash out , planning to ride Yasmine's outrage and make Noelle pay . But she hadn't expected her overbearing mother - in - law to suddenly back down . Sabrina found it hard to believe and was unsure whether Yasmine's concern for the baby was genuine , or if something else was going on . However , before she could dwell on it , Yasmine pulled her away , and they left with their tails between their legs . Still in shock , Mary watched their retreating figures with a baffled look . " Why is someone so pushy acting like a completely different person today ? " she muttered . Noelle , on the other hand , looked completely unfazed . She simply browsed a display and picked out a slightly cheaper piece of jewelry . Half - distracted , she replied , " Oh ? What kind of person is she now ? " The Ashfords did have a knack for remaking someone into someone else - even the dead . Mary kept her eyes on the Ashfords until they disappeared from the mall . Only then did she say , " It's just strange . She should've lashed out at us , but she slunk off like a coward instead . " The sting in Mary's tone made Noelle burst into laughter . A coward . That word fit Yasmine perfectly . How could she not be ? Right now , Yasmine's one and only priority was her precious grandchild . If Sabrina ever found out that her husband's younger brother was the real father of her child , something interesting was bound to happen . When it came time to pay , Mary glanced at the trinkets Noelle had chosen and felt a pang in her chest . Chapter 25 2/2 Noelle , those are just cheap accessories for a teenage girl . They're not right for you . Pick something nicer . Noelle glanced down at the earrings she had chosen . " Mom , I like these . They make me look younger . " Mary knew exactly what was on Noelle's mind - she was trying to save the family money . Noelle had always been sensible , with good grades and a well - behaved nature . But the more sensible she was in moments like these , the more it broke Mary's heart . Mary's eyes reddened as she took Noelle's hand . " You think you're old ? You're so fresh - faced you could pass for a college girl . " Noelle lifted her head and studied her own reflection in the mirror . She had a slender figure , luminous eyes , and a dazzling smile that lit up her face . Three years of marriage into the Ashford family had accustomed her to the rhythms of married life . Now , as she smiled , it struck her that she could truly be as radiant as any other young woman . Every glance and every movement she made carried its own charm . Jessica Doyle , the sales associate , lost patience and briskly urged them on with a cold expression . " You've been here forever . Don't tell me you can't even afford a pair of earrings . " Mary , always gracious , still managed a smile despite the jab . " Of course we can . My daughter just wants to take another look . " Noelle waved it off . " It's fine , Mom . I'll take this pair . You don't have to spend too much . " Her words made Jessica's expression sour even more . " I've seen plenty of customers like you . If you're buying , pay up . If not , we're not going to stand around serving you all day . " Enjoy Ad - Free Reading >> Go Chapter 26 Chapter 26 1/2