Chapter 14 Before coming here , Julia had looked into the Vaughan family , so she immediately recognized the woman speaking . She was Caroline Shaw , the niece of Noah's aunt . Since Caroline's family had fallen on hard times , she'd been living off the Vaughans for years . Noah's uncle had even tried to match her with Noah . Too bad for them , Noah had never shown the slightest interest in Caroline , since he'd spent all those years waiting for Julia . That was why Caroline looked so hostile the moment she saw Julia . Noah was about to stand up for Julia , but she gently stopped him . " It's okay . She's here for me . I can handle it myself . " Julia arched an eyebrow at Caroline . Her tone was calm and unruffled . " You seem to know a lot about me , Ms. Shaw . " Caroline gave a cold laugh . " I wouldn't say I know you , but your reputation sure precedes you . It's hard not to hear things . " You and Noah may have been promised to each other , but that was years ago . You went missing as a child and didn't even grow up in a proper environment . Maybe you're good enough for an average rich family , but the Vaughans have a legacy that spans over a hundred years . You just don't measure up . " The room fell into a pin - drop silence . No one dared say a word . Noah's whole demeanor turned icy . His eyes were cold enough to kill , but Julia remained calm and even smiled . There wasn't a trace of anger on her face . " Yeah , I can tell you don't think much of me , " Julia replied with a polite smile . " But there's nothing I can do about it . I just happen to have good parents . Noah and I were engaged by arrangement of our families . I know you have your heart set on him , but Noah and I are meant for each other , I'm afraid he'll never return your feelings . " Everyone in the family knew about Caroline's feelings for Noah , but nobody had ever dared say it out loud like that . It was like Julia had just slapped Caroline across the face . Caroline glared at Julia , refusing to back down . " Julia , you're so full of yourself . If it weren't for that arrangement set by your families , do you really think Noah would marry you ? Don't get too cocky ! " Julia raised an eyebrow and turned to Noah . Her smile was bright and sweet . " Noah , if we didn't have that arrangement , would you still want to marry me ? " Noah felt a jolt go through him at the sound of her voice . Even knowing she was using him to make a point , he couldn't help but play along . " Of course . I love you for who you are . " Noah had always been known as cold and unapproachable , the kind of man who never showed weakness , even with his own family . No one had ever seen him indulge anyone like this , let alone in front of so many people . Then , his voice hardened as he turned on Caroline . " Ms. Shaw , you're just a guest in this house . Julia is my fiancee and the future lady of this family . If you ever speak out of turn again , I don't care whose niece you are . I'll have you thrown out . " Noah had always been a gentleman with women . The fact that he was speaking so harshly now made it clear to everyone that he was truly angry . Caroline looked at him in disbelief . She never imagined he would stand up for Julia like that in front of everyone , and jealousy burned in her chest . " Even if you two are meant for each other , what about the plagiarism ? " she spat . " Uncle Trevor , are we really going to let the Vaughan family's reputation be ruined because of this woman ? " Noah's uncle and his family had always resented the power he held , and now that they finally had something to use against him , they weren't about to let it go . " That's right , Trevor . Julia plagiarized someone else's artwork . The Yeomans family might be able to live down the shame , but the Vaughans can't stand this scandal . " In an instant , the way everyone looked at Julia changed . There was nothing but scorn in their eyes . But Julia held her head high , undaunted . " Ms. Shaw , maybe you should check the facts before you run your mouth . Didn't you see at the award ceremony that all my sketches were shown as evidence ? " Caroline sneered , refusing to let it go . " So what ? You're the heiress of the Yeomans family now , and with Noah's help , you could probably get away with anything . A few sketches mean nothing . If you wanted , you could have the hosts claim Emily was the plagiarist . " Whispers spread all around them . " That's right . She can easily twist the truth by using her family's influence . " " I never thought Noah would choose a plagiarist after all these years . " " Hey , keep it down. With her parents backing her , she can cover up anything . " Trevor didn't know all the details , but by now , he was starting to get the picture . He spoke in a deep voice . " That's enough . This ends here . No one is to bring it up again . " Julia immediately spoke up . " Mr. Vaughan , since this does involve me and Ms. Shaw has such strong opinions , I think it's best I clear the air right now . "