The Killer Queen

10:17

Did the Schnabel family really set their kid up with a company gig this early?

Darcy’s mouth twitched, suddenly hit with a wave of upper–class culture shock.

She remembered finding so many classes boring back in school, but why didn’t she have a dozen companies managing her affairs?

Talk about a humbly extravagant excuse!

Darcy had thought Noella simply didn’t want to attend school and had prepared a bunch of arguments to persuade her to take her studies seriously. Now, she realized that even with her own salary, she was reaching for the stars.

Before leaving the office, Noella’s gaze fell on a bunch of flowers beside Darcy’s trash bin- vibrant purple irises, full of life, with a card bearing strong and vigorous handwriting.

“Wishing you all the best. May you soar high.”

Though unsigned, it was clearly Beckett’s handwriting!

The flowers were wrapped in the same paper as the bouquet Beckett had given Noella yesterday, from the florist shop beneath Beckett’s company building.

Beckett’s flowers, tossed carelessly into the trash by Darcy?

Noella paused. “Ms. Darcy, are these from Beckett?”

Darcy didn’t shy away from answering, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear with a smile. “Yes, it was his way of asking me to look after you. But Beckett doesn’t know I’m allergic to irises. Since your parents are abroad, it would be best if you could get Beckett to sign the application tu S.”

“Alright, I’ll let him know.”

How did Darcy know Tristan and Sienna were out of the country?

Noella didn’t ask for more details; she simply nodded and left the office.

As she opened the door, a few eavesdroppers stumbled backward in a comical fall, awkwardly facing Noella.

Noella swept her gaze over them, the majority of whom were friends of Oriana, probably there to see if Noella got scolded by Darcy.

The situation was momentarily awkward.

Noella didn’t spare them a glance, stepping away and leaving the scene.

After Beckett was informed about signing the forms, he called Darcy.

Darcy paused for a moment before adding, “Thank you for the gesture, Mr. Schnabel, but there’s no need for flowers next time. I’m allergic to all pollen.”

It seemed likely Beckett’s assistant chose the flowers on a whim.

“Sorry, I wasn’t aware. Can I make it up to you over dinner? My treat, and we can discuss Noella’s Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

situation.”

10:17

“No need, I’ve got a lot on my plate with school. It would be best if you could come by soon, Mr. Schnabel.” Beckett didn’t press further, agreeing before ending the coll.

Darcy received another call and hurriedly left the office.

Oriana and her group were surprised; Noella wasn’t scolded and didn’t seem prepared to even attend classes. How could the college agree to this?

“Typical Ms. Noella, some people just don’t belong in school.”

Oriana’s eyes landed on the design drafts on Darcy’s table, sparkling with admiration.

Could these amazing drafts have been left by Noella?

Just from the sketches, one could see the designer’s talent and skill level. How could a college freshman like Noella draw these? Could the Schnabel family have hired a master designer to help her skip school?

The more Oriana thought about it, the more convinced she became that it was true!

The Schnabel family was truly out of line. It was clear that only they, with their newfound wealth, could do such a thing.

Then, she remembered the Schnabel family proudly sending Noella off to school, fussing over her every move. When Noella played the zither, the Schnabel family radiated pride and joy.

Oriana even saw Sienna wiping away tears. “My baby is so talented. She must have worked so hard!”

Tristan was busy comforting Sienna, their eyes shining as if Noella was a precious treasure to be cherished.

And there Oriana was, without even a single person to send her off to school. Her jealousy twisted into something ugly.

She eyed those design drafts with a new greed.

In the spacious, well–lit CEO’s office of Rising Glory Group, the distinct sound of a pen scratching against paper echoed through the room.

Jasper, clad in an extravagant floral shirt, lounged in Beckett’s office, looking over Noella’s leave application.

“Many classes are indeed boring. I applied for exemptions when I was in college, too. It’s a good opportunity for Noella to explore other interests.”

Beckett responded, “Noella can pursue whatever she desires. We don’t need others‘ opinions to support her interests. Have you filed the lawsuits?”

Jasper scrolled through his device and sent a long list to Beckett.

“All filed, including against Yvonne Gruber and Briony Lambert, the main culprits. They’ll be enjoying a day in court soon. But Beckett, should we file one for you too?”

Beckett frowned, “For me? I don’t have any legal issues!”

Rising Glory Group’s legal department, while not as top–notch as Jasper’s own firm, was still among the best in the industry.

DIA

10:17

Jasper shrugged. “Didn’t you almost get married back in the day? If it weren’t for those rumors about you having an illegitimate child, I’d have a sister–in–law by now.”

Beckett had remained unmarried for many years, and the Schnabel family

hadn’t pressed the issue, largely due to the fallout from those past rumors.

Sienna feared Beckett hadn’t moved on, so they never broached the subject again.

Lately, seeing Noella and Palmer getting along so well, Sienna felt relieved but couldn’t help worrying about her eldest son.

Beckett’s pen accidentally poked through the paper.

“It doesn’t matter. What happened in the past is over.”

Recently, Rising Glory Group acquired a few plots of land, and some are starting to stir the pot again, buying into those old rumors. Doesn’t that bother you?”

Beckett put away his things, straightening his suit. “If they want to make a fuss, we’ll handle it by the book. There’s no need for anything more.”

Jasper gave a meaningful chuckle. “Beckett, you’ve been single for years. Still waiting for that lady?”

“Nonsense!”

Beckett looked at his flawless reflection in the mirror. The man’s face was resolute, and despite days of work, he didn’t seem overly tired. His eyes held an indescribable sharpness.

Jasper commented, “Beckett, with that face, you’ve got all the young ladies in the company sighing, ‘What a shame he ever opens his mouth‘. If you were a bit sweeter, I’d have a sister–in–law by now. How about chasing after your ex?”

After all, not many could handle Beckett’s sharp tongue!

Beckett glanced at him, his tone neutral. “She’s married now. Do you think I can be the other man?”

“It’s only the unloved who are the other men. Wait! Your ex is married? That’s too bad, definitely not appropriate.”

That woman, who was nearly Beckett’s wife once, was said to be his college mate. The Schnabel family had never met her, scared off by those rumors about Beckett.

Jasper felt a bit of regret, about to say more, but then saw Beckett striding out of the office.

“Beckett, where are you headed?”

“Off to the university to arrange course exemptions for Noella.”

Meanwhile, just as Noella stepped out of the lecture hall, her phone buzzed with a call from Nolan.

“Boss, your brother, Sterling, was filming in Glen Village. He then dropped by Verdant Garden, and now we can’t reach him!”

Stirling had been nearing the end of his filming project in Glen Village.

Noella frowned. “Isn’t Yasbel there filming too?”

Yasbel, as a member of Polaris Star, wouldn’t simply go missing.

10:18

“Can’t reach Yasbel either. We found her tracker in a ditch! Boss, we need you!”