The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Elara's nerves were buzzing with a mix of excitement and anxiety as she broached the topic. She couldn't quite put her finger on why she felt this way, but the timing of the boss of Polaris Star Lab showing up just seemed too perfect. Moreover, it was more than just a coincidence that she brought along crucial video footage and comprehensive experimental data.

The thought that this mystery boss had completed his experiments and prepared thoroughly before approaching Phoenix Lab filled Elara with a sense of admiration. A person capable of such forethought was surely extraordinary.

Mizar, with a grin spreading across his face, said, "Our boss goes by the code name Loadstar in the lab. If the name rings a bell, Ms. Schnabel, it's probably because you've referenced her research in one of your own papers." From NôvelDrama.Org.

Loadstar!

In the scientific community, that name was legendary!

To have published ten groundbreaking papers in leading journals, each one a masterpiece, Loadstar had almost become a template for success in their research circle.

Having referenced Loadstar's work in her own research, Elara was more than familiar with her contributions; she was an unabashed fan.

"Ms. Schnabel, our boss really admires your work too, and if you're interested, we'd love to have you join our lab," Mizar added.

Elara was practically glowing with excitement. "Loadstar is my hero. Every one of his papers provides a eureka moment, sparking countless ideas. It's fair to say that without her research, I

wouldn't be where I am today. Joining Loadstar's lab would be an honor, but for now, I must decline."

Mizar raised an eyebrow. "If our boss is your idol, why would you turn down the chance to work in her lab?"

Elara turned to glance at the sprawling campus behind her, a place that held not just her responsibilities, but her convictions as well. Her gaze was steady and resolute, her voice full of confident determination.

"Because my country needs me."

"I stand corrected," Mizar conceded. "When our boss left, she mentioned that if Ms. Schnabel ever needs anything, you are welcome at Polaris Star for some cross-pollination of ideas. However, our boss won't be in Emerald County for the next couple of days."

"That's wonderful, thank you! And... uh," Elara stammered, slightly embarrassed, "next time, could you maybe get Loadstar's autograph for me? I'm a huge fan!"

Mizar promised earnestly and hung up the phone, immediately calling Noella.

"Boss, your sister's starting to suspect who you really are. Her smarts are clearly not from the same gene pool as the rest of your family; she's too clever. If it weren't for her sense of duty, I'd recruit her in a heartbeat! She even wants your autograph. Can you believe it?"

Noella was momentarily at a loss for words.

Had Mizar ever considered that Noella herself was also from the Schnabel family? When Mizar suggested that Elara's intelligence surpassed that of the Schnabels, was that an inadvertent insult to her?

"If you're angling for a demotion to janitor at the Obelisk Organization, just say so."

"Boss, goodbye!"

Meanwhile, Elara, content with the conversation, returned to the lab, where Jacob was busy with a centrifuge and vials. He looked up at her with a hint of annoyance. "Where have you been, racing around like that?"

"Do you know the head of Polaris Star Lab, Boss?"

"Are you kidding me? Who in research doesn't? Do you think Polaris Star could maintain such an esteemed international status if their leader was anything less than brilliant?"

"The country didn't try to recruit her?"

Jacob cast a complicated glance at Elara. "They tried, many times. But she said our lab was too primitive, and that research wasn't her entire life. She refused. You remember the successful amphibious transport technology from a few months ago, right? That was based on her research."

In other words, their equipment was basically antiquated compared to hers.

Phoenix Lab's research focus had nothing to do with amphibious transport technology, so their data had come from Loadstar!

Elara's eyes sparkled. "No wonder she's my idol!"

Jacob shook his head, focusing back on his samples. "She's impressive, but you're no slouch. With your talent, you'll go far."

It was the first time Jacob had complimented her since she joined Phoenix Lab. Elara stepped back, wary.

"Boss, act normal, will you? You're old enough to be my dad! That's not on. Your career might be winding down, but I've got a bright future ahead. I'm going to be a leading scientist one day! I have zero interest in older men, just so you know!"

Unable to contain his frustration, Jacob barked, "Get out! I can't stand to be in the same lab as you!"

Elara retreated, her heart settling down as she tapped her chest in relief. "That's more like it. You complimenting me out of the blue had me worried. When things don't add up, it usually means trouble's afoot!"

As she skipped out of the lab, Jacob's expression softened into something more solemn and introspective. He pulled out an old pocket watch and opened it to reveal a faded photograph.

If it weren't for the clear signs of age, anyone could mistake the woman in the photo for Elara in some vintage glamour shot.

Jacob's fingers gently traced the face in the photo as he whispered to himself with a bittersweet smile.

"Yvette, what if I tell her the truth? Will she resent me? The Schnabels treat her like a gem, and I... how should I proceed? She's doing great, better than we ever imagined our child would be. She is intelligent, mature, and also quite endearing."

Elara's recent words, that she was different and not a child of the Schnabels, hit Jacob like a punch to the gut, leaving him breathless with pain.

The woman in the photo, with her distinctively curved eyebrows and a beauty mark just like Elara's, reminded one of a crescent moon in the sky.

But for Jacob, his moon would remain forever a crescent, its fullness an impossibility, leaving him without answers.

...

At Imperial West Hospital, Marcel gripped his cane tightly as he frowned down at Ashlyn, who was lying in a hospital bed, her mind clouded and distant.

Calvin stood beside him. "General, she can't string a full sentence together and is quite out of it. I'm afraid she won't be able to answer any of your questions."

"When will she recover?"

"We're doing our best, but her dementia is severe. She doesn't recognize anyone anymore. Maybe it's best if you head home, General."

Marcel didn't get the truth he was seeking, which edged him with frustration. However, watching Ashlyn’s rambling and disoriented state also stirred impatience within him.

After so many years, his relationship with this person had deteriorated to mutual disdain.

Ashlyn mumbled incoherently, as if trapped in a loop. "My son... It's my son... All mine..."

With Tristan's support, Marcel rose and left the hospital room.

"If Yvonne is indeed her granddaughter, look into who her son is."

"Yes, I'll get right on it."

Tristan hesitated but finally asked, "Dad, who is my mother, really?"

Marcel closed his eyes, a bitter taste creeping up his throat. When he opened them again, his gaze was as sharp and resolute as an eagle's, his presence commanding and authoritative.

"Go find Merrick. I need to get to the bottom of this!"

"Alright, I'll contact him right away. Oh, he says he's off to the island for a getaway, looking for inspiration for his new book, and won't be home."