The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

In the world of gemstone connoisseurs, Yasbel was an illustrious expert. Though her fees were steep, her expertise was unquestionable and absolute.

Yasbel, who was on a movie set, opened the photo on her phone and let out a whistle of amusement.

The call and the picture had landed on Noella's phone.

"Boss, this numbskull can't even recognize white marble, asking me if it's treasure. I reckon his brains are the real gem here, dumb as a box of rocks."

"Tell him it's just a piece of rock. That sculpture's got a video my grandma made before she passed, super important."

"Got it."

After hanging up, Yasbel, without a hint of courtesy, pocketed the money and texted Vincent her verdict, “Pebble.”

Staring at the terse word response on his screen, Vincent was gobsmacked! He'd spent 10 grand, and all Master Yasbel had for him were one word?

But given Yasbel's weighty reputation in the industry, even one-word response was enough to put Vincent at ease. He pocketed his phone, grabbed the sculpture, and strutted out the door, giddy with anticipation. The thought of a six-figure jade bracelet soon to be his made his heart soar.

Back on the set, Yasbel pocketed her phone and spied Briony, dressed as a maid-in-waiting, looking around the corner.

Yasbel passed by Briony and casually mentioned, "Heard through the grapevine that there's a six- figure jade bracelet at the Lambert Group in Tranquility City. Wonder if it's meant as a dowry for the boss's kid."

Briony's head snapped up in disbelief as Yasbel walked away.

A six-figure bracelet in her family? She was clueless about such a fortune!

Neither Belinda nor Vincent had breathed a word, and here she was, thinking everything the Lambert clan owned would eventually be hers.

Briony felt an infinite sense of injustice.

Damn it! No one was going to snatch away what belonged to her!

Unnoticed, a maid-in-waiting disappeared from the set. Briony changed into her own clothes and hopped in a taxi, racing towards the city. Overwhelmed with fatigue, she dozed off halfway there.

Vincent, with the seemingly worthless stone-carved osmanthus tree beside him, examined it repeatedly during the drive, finding nothing special about it.

Only a greenhorn like Noella would mistake such a trifle for a treasure! Containing his excitement, Vincent arrived at the desolate rendezvous point in the outskirts, where no soul was in sight.

After a long wait for the driver, Vincent nonchalantly placed the stone sculpture on the ground. As soon as it touched the earth, a car roared towards him. He believed the driver had arrived, his heart racing with excitement!

His jade bracelet! The Lambert family fortune was imminent! But the car showed no signs of slowing down; in fact, it seemed to speed up!

Vincent, panicked, hurriedly dodged to the side. The vehicle swerved, hitting him squarely, sending him flying a few meters.

A car parked nearby opened its door, and shiny black shoes were stomped on the withered grass. Stirling bent down to pick up the osmanthus sculpture.

As if oblivious to the chaos around him, he marveled, "What a stunning osmanthus tree, skillfully carved. Looks like the work of the master artisan Sylvie. They've been fetching exorbitant prices lately! No wonder Grandma liked osmanthus trees, I'm quite fond of it myself."

Jasper, taking the sculpture, admired it while giving a casual order, "Run him over a few more times. Anyone who dares to cross my sister needs a taste of an 'accidental' car crash! Oh, make sure he stays alive."

Vincent, the wretch, would be getting off too easy with death. Alive, he'd suffer endless torment!

...

The call came through to Noella's phone.

"Boss, found it. The guy looking to buy the jade bracelet from Vincent is from Lockhart Prison, and the last signal tracking the attempt on Mr. Marcel Schnabel's life also vanished nearby."

"Keep on it."

"Also, Vincent's been in a car accident; the driver was Briony."

Noella was surprised, and then realized, "The Schnabel family's doing?"

Alkaid recounted the events.

"Boss, your brothers are as ruthless as you. Runs in the family! Looks like Vincent's going to be paralyzed for the rest of his life...but he had it coming!"

Noella replied evenly, "Noted. Send me the last known location of the signal; I'll check it out myself tomorrow."

"You got it." © NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

She put away her phone. The car pulled up to a quaint estate. The manor, sprawling over five hundred acres, was constructed like an ancient castle, a page out of a fairy tale.

Palmer, taking in the estate, was mildly surprised. "The Richardson family? So, Master Killian is here for Lucian Richardson's birthday."

Known for their antique paintings and deep roots, the Richardson family was a household name in Harmonia Country, where one could stumble upon antiques from various times just walking through their home.

Palmer explained softly, "Noella, Lucian is an old comrade of Grandpa Marcel. They're close with the Schnabel family and the Pollack family. It's only proper we drop by for Grandpa Lucian's birthday."

Marcel and Sexton had long since crossed the threshold where such social gatherings were the playground for the younger generation. Sending a gift was akin to extending a handshake from a comfortable distance.

Noella hadn't anticipated this twist from the past.

Master Killian smoothed out his suit before passing the box he held to Palmer.

"What are you gawking at? Take the gift I've prepared. Did you really expect my mentee to lug around this heavy thing? Have you no chivalry?"

"Of course not, it's only right for me to carry it."

The box was indeed weighty, its contents a mystery.

With a slight lift, Noella raised an eyebrow and said, "A painting from you, along with a gemstone from Master Hector's private collection."

Such a generous gift clearly showed Master Killian's deep respect for this old friend.

Arm hooked through Palmer's, Noella followed close behind Master Killian as they entered the banquet hall.

Upon their arrival, the trio captured the attention of everyone present!

Master Killian, donned in a dashing three-piece suit, led the way with an air of an otherworldly sage, his hands clasped behind him. Despite his ethereal demeanor, not a soul dared to underestimate him.

This was a titan striding through the world of fine arts!

Trailing behind him was a striking couple. The young woman, in a modern, form-fitting dress that hinted at traditional influences, boasted a slim waist and long legs, her complexion fair and her features delicate. Her eyes, shimmering like tranquil waters, were as enchanting as those found in a classical portrait.

Adorning her wrist was a clear jade bracelet, resting lightly on the arm of the tall, distinguished man beside her. Palmer, with his gold-rimmed glasses, exuded a scholarly charm, but his eyes, sharp and discerning, sent shivers down one's spine.

A woman in an elegant, tailored gown approached with grace. Her voice was soft and warm as she greeted them with a smile, "Mr. Pollack and Ms. Schnabel, what an honor to have you here in person! And Master Killian, my father is eagerly awaiting you. Please, come with me."

With a wave of his hand, Master Killian dismissed them, "Go on, enjoy yourselves. I'll be back shortly."

Noella's gaze lingered on the woman leading the way. A slight frown creased her brow - she was certain she'd seen that face somewhere before. Her memory was impeccable; this was no mere déjà vu.