The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

With those words, Noella slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked out.

That look of disdain and disappointment she shot Garrick pierced right through him! NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

In this whole mess, Noella was clearly the victim. Yet, Garrick, having only heard one side of the story, tried to use his position of authority to force Noella into accepting an apology. He didn't care about digging into the truth at all.

Garrick couldn't tell if the sting he felt was more from being called out by a younger person or the regret of knowing the truth. Either way, his face turned as red as an autumn apple! He looked down at Oriana, who was still avoiding his gaze, and at Thad, who stood by expectantly.

If he continued to defend Oriana now, he'd be slapping his own face!

Thad spoke with gravity. "Garrick, Noella is a rare gem, a student of exceptional talent! It's been ages since I've seen someone with her abilities. The last one I remember of her caliber is now programming for missiles."

Such high praise from Thad spoke volumes of Noella's extraordinary abilities!

As the founding leader of Polaris Star, Garrick knew Noella's capabilities even better than Thad. But to him, Noella was the stronger party, Oriana the weaker. What was so wrong about asking Noella to step back a little?

Thad, however, didn't move to leave, continuing instead. "Garrick, if an ordinary student couldn't clear their name in such a manner, would we simply ignore it? Truth and justice should be upheld above all!"

Thad shook his head, casting a meaningful glance at Oriana. "Distorting facts and speaking falsehoods! Are such students really in line with Imperial University's academic principles?"

Garrick knew Thad was pressuring him. If he still sided with Oriana, trouble was bound to stir. Caught between a rock and a hard place, thinking of Oriana's parents who were old friends, Garrick stubbornly said, "I can handle this! Thad, please, just leave it!"

Knowing Garrick's stubbornness, Thad left the office and immediately called Merrick.

"Hey, old man, your granddaughter's being wronged! You gonna step in or what?"

Merrick's voice rose instantly. "Which granddaughter? Noella or Elara?"

"Who else could it be? I'm still at Imperial University, so obviously your granddaughter here."

After Thad relayed the incident briefly, he added, "Your granddaughter, she's something else! You must have some strong ancestors to be blessed with such a remarkable descendant!"

Merrick basked in the praise. "Damn Garrick! Why should Noella have to yield to anyone? Merely uttering an apology doesn’t signify genuine remorse!"

"So, are you going to do something about it?"

"Of course! I'm heading to Imperial University right now. I want to see what Garrick is up to!"

With that, Merrick rushed out the door, all fired up!

...

At the school's entrance, as Tristan's car approached the gates, his secretary peered out and cheerily announced, "Mr. Schnabel, Ms. Noella got into Mr. Pollack's car."

Not far ahead, Noella was spotted bending to enter a car parked by the curb, immediately recognized as Palmer's by the secretary!

Tristan chuckled. "Good, good. Palmer juggles a busy schedule, yet he still makes time to pick up Noella. Seems he's quite taken with her!"

"And not only that, Mr. Pollack brought her favorite roses."

Roses for just picking Noella up from college?

Tristan's laughter grew louder. As he was still smiling, the secretary exclaimed, "Mr. Schnabel, why is Mr. Merrick here?"

"Eh? Quick, let's go greet him. Is he here for Noella too? Let's not have him make a wasted trip!"

Catching up to Merrick, Tristan joked, "Dad, Noella left with Palmer. What brings you here?"

Merrick huffed. "And you're still laughing? Your girl was bullied, and they expect her to just forgive and forget! How unfair is that!"

As Merrick recounted the events, his concern for Noella was palpable.

Noella, always so independent, bearing everything alone, hardly ever complaining. If Thad hadn't called to inform him, who knew how long this would've been kept secret?

Hearing the full story wiped the smile off Tristan's face.

"The audacity! They think they can mess with my daughter because she's easygoing? I'll see to it that Noella gets justice!"

"Dad, you're getting on in years; leave this to me. Just sit back, and I'll make sure our girl gets the resolution she deserves!"

Fuming, Tristan and Merrick stormed into the university together.

...

As Palmer's car traversed the road, the scenery outside blurred past the windows.

Noella, holding the bouquet of roses, noticed a small cut on Palmer's finger.

"Don't tell me you picked these from your own garden."

Palmer smiled gently. "Yes, it’s my first attempt at arranging flowers. It might not look perfect, but I'll do better next time."

Noella knew it; the somewhat lopsided bouquet was Palmer's own handiwork.

"It's okay, I love them. But really, there's no need to bring flowers just to picking me up."

"I saw them blooming in the garden as I was leaving. Thought you'd like them. I saw Mr. Schnabel's car earlier; shouldn't we say hello?"

Noella shook her head. "Dad texted me, saying he had some business to handle and told me to go on with you."

Tristan, a renowned entrepreneur who had generously donated two buildings to Imperial University, was no stranger to visiting the campus for various matters.

Palmer handed Noella a prepared insulated mug. It contained warm milk, emitting a rich creamy aroma, clearly a thoughtful gesture from Palmer before he left the house. He probably worried Noella might get hungry after her classes, so he had packed a variety of snacks in the car.

Feeling Palmer's careful attention, Noella felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

Sipping the milk slowly, Noella's phone began to ring.

Helen's voice came through the speaker. "Noella, darling, did I hear right that that old buzzard Garrick gave you trouble? Your grandfather and father are both on it, but I'll have to see about it myself. At my age, squaring off with Garrick wouldn’t be the worst way to go!"

Only then did Noella realize that Merrick and Tristan had gone to stand up for her!

Feeling the love from her family, Noella's heart gradually calmed down, filled with warmth.

"Grandma, thank you. But your health is way more important than dealing with Garrick."

"That won't do! I'm heading over to the school to sort this out! Sexton, grab my shovel!"

Sexton muttered, "What do you need that for? Planning to dig graves? That's not exactly the trend these days!"

Helen was furious.

"To give Garrick a place to lie in advance! I'm going to scatter his ashes! That old coot isn't acting human! Picking on kids at his age, he's really gone back in time!"