The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Bowie was bewildered.

The oddly shaped sweater was hand-knitted by Sienna Horwich herself?

Upon closer inspection, the beads and pearls intricately woven into the fabric were of top quality. The pearls at the top shone with a flawless luster, likely purchased at some high-end auction by their individual count.

Elara, grinning from ear to ear, said, "My mom isn't exactly a whiz in crafting these things, but she puts her heart into everything she does! And it's exclusive to us - my dad and brothers don't have anything like it!"

In Elara's eyes, anything handcrafted by Sienna became a treasure to flaunt.

The value of the garment wasn't in the costly materials used, nor did the occasional dropped stitch or the asymmetric sleeves dampen its significance.

What mattered was that it was a gift from her mom!

Bowie raised an eyebrow. "Does Noella actually wear it?"

"Of course, she does. Noella's pretty handy herself and never looked down on my mom's knitting. Why wouldn't she wear it?"

To avoid Sienna straining her eyes while knitting, Noella took the sweater she was halfway through making and made some slight modifications before putting it on. Elara, too impatient to wait for adjustments, wore hers as it was.

"Do you think it looks bad?" she asked, sensing Bowie's hesitation.

At a glance, the sweater wasn't exactly a masterpiece, but its charm lay in its... uniqueness.

Bowie struggled for words before finally managing, "It's... quite special. I was worried the Schnabels didn't care much for you, but I see that's not the case now."

"Why would you think that?" Elara frowned.

Upon learning of Elara's identity, Tristan didn't hesitate to take her home. For her sake, he was ready to confront Jacob head-on. When Sienna first discovered Elara's background, she would sneak into her room at night, silently crying. Elara pretended to sleep during those moments, her heart aching at the sight of Sienna's tear-streaked silhouette.

Although the Schnabel brothers didn't say much, they quietly added a significant amount of money to Elara's account during that time. And her sister was always by her side, worried about her well- being.

She knew she had caused her family concern but also felt their love and care deeply.

Bowie, feeling awkward, quickly changed the subject. "I mentioned before that the Richardson family is planning to invest in an amusement park. The location's been decided. Want to check it out with me?"

Elara thought for a moment.

"No, thanks. I need to head back to the lab today. Just send me the info on the park."

Bowie had planned to invite Elara for a meal, but she waved off the offer and left.

Elara was prepping for an upcoming scientific conference, an opportunity to meet her idol Loadstar, which she couldn't miss.

Watching Elara walk away, Bowie's gaze hardened with determination.

"There's still time," he murmured, dialing his assistant. "Contact the Richardson elders. Get them to pressure Grandpa to demand Elara's return and change her surname to Richardson."

If he could just get Elara away from the Schnabels and back to the Richardsons, she would be his to command. He knew this wouldn’t be easy, but he liked challenges.

His assistant hesitated, "The Schnabels and the Pollacks won't agree easily..."

Bowie smirked. "Isn't there an old lady at Imperial West Hospital who can be of use?"

"Right away, sir."

...

At Imperial University, Garrick was overwhelmed by the crowd around him.

Dealing with Merrick Horwich was challenging enough, let alone Helen and Sexton.

Helen sat on the sofa, her face twisted in a sneer. "Garrick, if you don't clear things up for Noella, prepare to see this university turned upside down."

Garrick frowned. "I thought you were blind."

She didn't look blind at all.

Helen was relentless in her mockery. "Being blind physically is preferable to being blind-hearted like some people. Are you flipping insane? Is your brain malfunctioning? It's clear who's in the wrong here, and yet you shield that student?"

Garrick hadn't faced such blunt and insulting language in years. "Helen Barth! Are you here to cause trouble?"

Helen slammed her hand on the table. "I'm here to curse your ancestors! Maybe they messed with some mojo, giving birth to a wretch like you!" This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Garrick was so angry he could barely breathe.

Sexton, ignoring Helen's outburst, chuckled. "Garrick, Helen's got a bad temper and health issues, including depression. Go easy on her."

Depression? With that attitude?

Garrick felt like he was the one slipping into depression!

Merrick attempted to mediate, easing the tension. "Look, I understand as a principal you've got to weigh all sides, but as Noella’s grandparents, we're going to fight for justice in our own way!"

Garrick raised his eyebrows, wary. "And what exactly are you planning to do?"

Merrick replied with a calm yet determined tone, "Us old folks might not be much in the grand scheme of things, but we can certainly make sure all the evidence gets out there. Clearing the kid's name is the least we can do."

With Merrick's influence in the academic community, word would spread like wildfire. It was a small world, after all.

"Let's call a spade a spade. Things should be dealt with as they are. And yes, that includes making your decision public, Garrick. Don't worry, I'm not like you. Twisting facts and smearing reputations isn't in my playbook."

Merrick was collected as he continued, "It just so happens that I've included some of Noella's works in my new book. Her creativity is a treasure, not something to be pilfered and disrespected by some academic highwayman!"

Tristan nodded in agreement. "Garrick, just because Noella is bright doesn't mean she should be walked all over!"

The fallout from Merrick's potential disclosure could significantly tarnish both Imperial University and Garrick's reputations.

Caught in a tight spot, Garrick clenched his teeth and said, "Alright then, let me ask Noella what she wants to do!"

Everyone present agreed to this approach.

Garrick dialed Noella's number, putting the phone on speaker.

Before Noella could even speak, Garrick preemptively said in a stern tone, "Noella, think carefully. Not everyone in this world is infallible."

Noella raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with disdain. "Garrick, is this some sort of obedience training? Or perhaps a humiliation exercise?"

"I didn't mean it like that! Your grandparents just want to know how you intend to handle this situation."

Noella replied coolly, "You want my opinion? Then it's simple – expulsion."