The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

“What did you just say? With whom?”

Sienna couldn’t keep her cool when Beckett dropped that bombshell! She sprang from the couch, pacing the living room, her voice laced with worry.

“Beckett, are you… thinking of reigniting an old flame?”

Beckett responded calmly, “It's just a meal, don't overthink it. But as for an arranged date, let's forget about it; I'm not interested in that for now. You’d better push forward Noella and Mr. Pollack's engagement instead. They’re quite fond of each other lately, and the Pollacks have been hinting at moving the wedding date up.”

Beckett truly knew how to steer Sienna’s attention. At the mention of Noella’s wedding plans, Sienna’s worries shifted immediately.

“Oh dear, you’re right. I’ll talk to Grandpa next door about it!”

“When you and my dad were away, Grandpa asked me about Noella’s intentions. It’s best if you handle it.”

“Alright, alright, I will.”

Sienna reveled in her maternal instincts. To her, discussing her daughter’s marriage was a privilege reserved for mothers!

After hanging up, Beckett looked towards Darcy with a clear gaze.

“Sorry about that, let’s continue our meal.”

“Aren’t you supposed to get married next May?”

“Yes, but there’s no bride yet.”

No bride, what kind of wedding is that? Surely Beckett isn’t planning to attend his own wedding solo!

“It’s okay. After all, I’m no stranger to weddings falling apart.”

Darcy couldn’t help but sense the sarcasm in Beckett’s tone. And his earlier conversation with Sienna…

Was he implying something about her jilting him years ago?

“What happened back then was my fault, I’m sorry, I owe you an apology.”

Beckett’s smile was gentle and refined, a testament to his grace that had only deepened with time, making him feel as comforting as a warm spring breeze.

“It’s alright. Without being let down once, I might have continued to believe in a love that was merely an illusion. I’ve heard about the school situation. I’ll ask Noella what she wants to do.”

Imperial University had decided to expel Oriana.

The department hoped Noella could find time to return to class and maybe even participate in the upcoming competition.

Darcy lowered her gaze, “The Schnabel family seems to really care for their children.”

The entire Schnabel family appeared to dote on Noella! From the birthday posters plastered all over town to their overt favoritism, it was clear they were making an effort to welcome and make up for the years missed with their youngest daughter.

Darcy had also heard from Dalia about the Schnabel family’s affection for Noella.

This love was indeed something to be proud of!

...

Upon entering the restaurant, Noella’s gaze immediately found Beckett and Darcy by the window.

The restaurant manager came forward to greet them.

“Ms. Noella, here’s the menu you reserved. Please, take a look.”

Noella casually handed the menu to Marisol behind her. With the company undergoing such turmoil, she decided to take Marisol out for a lunch and tea session nearby as a way to reassure her staff.

“Take a look, and if there’s any issue, let me know.” NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

“Of course, Ms. Noella.”

Marisol was nearly in tears! Ms. Noella was just too kind!

Hearing from the police about the altercation involving Cosmo and Honora, Noella must have been frightened.

Ms. Noella, with his gentle and kind demeanor, facing such adversity yet still thinking of comforting his staff! Truly the granddaughter of Merrick and Freya!

After giving a few instructions, Noella headed towards Beckett and Darcy.

“Beckett, the blind date Mom set up… was it with Ms. Darcy?”

Beckett’s gaze softened visibly the moment he saw Noella.

“Of course not. I was discussing your school situation with Ms. Darcy. They’ve agreed to expel Oriana and are proceeding with the public notice. Also, Noella, are you interested in that competition?”

After a moment of consideration, Noella shook her head.

“What’s the difference between the competition’s outcome and directly submitting my designs to Falen Gemstones?”

Beckett nodded in agreement. From this perspective, the competition held no real value for Noella.

Beckett’s assistant called, reminding him of an overseas business meeting, with the car ready to go.

“I have to leave now. If there’s anything at home, just give me a call. Be good.”

Beckett nodded to Darcy, affectionately ruffled Noella’s hair, and left after buttoning up his suit.

Noella also nodded towards Darcy, ready to leave, but Darcy stopped her.

“Noella… could we talk?”

“Sure.”

Sitting opposite Darcy, Noella watched Beckett’s slender figure disappear into the car, then realized Darcy had been watching him too.

“Ms. Darcy? You were watching Beckett?”

“Yes, Mr. Schnabel is a very good person.”

“If he’s such a good person, why didn’t Ms. Darcy want Beckett?”

Faced with Noella’s blunt inquiry, Darcy was caught off-guard!

Seeing Darcy’s flustered reaction, Noella realized her guess wasn’t unfounded.

Beckett's demeanor towards Darcy had always seemed peculiar to Noella.

Although Beckett was known for his smooth dealings in the business world, his approach towards Ms. Darcy seemed unusually tender.

Especially that bouquet Darcy had carelessly tossed into the trash.

Darcy was, after all, Beckett's ex-girlfriend!

That was the same ex Jasper had mentioned before, the one who had left Beckett high and dry right before their wedding!

Darcy felt cornered. She hadn't expected Noella to have picked up on it so quickly!

Noella's gaze landed on Darcy's phone screen, capturing a familiar silhouette.

That photo, it was one she had taken for Beckett.

Following Noella's gaze, Darcy suddenly remembered she had impulsively changed her phone's wallpaper to that silhouette of Beckett the night before!

No wonder Beckett had glanced over at her phone several times, a smile lurking in his eyes.

This was mortifying!

Back in college, Beckett was a star on the shooting team, blessed with eagle eyes. He must have seen it!

“So, keeping Beckett’s photo... Does that mean you still have feelings for him, Ms. Darcy?”

“No, it’s just a reminder to myself not to dwell on that foolish past.”

Darcy looked towards Noella, her smile gentle and restrained, with a touch of tenderness in her eyes.

“Back then, my leaving without a word wasn't just because of the young Miss from the Schnabel family.” Darcy's smile turned bittersweet. “Because I... I was pregnant at that time!”