The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Jasper had barely made it to the doorway when Stirling's sudden outburst nearly sent him stumbling. "Whoa, you A-listers really have no shame, huh? Crashing my dinner party now?" Stirling grabbed his jacket that was casually thrown over a chair. "Cut the crap, I'm paying. Are you in or out?"

Jasper, trying to hide his amusement, said, "Sure, I've reserved a spot at The Frost Bistro, $4,800 a seat. Lucky for you, you've been randomly selected as our honored guest!"

"Ah, to think an award-winning actor is stooping to snatching opportunities from others, tsk tsk."

The more he talked, the more Stirling felt his pride being pricked! Better to clear this up face to face later!

In the restaurant's private dining room. The room was elegantly decorated, with a small stream flowing outside the window, and a professional guitarist strumming tunes on the restaurant's bridge.

Yasbel took off her sunglasses and immediately spotted Stirling sitting next to Jasper upon entering the roam. She rolled her eyes and found a seat. Stirling, feeling a bit awkward, decided to clear the air about the whole mix-up. Yasbel casually said, "For my bro's sake, I'll let it slide this time." She knew what Stirling was like and understood his character. She was just a bit peeved, that's all!

"As for the Azure endorsement... if you're really up for the competition, it's probably going to be yours. After all, Master Azure really admires you.” After all, that was her bro's business. If Stirling wasn't chosen for the endorsement, her bro might just slice him up for a barbecue!

Stirling was puzzled. "I haven't even met Master Azure. Heard he was at a fashion show recently, shame I missed him.”

How could a designer he's never met choose him as the face of the brand?

Yasbel's smile was full of intrigue. "How about we make a bet? If you really get picked, you owe me one! Consider it interest for this time!"

Getting Azure's endorsement would be a win-win for Stirling. It wasn't just because of Master Azure's fashion influence. Stirling's agent wouldn't be so. eager otherwise!

"Fine, I agree. Whether or not I get Master Azure's endorsement. as long as it's within my power and doesn't involve meeting Jasper, I'm in.” The implication was clear: as long as it wasn't illegal, Stirling would agree to anything.

Yasbel's smile brightened. Jasper shuddered, feeling a weird vibe in the air..

"Yasbel, not going for the Azure endorsement yourself?”

Every actress in the industry must be dying for it, right?

Yasbel stated proudly, "Not me. If I did it, I wouldn't earn a dime. No way.”

She wouldn't let her family's company squeeze the last drop of value out of her!

Jasper was amazed. "It's the first time I've seen someone not interested in an Azure endorsement. Yasbel, you're something else!”Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Yasbel just shrugged. Why would she, a major shareholder, use her own money to endorse herself? Only a fool would do that!

At the Rising Glory Group, in the downstairs café. Darcy sat in the café, sipping glass after glass of ice water. The ice cubes chilled her down, helping to calm her restless heart.

Yet, as the night fell and the windows darkened, the person she was waiting for never showed. The server gently notified her, "Ma'am, we're closing soon. You're welcome to sit on the outside chairs if you need.” "Thank you.” she replied.

Stepping out of the café, Darcy spotted a man leaving the Rising Glory Group building. He was bathed in the warm glow of the building's lights, his presence as serene and open as moonlight.

A fashionably dressed woman was with him, holding a delicate basket, chatting with Beckett. The woman, dressed in a soft blue floral dress, looked up at Beckett

"Mr. Schnabel, Sienna told me you were working late. I hope my visit isn't too much of a bother?”

Beckett's glance fleetingly passed over Darcy, standing by the roadside, his expression cool and distant. "Millie-t'm not sure what my mother told-you, but I'm sorry you came all this: way for nothing.” Content bélongs to ~

Millie Gallagher, coming from a family just as prestigious as the Schnabels, represented a potential alliance that both families would benefit from significantly.

Politely, Milliexsffered the basket she was carryingf Mr. Schnabel doesn't mind, I'd like to at least be -> friends. 1 Fhis i is something my mom and I made. Sienna was there when we talked about you, and she suggested bring this mealkit over."

Beckett, finding it hard to refuse now, accepted the basket. His eyes lingered on Darcy, apologizing. “Sorry, I have plans tonight. Let me take you out for dinner another time."

Millie noticed Beckett's attention was elsewhere and followed his gaze to Darcy, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"

tseems youyRave a date, I'm the one intruding I came ina rush because my family was pressuring» me. Maybe as compensation formy wastedtrip, Mr. Schnabel, you Could eee deal with my family.next

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She suggested, half-joking, "No need for any emotional investment. just accompany me to a few dinner parties.”

Beckett tactfully declined Millie's proposition. "Millie, I prefer not to engage in actions that might be misinterpreted, even if it's just to appease family expectations.”

Millie was left somewhat taken aback. "Mr. Schnabel. a businessman through and through, would really let emotions sway him from a mutually beneficial deal?"

"Of course not. So, as a compromise, I've got two single brothers, both Schnabels through and through. Millie can take her pick.” The Schnabel kids are truly the cream of the crop. Either one would be a boon for the Gallagher family's ventures.

Millie agreed promptly. "Deal."

"But whether they'll agree to it, that's not on me.”

"If I get turned down by a Schnabel again, I might just have to book a trip to South Korea for a little... facial rejuvenation. But since Mr. Schnabel won't play ball, then...”

Millie's eyes sparkled mischievously as she reclaimed the lunch box from Beckett's hands. "This shouldn't go to waste. It'll just have to go to the next Mr. Schnabel!”

“Of course.”

This was the first time Beckett had ever experienced someone taking back a gift... Millie, a born merchant indeed!

After wrapping up with Millie, Beckett strode towards Darcy. He approached. slipping off his suit jacket to drape it over Darcy's shoulders. "Sorry for the wait. Got tied up with a few extra international meetings. Thought you might have left."

Feeling the comforting, familiar scent that was distinctly Beckett, Darcy shook her head. "If we agreed to meet. I wouldn't leave."

Beckett chuckled softly, almost inaudibly. "Is that so? I thought maybe... you wouldn't care much for promises."

"Or perhaps, it's the promises you care about, and what you don't care about... is me?"