The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Hearing Noella's "all clear," the entire Schnabel family heaved a collective sigh of relief!

The titles they already bore were enough to make them weak at the knees! Any more, and they feared they would not be able to take it!

After some thought, Noella spoke up. "To me, the most valuable title is being a part of the Schnabel family."

The Schnabel household had always provided her with warmth and love. As a child, seeing Vincent and Belinda Fuller doting on Briony Lambert, Noella was indifferent and somewhat disdainful. After attending Polaris Star, a place where a room full of kids couldn't make up a full family, the concept of 'family' was foreign to her!

Her grandma had given her endless warmth, only for it to be taken away too soon by the heavens. In her midnight dreams, Noella had to admit, she could never forget her grandma! Because of the Schnabel surname, she had found a family. Becoming part of their family was the happiest thing for Noella!

The faces of the Schnabel family members were brimming with content and joyful smiles. Noella added, "So, other titles don't matter to me, really!" Marcel nodded in agreement. "Grandpa is very happy to have such a wonderful granddaughter!" Marcel might not say it out loud, but he had always been proud of his grandchildren! Each one had allowed him to boast among his old comrades, raising the bar for the entire community. They were all Schnabel kids!

Malvina felt a bit embarrassed, "But the granddaughter-in-law next door is more impressive than me..." She had overheard the retired general next door praising his granddaughter-in-law, a doctor and a Ph.D. graduate in cardiology! Such a title seemed more fitting for Ulrich, didn't it?

Ulrich was on high alert. "Honey, don't overthink it. You are the best!"

"I'm not overthinking. I think I'm the best, too. It's just that grandpa mentioned it!"

Marcel chuckled. "Being able to tolerate a Schnabel kid, you're the most suitable daughter-in-law for the Schnabel family! Since Ulrich only has eyes for you, the Schnabel family does too!"

Marcel knew what his grandsons were like more than anyone else. Ulrich had needed a lot of counseling when he first returned from the border! Malvina nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Grandpa!"

Marcel handed Noella an old photograph. A radiant Harriet stood beside Marcel, with Xavier, Garrick, and a youthful Tavian, along with a few others Noella didn't recognize. "These people are now your responsibility, being the current leader of Polaris Star."

Marcel looked into his granddaughter's eyes, seeing the familiar face of his beloved Harriet in her, yet Noella was even more resilient and decisive. "If you need help, just ask grandpa. Remember, you'll always be a Schnabel, and you're my pride."

Noella felt moved, "Thank you, Grandpa."

...

Exiting the study, Tristan hurried off to deal with issues on their island. Sienna, worried about him and the pregnant Malvina, was torn. Noticing her concern, Noella spoke up, "Mom, Malvina has Ulrich here, you should go with Dad."

After all, it was Tristan's carefully prepared birthday gift for Sienna!

"Alright, then I'll go! Your dad can't tell his left from his right without me!"

Tristan was a grown man, but Sienna couldn't help but worry about him. After the couple left in the middle of the night, Jasper looked seriously at Noella.

"Noella, I'm heading to Lockhart Prison!"

"What for?"

Jasper blustered. "To say thanks! Millie didn't help me out for nothing, and we Schnabels don't take advantage of people!"

"We can thank her when she gets back."

But who knew when Millie would return? Catching on to his real intention, Noella teased, "Jasper, you could just call to thank her. Are you... eager to see Millie?"

"No! Why would I want to see her? Every time I do, it's like losing years off my life!"

"Besides, I did call, and she completely ignored me!"

Well, not entirely. According to Millie, if he really wanted to thank her, he could jump in the sea and swim across the globe...

Jasper was close to tears. Was this his responsibility? Could he even do it?

Ulrich glanced at him. "Just let him go. He's like a bull in a china shop when he's idle at home!"

Kids grow up, and sometimes, they're just a handful.

Noella considered it and agreed. "Alright, I'll have someone escort you. There's a security line near Lockhart Prison, you'll need a signal to get past..."

Before she could finish, Jasper had already hopped into the helicopter parked in the yard and vanished without a trace!

Noella was stunned. And he claimed he didn't want to see her? He sure was in a hurry!

She had no choice but to send Ivan after him to avoid any mishaps.

At Rising Glory Group, Beckett,

dressed in a crisp suit, strode into the office and instructed hisText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

secretary. "From now on, all

I

dividends from Azure go directly into Noella's account. We'll restructure the shares of Rising Glory Group."

The secretary, surprised, said, "But the dividends from Azure are substantial. The board might not agree..."

"The head honcho here is me, and the rest will fall in line."

Aside from Beckett holding the lion's

share, the remaining stakes in Rising Glory Group were split between

Tristan and a few branches of the et

Schnabel clan! Finding out his sister was Master Azure, he surely@ouldn't keep profiting off her, right?

As for the other shareholders, Tristan could be set aside, and none of the Schnabel clan's offshoots were petty enough to squabble over their shares and dividends. Beckett, as CEO, held an unchallenged leadership position at Rising Glory Group!

"Right! You've got a jewelry expo to attend today, a big deal in the industry."

Every year, this expo showcases numerous treasures. Last year, a birthday gift for a lady of the Schnabel family was snagged at this very expo. Secretary: "This time, there's a pavilion dedicated to the newly awarded Celestial Ocean Diamond."

The Celestial Ocean Diamond series just bagged an international jewelry award. The designer, thanks to a stellar presentation, even extracted a rare element from within the Celestial Ocean Diamond, earning a handsome reward!

Beckett had been keeping tabs on the Celestial Ocean Diamond. Upon seeing it, he knew it was perfect for someone special! But the designer was only willing to display the jewelry, not sell it.

"Will the designer be there today?"

"Yes, wanna try your luck?"

Beckett nodded. "Of course!"

At Falen Gemstones, Marisol handed over a document. "Mr. Schnabel, will you be attending the jewelry expo today?"

"Besides the much-talked-about Celestial Ocean Diamond, there are several promising designers! If we could bring them on board, we wouldn't have

to worry about this season's lineup!"

Noella flipped through the brochure in hand. "Is the designer behind the Celestial Ocean Diamond not an option?"

Aside from the Celestial Ocean Diamond, the other designs seemed lackluster, nothing noteworthy.

Marisol, looking at Noella, suddenly covered her mouth in shock! "Mr. Schnabel, you're not the designer behind this, are you?"