The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

"Are you suggesting we beat them at their own game?" Beckett raised an eyebrow, amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Exactly! The stage is set, we might as well enjoy the show," Noella said, her lips curling into a smirk. "This petty scheme, Beckett, don't you want to see how it unfolds? Plus, I have other plans that won't interfere with the jewelry exhibition."

To think we'd stumble upon such a childish ploy here, of all places.

Who wouldn't find this intriguing?

Seeing Noella so calm and strategic, Beckett's worries melted away.

"If you're in, I'm with you all the way!"

This was happening on Schnabel turf, and yet, someone dared to play these little tricks?

Did they really think the Schnabels would just stand by?

In a corner, a jittery assistant scurried back to Luna.

"Ms. Patel, everything's ready..."

"You didn't take this long because you were tipping off Noella, did you?"

The assistant, pale with fear, shook her head vigorously.

"No... I wouldn't dare!"

"I thought so. You don't have the nerve. Well, I can't wait to see how she plans to save face after this debacle!"

Anyone who dares to cross Luna Patel is asking for trouble!

...

The jewelry was displayed in special cabs, each piece taking its turn on the pedestal.

The host announced, "Ms. Patel's Thorny Rose collection, featuring rubies and pink diamonds, is truly a masterpiece and a first-time exhibit!" Dalia gasped at the sight of the glittering jewelry. "Sis, these pieces are stunning!"

But experts know better.

Darcy shook her head. "It's a shame, really. Such fine materials wasted on poor craftsmanship. It diminishes the stones' natural beauty." Pink diamonds are precious, and even seasoned designers opt for conservative cuts to showcase the gem's inherent allure.

Luna's design overshadowed the jewels' natural charm, a stark contrast to their true value.

Dalia, also a designer, nodded in agreement. "Which number is our piece?"

"Soon," Darcy replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Noella said there'd be a change in schedule to accommodate us."

As Noella's staunch ally, Dalia didn't hesitate. "Then let's go ahead!"

After all, Mr. Schnabel's word was gospel. If there was a mistake, it certainly wasn't on their part!

The host smiled. "Ms. Patel's collection starts at thirty million. Feel free to make your bids."

As the Schnabels hosted the event, Noella and Beckett had front-row seats.

Playing with her diamond ring, Noella scoffed, "Beckett, in what world does this design fetch thirty million? Monopoly money?" "Indeed," Beckett replied coolly. "It's not even worth thirty million Monopoly dollars."

Their comments, though not loud, were enough for the keen-eared.

It was clear as day; this wasn't merely about evaluating jewelry.

Why hadn't the Schnabel siblings commented on any other pieces? Even those less impressive had seen Beckett's bids. This was a pointed attack.

Whispers spread. "I heard Ms. Patel tried to outdo Ms. Schnabel for the best dressing room..."

"Really? Does the Patel family think they rule the jewelry world?"

"It's best not to bid. What if you end up offending the Schnabels instead?"

Bidders retracted their offers, fearing the consequences of crossing the Schnabels.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Beckett nodded in satisfaction and relaxed into his seat, casually unbuttoning his suit jacket.

He looked to the host. "If no one's interested, let's move on to the next designer."

"Of course, Mr. Schnabel."

Luna's face turned a shade of livid red!

This was Beckett's doing!

Didn't he fear regretting this decision?

Yet, the sight of Beckett's face inexplicably quickened her heartbeat!

Luna began rationalizing on Beckett's behalf, convinced Noella had poisoned him against her...

If only that country bumpkin were out of the picture... then nothing could stop her from joining the Schnabel ranks!

Luna composed herself, turning to

the host. "My designs aren't for everyone. If some can't appreciate art, that's not my problem. Let's

eline

move on to the Celestial Oceane

Diamond, the real reason we're all here!"

The host hesitated, looking to Beckett for approval.

"Proceed," Beckett consented.

Luna glared at Noella, venom in her eyes, eagerly anticipating her downfall.

Imagining Noella's public humiliation, Luna felt a surge of excitement.

The audience was captivated by the Celestial Ocean Diamond's debut, a design that had drawn many there, either for its beauty or the budding talent behind it.

Luna seethed in jealousy; her

designs, though a collective effort of

several designers, bore only her name. Yet, none matched

appeal of this newcomer's raw

If it weren't for that designer's obstinacy, after being invited numerous times and still refusing to show, the Celestial Ocean Diamond would have been in her pocket in no time...

Just thinking about what was about to unfold made Luna almost burst into laughter!

Catching Luna's side-eye, loaded with venom yet masked with a smile, Noella couldn't help but chuckle.

Seeing Noella's grin, Luna instantly felt that something was off!

Instinctively, Luna turned around to search for her useless assistant, but the person was nowhere to be found.

Surely, that damned traitor must have taken Noella's money and switched sides.

With that thought, Luna instinctively tried to sneak away.

Suddenly, a hand appeared behind her, and the cold barrel of a gun pressed against her lower back!

Alioth: "Don't even think about moving, sweetheart. My boss said you've got to watch the show before you can leave."

Noella said no one's leaving, so nobody's leaving!

"I... I just need to use the restroom, wasn't trying to leave..."

Alioth, with a smirk, replied: "Guess you'll just have to hold it in."

"Do you know who I am? How dare you hold me hostage!"

"Make another move, and you'll be nothing but a dead damsel, darling~"

Alioth was just imprable!

Left with no options, Luna thought about calling for help, only to hear the sound of a safety catch being released behind her...

And just like that, she didn't dare utter another word!

On the stage, where the Celestial Ocean Diamond should have been safely in Noella's possession, it was now under the spotlight for all to see!

Luna's expression changed in an instant!

How is this possible!

Wasn't that supposed to be with Noella?!