The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Pearl's jaw nearly hit the floor!

What in the world was happening?

Dillon hiring someone to kill Stirling, Luna nearly causing Malvina to miscarry?

Memories of what happened at the diner flashed through her mind. Pearl, cunning as a fox, instantly realized Luna was behind this mess and trying to wash her hands of it!

That darn girl!

Was she trying to drag the entire Patel family into the abyss?

Pearl immediately stood up, "Mr. Schnabel, I had no idea that lady was Malvina last time, my apologies..."

Ulrich rolled his eyes.

"So, not knowing she was my wife makes it okay for you guys to attack a pregnant woman, huh? I think my wife made it abundantly clear she's pregnant. I have all the recordings and surveillance. You're in for a lawsuit!"

"Great, the Schnabel family has some ace lawyers too, ready to give the Patel family a run for their money!"

And who's the Schnabel family's best in legal battles? Jasper, of course!

Who in their right mind would want to face Jasper in court?

The guy doesn't just win cases; he makes the opposition go bankrupt with ease. Plenty of people steer clear of any legal matters linked to Jasper. Pearl fumed, "Mr. Schnabel, there's a saying about sparing others when you can. Does the Schnabel family really think they can reign supreme in Imperial City?"

Beckett smirked and patted Noella's shoulder.

"With my brother-in-law's family in the mix, we should be good!"

Who doesn't know about the Pollack family and the Schnabel family's engagement party?

Palmer making a grand gesture by gifting his fiancée Franse a manor, along with original shares of the Pollack Group!

It's no secret that at the Pollack Group's shareholder meetings, there's going to be a new face around.

Pearl threatened, "If this goes to court, can the Schnabel family's affairs withstand scrutiny? There's plenty of room for compromise, Mr. Schnabel, don't you understand? I'll make sure these reckless kids of mine pay the price, so let's not hold grudges."

Beckett replied, "Ma'am, you're not in a position to negotiate with me."

Pearl's facade crumbled!

"This is the Patel family's home!"

Noella chuckled, "Are you so embarrassed you want to keep us here forever?"

Such words weren't meant for open discussions, but Pearl indeed harbored such intentions.

If the Schnabel family continued their relentless pursuit, she wouldn't hesitate to resort to drastic measures.

"It all depends on Mr. Schnabel's cooperation now."

Beckett couldn't help but laugh!

"Oh, the Patel family, how interesting! Truly fascinating!"

Outside, a buzz filled the air.

A dozen helicopters surrounded the Patel family's manor!

The butler rushed in, "Madam, Mr. Pollack is here to pick up Ms. Schnabel..."

Did picking someone up need such a grand display?

Clearly, this was a well-prepared show of force by the Schnabel family to intimidate them!

The butler added anxiously, "Madam, Mr. Pollack is waiting in the hall!"

The hall was still hosting a banquet, attended by the Patel family's elite guests. A public spectacle would only embarrass the Patel family.

"Since Mr. Pollack is so attached to Ms. Schnabel, let's all head out then."

Noella smiled innocently, "I thought you planned to deal with us here, what a pity."

"Ms. Schnabel, you're exaggerating. The Schnabel and Patel families are friends, after all!"

Pearl stressed the word 'friends', almost crushing her dentures.

Noella offered to wheel Pearl out, "Let me help you, ma'am."

"Thank you."

As Beckett and Ulrich led the way, Pearl whispered to Noella, audible only to them.

"Ms. Schnabel, this was intentional."

"If you're trying to test me, there's no need. Your granddaughter isn't worth my trouble."

Noella's light tone felt like punching cotton to Pearl!

"At such a young age, so ruthless. I bet your grandfather would be shocked."

"No need to worry, my grandfather doesn't wear glasses."

Marcel, with a military background, had excellent vision and only wore reading glasses occasionally.

Pearl was at a loss for words, "There's a saying about leaving room for future encounters. Don't you understand, Ms. Schnabel?"

"Where to meet? In front of the Grim Reaper?"

Pearl had had enough of talking to Noella!

It was clear the Schnabel family adored Noella, and Palmer Pollack was here for her too. If she would just soften her stance, the Patel

family might find a way our

But why was this girl so unreasonable?

Pearl had already lowered her guard, yet Noella remained unyielding!

It was infuriating!

Noella leisurely said, "Madam, encouraging your granddaughter to rush into having children with Beckett, such educational methods are frankly unacceptable."

"Listen, kiddo, don't think just

l

because Mr. Pollack dotes on you now, it's going to be sunshine and rainbows forever," Pearl said, her tone dripping with a mix of condescension and feigned concern. "Men like Mr. Pollack, they're never satisfied with just one. You'd be better off having a few kids, keep your cards close. Who cares who the mother is, right?"

"It's quite an achievement for us, the Patels, to have several daughters..." Pearl continued, puffing herself up like some old sage imparting wisdom.

But it was all just a play for her own twisted sense of morality!

It was as if she was outright suggesting Noella should introduce some of the Patel daughters to Palmer.

Pride had her chin lifted high, but then her wheelchair hit something, almost tossing her onto the ground!

Noella kept a straight face, "Oops, sorry about that."

Before Pearl could react, the wheelchair started malfunctioning, sparking with electricity!

Pearl shrieked, twitching in her seat as it shocked her.

Noella dusted off her hands, not bothering with Pearl, and caught up with her two brothers ahead.

Beckett glanced back at the convulsing Pearl, "Did she upset you?"

In his mind, it was clear as day that the old bat must've said something offensive. Otherwise, why would their sweet, innocent sister be upset?

"She wanted to offer up some Patel girls to Palmer for... you know, making babies. Told me I'd enjoy playing mom," Noella shared.

"That wretch!"

A few shocks seemed too mild a punishment!

By the time Noella and her brothers had moved on, the butler dared to approach and rescue Pearl, still drooling and babbling nonsense...

"I... I will never see eye to eye with them!" Pearl declared.

The butler sighed, "Let it go, ma'am. Even if we wanted to make peace, the Schnabels wouldn't let us."Original from NôvelDrama.Org.

Was this supposed to be the Patels' time to threaten? Despite appearances, this was Schnabel territory now!

Only their matriarch was still in denial, thinking the Patels still held their old power...

But the butler knew better than to voice these thoughts, choosing instead to silently wheel Pearl towards the grand hall.

---

Inside the hall.

What was once a bustling party fell silent, all eyes drawn to the man seated in the center.

Palmer, in his sleek black and gold suit, had an air of frosty nobility. The cold aura he exuded sent shivers down everyone's spine as he idly twirled

his ring.

Had the Patels offended the Pollacks?

Palmer had taken a seat right in the middle of the hall, facing the Patels' staircase, wordless and imposing.

His presence alone was enough to put a damper on the festive mood, everyone watching, waiting for what would come next.

Then, Beckett and Ulrich appeared at the top of the staircase, guiding Noella by the hands.

The moment Palmer saw Noella, a rare smile broke through his icy facade.

Letting go of her brothers, Noella ran towards Palmer, who caught her securely in his arms.

"What brings you here?" she asked.

"Didn't I tell you? We're in sync, you

and I. Whenever you need me, I'll be there," Palmer said, a hint of pride in his voice knowing Noella had come to stir things up at the Patels'.

۱۷۰

"Since it's a showdown, we might as well make it grand. Does this setup meet your approval, Noella?"

Noella couldn't help but laugh, "As long as you're here, I'm more than satisfied."