The Killer Queen

As Noella watched Jasper expertly swipe his card, a slight headache crept over her.

Nevertheless, the knowledge that a portion of this hefty sum would find its way into Beckett’s pocket made her feel less uneasy. Perhaps she could also go a little easier on Beckett’s mall in the future!

During Jasper’s checkout pause, Noella whispered, “Get someone to keep an eye on Vincent and plant some people near Grandma Harriet’s grave. We can’t let anyone mess with her final resting place.”

She was always worried that Vincent, backed into a corner, might do something disrespectful to Old Mrs. Lambert, and that would surely break her heart up in heaven.

“Got it, boss. You’re really bringing your own brother to the store to boost sales, huh? I was wondering who was this VIP that could get me to close the store for a private event!”

Noella didn’t know how to reply.

Jasper confidently signed off on the bill and waved at Noella. “Let’s go upstairs and have lunch with Beckett!”

“Sure.”

Jasper was in a great mood after buying Noella a ton of clothes and led her to the rooftop restaurant where Beckett had previously taken her for a meal.

Inside, Beckett had already arranged the dishes, standing sharply dressed by a table adorned with flowers. He graciously pulled out a chair for Noella.

“Thanks.”

Beckett clapped his hands, and the servers came marching in, laying out an array of appetizers in front of Noella.

“Give these a try, Noella. They’re the new creations from my restaurant.”

The cakes in front of her were exquisite, each one crafted into a cute and tempting shape. Noella took a bite with a gold–plated spoon and complimented, “Delicious. Must’ve added some lemon juice. It’s got a nice aftertaste without being too rich. This dessert’s a bit off, though. The cocoa powder ratio kind of masks the cake’s own flavor.”

Beckett nodded and summoned the head chef.

Chef Jakes, decked out in his chef’s hat, was initially miffed at someone nitpicking his desserts. These folks simply couldn’t grasp the refinement of his desserts!

When he learned it was the Schnabel family’s recently returned young lady pointing fingers, he couldn’t help but think, how could a country girl who knew nothing about fine desserts

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comment on his work!

Jakes stepped out with the server and saw Noella, poised and dining gracefully.

He couldn’t believe his eyes.

Wasn’t this the genius girl who had critiqued his cooking back Franse? Her feedback had helped him secure a championship in an international culinary competition!

Recalling Noella’s comments on the desserts, Jakes felt a twinge of embarrassment flush his face!

Noella also didn’t expect Jakes to be the pastry chef at Beckett’s restaurant.

“Apologies, Ms. Schnabel,” Jakes conceded, “I’ll refine my craft. Clearly, the recipe for this dessert was a mistake, unworthy of your refined palate!”

Beckett coolly ordered, “Remove it from the menu. Noella finds the cheesecake delightful, so let’s keep that. The rest, we can do without.”

“Yes, sir!”

Jakes wiped the sweat from his brow, gave Noella a bow, and left with the parade of failed cakes. What a humiliation!

The restaurant manager rushed in and halted before Beckett.

“Mr. Schnabel, a few cops are here, saying they need to speak with the young lady.”

Beckett and Jasper glanced over, their faces a mix of sternness and concern.

“They want Noella? Did they mention what it’s about?”

“No, they said the young lady should be aware.”

Beckett frowned. “Could it be related to the kidnapping? But why haven’t they contacted us? I reported it, and Jasper is Noella’s lawyer. Why are they coming directly to her?”

Noella was at a loss for words.

That explained how Belinda and Briony got caught; Beckett was the one who called the cops.

“I’m not sure. Let them in,” Noella said.

Beckett and Jasper exchanged looks and instructed the manager to allow the police to enter.

Three detectives in international police uniforms strode in and stood before Noella, flanking her as they presented a banner.

[Thank you, Noella. The International Police Organization salutes you!)

The officers saluted Noella. “Thank you for your outstanding contribution to Operation D Action! Salute!”

Noella was left speechless. She had reiterated countless times that she didn’t need a banner;

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where would she even put it?

“Next time, don’t bother. I’ve got no room for this.”

She had received one before at the Lambert’s, and Belinda, disgusted by its tackiness and how it clashed with the house’s decor, scolded Noella, telling her not to bring home such worthless things.

Beckett immediately stood up, his face wearing a gentle, scholarly smile. “Noella is just joking. We’ve got plenty of space at home. Can’t thank you enough!”

Jasper stepped forward, taking the banner, grinning from ear to ear, happier than if he’d won a case. “Thanks for coming all this way. Noella wasn’t involved in anything dangerous, was she?”

To his knowledge, receiving an accolade from the international police typically indicated something quite risky. Since the banner didn’t specify the operation, it must be highly classified!

More than the banner, they were concerned for Noella’s safety.

Noella quickly clarified, “No, it was just that time at the bar when I bumped into some shady–looking guys. Something felt off, so I called the cops.”

Beckett reached out to shake the leading officer’s hand, his aura of authority shining through. “I’ll escort you out.”

“No need, we’re due back once the banner is delivered!”

After seeing off the cops, Beckett realized he was covered in a cold sweat!

“Noella, are you absolutely sure nothing sketchy went down? I mean, it’s great that you received a commendation banner, and I’m super proud of you. But let’s be real -our family isn’t exactly lacking in accolades. You don’t need to put yourself at risk for recognition, you know? Your safety is what matters most to us!”

Just recalling the last time he ran into Noella at the bar and she got mixed up in some shady business, it scared the bejesus out of him!

If only he had insisted on keeping Noella by his side all the time!

Noella quickly clarified, “Beckett, I didn’t do anything dangerous. I just made a call and tipped off the cops, that’s all.”

Beckett and Jasper breathed a sigh of relief.

Catching sight of that bright red banner, Beckett started to ponder where to hang it.

“Let’s slap it up in the living room! Right next to that Mystic Jade Scenery!” he suggested.

The Mystic Jade Scenery in the living room was the last masterpiece by a contemporary painting master before he kicked the bucket, fetching a whopping six hundred mil at auction. Her little banner next to that magnum opus?

Jasper chimed in, “No way, it should go in my office!”

Noella felt even more speechless.

Everyone who stepped foot in Jasper’s office was either a billionaire tycoon, a heavy–hitter in politics, or some big–shot from the international scene. Her banner hanging there? Talk about embarrassing.

“Let’s just take it home for now. Noella is such a badass. We need to throw her an arty party to celebrate!” Beckett declared.

Noella just didn’t know what to say.

This was the tiniest banner she’d ever received. She’d even gotten a medal of honor for her part in an international rescue op. If they started showing off everything she’d been awarded, wouldn’t the Schnabel family end up practically worshiping her?

Seeing how pumped her brothers were, Noella just swallowed her words.

Oh well, she’d let them find a spot for it and then sneakily whisk it away later!