The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

"It's actually a blessing in disguise," Beckett said, his demeanor calm as ever while leading Noella toward their private lounge. "At least we'll save some money."

Seeing the smile on Beckett's face, Noella couldn't help but smirk too. If the Celestial Ocean Diamond was indeed Luna's creation, they would simply pass on it. With Luna's attitude earlier, she couldn't possibly design something that truly resonates with the soul.

The Schnabels prided themselves on unity and avoided internal strife at all costs. Buying jewelry from such a designer was the last thing they wanted; it would just leave a bad taste in their mouths. And just like that, Beckett had also blacklisted the eldest son of the Patels.

"Elara's still young; there's no rush in finding her a partner. The Patels wanting to meet her now is nothing but a greedy move!"

Even in their circles, such greed wasn't uncommon. They were eyeing Elara, the sole heir of the Richardsons and the only granddaughter of the Pollacks, who was also dearly loved by the Schnabels. Lately, everyone looking to get acquainted with Elara ended up contacting Beckett, much to his frustration.

"These people are delusional! Since when is a daughter of the Schnabels something they can covet?" Beckett fumed.

Noella sighed, "Some even approached Palmer, and I've been getting calls too..."

Those people had bought the latest from Azure and asked for Noella's contact details. Kitai thought they were after their hard-hearted boss! But it turned out they wanted to meet Elara. Noella had turned them all down.

Beckett massaged his temples. "Leave these matters to me from now on! If anyone bothers you, it doesn't matter who, just block them. I've got your back."

"Thanks, Beckett," Noella replied.

Marisol, trailing behind the Schnabel siblings, was beyond thrilled. The Schnabels really were as doting on Mr. Schnabel as the rumors suggested! "Beckett's interested in buying the Celestial Ocean Diamond?" Marisol asked.

Mentioning the Celestial Ocean Diamond brought a sparkle to Beckett's eyes. "Someone would love it, and I'm planning to use it for a proposal!" Beckett was open with Noella, sharing his intentions without reservation. Noella was taken aback. Then, curling a finger to her lips, she chuckled softly.

"Beckett, you really have a connection with that designer. Don't worry, the Celestial Ocean Diamond will surely be yours."

"A connection?" Beckett asked, intrigued.

Noella nodded, "I know the designer. She created the Celestial Ocean Diamond with weddings in mind, so your proposal might just resonate with her. In that case, she might just agree to sell it to you!"

Beckett's face lit up with joy. "Let's hope so. If you see any jewelry you like, just let me know. It's on me!"

Meanwhile, Luna stormed back to the lounge, seething with anger. Remembering how Beckett looked at her and spoke to her, she was overwhelmed with humiliation and burst into tears at the table. Damn the Schnabels! Her affections for Beckett were a blessing he scarcely deserved, yet he dared speak to her that way!

Luna, appearing fragile, wept at her table, drawing the attention of several designers. Darcy approached Luna.

"Hi, is there anything I can do to help?" Darcy asked kindly.

Luna was infuriated. Couldn't this country bumpkin see she was dressed in top-to-toe designer? As if she was someone his simple kind could approach! Lifting her head, Luna snapped, "Get lost!"

Darcy, taken aback, returned to his seat. Dalia Sinclair, who had come with her, frowned. "Is she crazy or something?"

"Don't worry about it. You're still recovering. Don't let it bother you," Darcy responded calmly.

"I told you there's no need to come, but you insisted. Such a stubborn girl," Darcy added.

Dalia grinned, "But today's important for you, sis!"

They had been constrained by Poppy, their ambitions and talents stifled. Any hint of brilliance was smothered by Poppy to ensure they remained dependent. Darcy's many attempts to enter competitions were sabotaged by Poppy. With Poppy now out of the picture, Darcy hoped to start anew.

She patted her sister's head, feeling a twinge of guilt. "Sorry for making you suffer through those years."

"With you, it's never been hard! I think I saw Mr. Schnabel earlier!" Dalia exclaimed.

Darcy ignored Dalia's teasing. She calmly looked ahead, already informed by Noella's message that Beckett was at the venue.

Luna, drying her tears, whispered instructions to her assistant... who, after a hesitant moment, received a slap!

"Hurry up! I don't pay you to stand around like Ms. Noella!" Luna snapped.

The assistant, clutching her face, looked fearfully at Luna's twisted visage and reluctantly complied.

Dalia watched, wide-eyed and speechless. "Hey sis, you gotta admit, when it comes to high society, this... it's like comparing a backyard barbecue to Mr. Schnabel's grand gala."

"You think she stands a chance against Noella?" Darcy asked.

"Not by a long shot!" Dalia replied firmly. In Dalia's eyes, Noella's number one superfan, nobody could hold a candle to Noella!

The jewelry exhibition kicked off.

The venue buzzed with life, glasses clinking in a symphony of social grace. Noetta, arm in arm withConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Beckett, made her grand entranceet

drawing a crowd keen on exchanging pleasantries. Waiters

weaved through the

with

towers of sparkling champagne, careful not to spill a single drop. Then, a clumsy assistant stumbled over the linen covering the service cart!

"Watch out!" someone shouted.

Chaos erupted! Beckett, quick on his feet, pulled Noella aside, sparing her from the cascading beverages.

"Are you okay?" Beckett asked, concerned.

"I'm fine, but..." Noella replied, feeling something slip into her pocket amidst the commotion. Tugging Beckett to a quieter spot around the corner, she retrieved a box that had been sneakily placed in her pocket.

"The Celestial Ocean Diamond?" Noella exclaimed in surprise as she saw the diamond necklace nestled inside the box. This was meant to be one of the exhibition's highlights, and now it was in her pocket? There was also a note.

Noella's eyebrows knit together as she read the message: "I'm sorry, it wasn't on purpose, I'm really sorry!"

Someone planted the Celestial

Ocean Diamond in her pocket to frame her for theft? But why leave note? Handwriting could be easily traced hence the note was printed, and there were only a handful of printers around the venue!

Beckett frowned, "Damn it! Someone's trying to set you up here!"

Noella raised an eyebrow and smiled. She held back Beckett, who was already on the verge of demanding the surveillance footage.

"Beckett, it's okay. If someone wants to put on a show, let's give them one to remember!"