The Killer Queen ( Noella Briony ) novel Chapter 216

Palmer looked up, his gaze meeting the icy calmness of Master Rainer's eyes, which held a glint of frost.

"You know, Palmer, this girl might not have mentioned it, but we Polaris folks are particular about our turf. Even if it's of no use anymore, you shouldn't have trespassed."

Palmer wasn't cowed by the warning. He met Master Rainer's gaze, his voice steady and calm. "No offense intended, but I've got my own matters to investigate. I'd appreciate your understanding."

Master Rainer eyed Palmer for a moment, and then, surprisingly, he laughed. "It's only because of Noella that you dare speak to me like this, isn't it? Your reputation at the border isn't exactly stellar."

"You are Noella's mentor, so it's only right to show respect."

As for reputation, the methods of the Abyssal Organization were swift and decisive. In a world ruled by bloodshed, a good reputation was unnecessary.

Master Rainer was sure that if he weren't Noella's mentor, Palmer wouldn't be nearly as courteous.

The lad was being so obliging probably just to make Noella happy, and Master Rainer found that rather pleasing.

Mizar chimed in, "What's wrong with a bad reputation? Our boss here doesn't exactly have the best rep either."

Noella replied coolly, "Rumors. Our organization and my reputation are in good standing."

"That's true. Our outfit has achieved a zero-complaint record on all missions. Both clients and targets have nothing but rave reviews!"

Of course, those who couldn't give a good review were no longer breathing.

After Master Rainer arrived at the hotel, he turned to Noella. "In the next couple of days, I need to meet an old friend. I'll get in touch once I'm done."

"Alright, I'll leave it to your schedule."

Mizar muttered, "Boss, I sneakily glanced at Master Rainer's phone. He was secretive about it and wouldn't let me see. I'm going to tail him for the next couple of days!"

"Do as you wish, but don't expect me to bail you out if you get caught."

If Master Rainer caught her, Mizar wouldn't be having an easy time.

"Don't be so heartless. I think he's planning to visit Imperial University."

Imperial University?

Was Master Rainer meeting with Garrick?

Noella quickly changed her mind. "Follow him, and if anything goes sideways, I'll get you out."

"You got it!"

...

The car stopped in front of the music store, and Noella pursed her lips as she looked at Palmer beside her. "Your body is better suited for rest. There's no need for you to accompany me here."

"Don't worry, I want to be with my fiancée at work. I won't be a bother, and besides, you promised me a whole day's date, you can't back out now."

Noella's slender, cool fingers rested on Palmer's wrist.

He looked weary, but his pulse was strong. Since he wasn't in any serious trouble, Noella didn't press further and stepped into the music store.

The store manager, Terrell, hurried to greet them.

"Ms. Schnabel, the music store across has been refurbished, and the financial reports for our shop are on your desk!"

"Thanks for the hard work."

The music store across was bought by Yvonne in an attempt to challenge Noella, but fortunately, it became Noella's property before the Gruber family went bankrupt.

The gallery and music store were next to each other, and to make things convenient for Noella, Beckett had both offices combined, with a decent-sized lounge added as well.

He had glanced at the financial report while she was looking at it. Many figures were clearly off, and with his years of experience in the business world, he had immediately spotted the discrepancies. Yet, he was impressed that Noella needed only a glance to home in on the most problematic data.

Sometimes, he felt his fiancée was too perfect, so much so that the more he got to know her, the closer he wanted to be.

Terrell led Noella to the zithers, which were maintained impeccably, their nephrite inlays shining with a subtle luster.

"Ms. Schnabel, these zithers have been the talk of the town lately. Once we hold the auction, we are sure to make a handsome profit!"

Noella's fingers danced lightly across the strings, and the crisp sound reverberated through the music store, lingering in the air like an echo in a cathedral, revealing the instrument’s quality from a single note.

“Ms. Schnabel," the assistant spoke with pride, "this is a zither handcrafted by Master Sylvie herself. The nephrite inlay is of the highest quality, making it the most expensive piece among all the harps we've got!”

“This masterpiece also features strings personally selected by the renowned luthier, Mr. Rainer. Just one strum, Ms. Schnabel, and you'll recognize the exceptional quality!”

The zither under Noella's touch was indeed adorned with exquisite nephrite, and even the slightest pluck of the strings seemed to unleash the thunderous charge of a cavalry, resplendent and majestic.

A fine instrument, indeed.

But the problem was, since when did she carve this zither? And since when did Master Rainer set strings?

The old man named each of his creations, and Noella could spot a Rainer original with just a glance.

Noella's gaze was icy as it fell upon Terrell standing before her.

“Are you and Travis twins?” she inquired sharply.

“Not, Ms. Schnabel. It's just a coincidence that we share a similar name. The shenanigans he pulled off in the gallery, I had no knowledge of them!” Terrell was clearly worried about being implicated.

Noella's eyes narrowed with a touch of disdain. “So, you're not related, yet the stunts you pull are strikingly similar? It seems names can be a twist of fate, and sharing a cell might just be another twist for you two!”