The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 83

Beckett, the eldest son of the Schnabels and prez of Rising Glory Group, is always on the move. hustling 24/7. He’s got a gold mine gig that needs his attention across the globe, and his flight’s about to take off any minute now.

But hanging with his sis was top priority for him. Noella’s such a sweetheart, and without him, she’d probably get pushed around at the music store and gallery. Beckett just couldn’t shake off the worry until he saw Noella make that piano store manager eat humble pie. Only then did he leave with a satisfied grin.

No sooner had he stepped out of the music store than he hopped on a motorbike parked right

out front.

Noella turned around to see her brother decked out in his sharp suit and tear off towards the airport on the motorbike, which almost sparked up the pavement with speed.

Beckett’s just looking out for her. That was why he took time out of his mad schedule to be with her, and that thought alone warmed Noella’s heart.

Just out of the store, Noella got a ring from Master Rainer.

“Kiddo, some sucker just offered a whopping 90 mil for that botched zither I had, saying it’s a gift for his sis. Can you believe that? Who in their right mind does that?”

After a brief pause, Noella responded with a smile, “Who’s the buyer?”

“Let me check… the Schnabel family… Hey, isn’t that your family? Are they buying that junker for you? There’s no need! The zither I gave you before is way better, ain’t it?”

Master Rainer, thinking he’d stumbled upon a poor sod, didn’t expect it was Noella’s folks who wanted to splurge. He’s got this serious OCD about his work, but he’s also precious about it. Only the so–so stuff he didn’t fancy made it to exhibitions, and only the clueless outside treasured them as gems.

“I fixed it up and it’ll sing after. You wanna sell it, that’s cool. But if it’s the Schnabels asking. cut ‘em some slack on the price.”

Hearing that Noella had fixed up the zither, Master Rainer’s wrinkles smoothed out with joy.

“Kiddo, you’re too good! If the Schnabels had said it was for you, you could’ve just taken it and no cash is needed! Seems like they treat you right.”

“They’re alright.” She replied.

The Old Mr. Schnabel knew the rough times Noella had been through and that the Schnabels treated her like a treasure, and that put his heart at ease.

“That’s good to hear. If they ever give you trouble, just bring those rascals back here. Polaris Star will take care of you.”

12:23

“Got it. Found some new Jade for you, I’ll polish it up and send it over.”

Rainer’s a sucker for jade zithers. He’s picky about the material and composition, and Noella’s the only one who

this shindig in Imperial City next month. How

a hint of expectation. It’d been ages since he’d seen Noella. Last time was when she popped by his tea house for a cuppa while

it over, then agreed, “Sure.”

ways of the world since she was a kid. In their eyes,

forget to whip up my favorite grub, and I’ll see you then.” Master Rainer replied.

got it. I’ll make sure everything’s sorted

as can be, hung up and rang

forever, picked up immediately. “Master Rainer, have you made up your mind? My sis really

“Nope, not selling.”

to his ear, “Master Rainer, I’m begging you to think it over! We’ll pay whatever it

not about the cash. I’m not

wasn’t sweating

your terms then. Whatever you ask, the Schnabel family will make it

the Schnabels genuinely cared for Noella. That kind of concern couldn’t be faked, so he’s relieved.

wants the zither to become

nearly

as Master Rainer’s student would

cool amid the thrill, Jasper said, “Deal, but I gotta check with

Noella and they respected her

quick to

taken aback but then agreed. The old

mentor anyway.

12:23

Chapter 83

was still cautious, “Noella, think it through. If you’re not keen, I won’t push you.”

worries, I’m in.”

Imperial City next month for an event. He wants you there for the

“Alright.”

and stay to us; the Schnabel family’s

the Schnabel family getting a solid boost, “That zither is just for the little miss

ton, Master Rainer!” Jasper

the flip side.

strutted into

Merrick’s so–called