The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 189

Seeing Noella’s silence, Yates continued, “Don’t worry, Ms. Schnabel. Even if we end up with a lemon or a wildflower, it’s not all bad. Think of it as a stroke of good luck.”

As Yates shifted the spotlight onto Noella, all eyes in the room followed suit.

Noella lifted her head slightly, the black evening gown and pearl necklace setting her apart with an air of untouchable mystique.

“It’s all junk. I’m not interested,” Noella said dismissively.

The rough stones laid out by the Gruber family were clearly mediocre at best, judging from the surface mottling; they were likely to yield nothing more than low–grade gems.

Noella’s blunt remark didn’t sit well with the self–proclaimed Gemstone Gambling King.

“Who is this young lady? She lacks manners. Perhaps she shouldn’t embarrass herself in public.”

Noella didn’t even bother to look up. “I said everything here is junk, and that includes you.”

Both Noella and Master Hector weren’t the types to let anyone flaunt the Gemstone Gambling King title in the Imperial City and get away with it.

Gary lost his temper on the spot!

“You dare say there’s no good stock here? I was in the gem business before you were even born!”

A commanding voice suddenly cut through the tension. “The Grubers are bold, aren’t they? To doubt Ms. Schnabel of the Schnabel family, when they’ve just hired some greenhorn? Impressive.”

Under the astonished gaze of the crowd, Lucian, seated in a wheelchair, was pushed in by Lavinia, joining Noella’s side.

“And who might you be?” Gary frowned.

Lucian didn’t bother to respond, not even lifting his eyelids.

The atmosphere was charged, but Arthur rose from the front and chuckled. “Lucian, why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

The Gruber family had risen to prominence with the support of the Richardsons. Even if Arthur held little respect for Lucian’s ways, he had to greet him with due deference.

foot in the Imperial City again. Since you claim to be the Gemstone Gambling King, prove it–cut open a couple of those stones and let’s see if they’re royal or just

10 55

family’s influence contradict Lucien

world

wignificant and

to the stage. “Start

demeanor in front of Lucian, Gary didn’t dare say another word He selected two pieces of rough stone

he pick the good stuff?”

Noella retorted without

to cut along a

in the crowd exclaimed,

the sight of

looked down at Noella. “Ms. Schnabel called these junk. Does this luster look like trash to you?”

her head in distaste. “Like I said, just like your character, it’s

Gary’s stone was a facade, a quick rub would reveal that only

deeper cut will reveal the truth. A thin layer like that? Who are you trying to fool?”

spent a fortune on these stones, hoping to make a statement today. If even one turned out to be

again,” Arthur

convinced Noella was just a clueless lady looking to stir trouble

stone turns out to be of high quality, Ms. Schnabel owes me

room as a middle–aged man in a hoodie rose slowly from behind

it’s all junk,

was a gambler, and there wasn’t a soul who didn’t recognize the man. The

been too long.” Hector rolled his eyes, unimpressed. “Too long, and yet you’re here peddling fakes, Arthur. You really have

was too much for Arthur to bear.

her–cut again! Let’s all see the trash you’ve

up, “Mr. Gary, you’ve offended my fiancée.

at the Gruber family’s event, especially not in front of the real deal! His hands shook as he continued

clenched his jaw. “Another