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.

glanced around. “This young lady is under my protection. Anyone who dares to speak ill of her should think twice before stepping foot in the Imperial City again. Since you claim to be the Gemstone Gambling King, prove it–cut open a

10 55

contradict

world

wignificant and

a smile, Arthur gestured to the

front of Lucian, Gary didn’t dare say another word He selected two pieces of rough stone and began to cut them in front

“Did he pick the good

Noella retorted without

extremely careful, daring only to cut along

in the crowd exclaimed,

sigh of relief at the sight

at Noella. “Ms. Schnabel called these junk. Does this luster look like

head in distaste. “Like I

a facade, a quick rub would reveal that only the surface layer was

thin layer like

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

again,” Arthur

gritting his teeth, was convinced Noella was just a clueless lady looking

to be of high quality, Ms.

the room as a middle–aged

it’s all junk,

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

his face twitching, quickly stood to greet him. “Master Hector, it’s been too long.” Hector rolled his eyes, unimpressed. “Too long, and yet you’re here peddling fakes, Arthur. You really have no shame!”

much for

all see the trash you’ve

Gary, you’ve offended my fiancée. That’s something I

to come crashing. down at the Gruber family’s event, especially not in front of the real deal! His hands shook as he continued to cut the stone, revealing nothing but a worthless chunk of

his jaw. “Another