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.

“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 couple of those stones and let’s see if they’re royal or

10 55

contradict Lucien publicly.

world

wignificant and

to the stage. “Start

of Lucian, Gary didn’t dare say another word He selected two pieces of rough stone and began

he pick

Noella retorted without

to cut along a fine line.

in the crowd exclaimed, “There’s

at the sight of the green jadeite on the stage.

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

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

was a facade, a quick rub would reveal

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

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

Arthur commanded.

was just a clueless lady looking to stir

turns out to be of high quality, Ms. Schnabel

the room as a middle–aged man in

junk,

soul who didn’t recognize the man. The grandmaster

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!”

was too much

all see

Gary, you’ve offended my fiancée. That’s something I won’t

to come crashing. down at the Gruber family’s event, especially not in front of the real deal! His hands shook as

clenched his jaw.