Chapter 203

Master Hector was one to act on impulse. He grabbed Vashel, who was in the midst of savoring a slice of cake, on his way out from the Schnabel family estate

Beckett removed his glasses, his voice bubbling with excitement, “Our farity’s business the gemstone market is set with today’s stone–gambling event. I’ve got my eye on a few prospects”

Stirling was puzzled, “You’ve got enough money, so why bother with the gemston

market? it’s peanuts compared to your oil business”

hat do you know? From now on, Mom, Noella, and Elara’s jewelry needs are all sorted Beckett wasn’t just eyeing the gemstone quary to make a quick buck. He was after a direct pipeline of premium gemstones for the Schnabel clan.

If the Schnabels had their own gemstone quarry and cornered a slice of the gemstone trade, Sienna and the two girls would never want for jewelry again.

Beckett’s life’s pleasure was making money, but more so, he enjoyed spending what he earned.

Noelia retreated to her room, where Master Hector’s gift awaited her.

The box, carved from gemstone, appeared seamless with no apparent way to pry it open.

The Polaris Star had their unique way of opening such boxes, requiring not just a fixed mortise and tenon joint but also a combination of password and fingerprint. A single mistake would mean the box remained shut.

With a “click” the box yielded to Noella’s touch, revealing an old photograph inside.

Three young people were captured in that faded photo: Harriet Lambert, Xavier, and a man Noella did not recognize. Noella’s eyes pupils dilated on seeing that

A note was also tucked inside the box: [Noella, I know you’re looking into your grandmother’s past. This is for you. Also, the osmanthus carving you made hides two USB drives–find Xavier. From Hector.]

Her osmanthus carving?

Indeed, the carving had two compartments for USB drives, a precaution Noella took in case one failed or got damaged. But she hadn’t told her grandmother about the second slot!

Noella stood up and approached the collection shelf in her room to retrieve the osmanthus carving. Marcel had not taken this piece; it was left for Noella.

eyes, Noella, who had accompanied Harriet through it all,

did

second USB compartment, which should have also contained another piece of osmanthus branch but was now eerily empty.

had her grandmother discovered the

Xavier for a video

gusto, “Hey, kiddo!

considerable sway within Lockhart Prison, eliminating a second–string mercenary group that survived on smuggling

photo in front

this?”

have that picture?”

seriousness in an instant, removing his sunglasses

tell me who he is”

Xavier denied, “Don’t know

holding hands in the photo, and you say you

nonsense! I don’t swing that way, kiddo! This guy… well, he’s from Polaris Star. If it weren’t for

Noella’s grandmother was all that mattered. Who the grandpa was didn’t really make a difference, especially since Marcel was

Why don’t

dear! Even if you’ve got a few stars in your hands right now,

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one of the old guards of Polaris Star, namely the Merak from back in the day. And I have no

“Chandma was part of Poles Star?”

cursed for seconds. “Ah, that’s ancient History! Gotta go, kiddo. I’ve got

last question. Where is he

Polaris Sts with your grandma. Now he’s probably running some university as a dean. If you’re after something to do with your grandma, he’s your man, not

looked for him?” Noella

surely want whatever Harriet had left behind. Why hadn’t he

in Lockhart Prison, ain’t I? Can’t just leave my cell, I’m a criminal!”

Noella paused.

Lockhart Prison, she hardly saw any

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