The Killer Queen ( Noella Briony ) novel Chapter 139

Noella slid into Palmer's sleek sedan and immediately felt the intensity of his gaze—it never wavered from her for a second. His hand clutched hers, and he seemed reluctant to let go.

"Ease up," she said.

"Can I just hold it for a moment? I've been missing my fiancée all night. I've missed you terribly."

Noella shot Palmer a look. "Someone's put a price on your head, a tempting one at that. I'm considering taking the offer."

Palmer chuckled but released her hand, shifting closer to her instead. He may not have been holding her hand anymore, but he was definitely closer now.

Leaning in, Palmer's presence enveloped her as he whispered, "If you want my life, darling, feel free to try and take it."

"You keep talking like that, and I might just take you up on it," Noella retorted.

After all, no one would turn down money.

Palmer pulled out a checkbook, scribbled his signature, and handed it to Noella.

"Whatever they're offering, I'll match it. Consider this a down payment to reclaim my life. In the meantime, it's in the safekeeping of my betrothed."

Could one's life be entrusted to safekeeping?

Noella pinched the thin check between her fingers, noting that the amount was left for her to fill in.

"Can I know who wants me dead?"

"The Gruber family," she replied.

Palmer didn't seem surprised. "Why didn't you agree to their offer?"

Noella met Palmer's teasing gaze with cool detachment. "It's not worth it. Keeping you around, I can still make money."

She waved the check in her hand. Even if she had refused Walden's request, Palmer would still have given her the same amount. Killing him just didn't add up.

Noella preferred a steady income, and maybe there were other reasons she couldn't quite name.

Palmer buried his head into the crook of Noella's neck, laughing, his shoulders trembling lightly.

Was his fiancée always this adorable? Her reason was both pragmatic and irresistible.

"I'll drop you off soon; I've got some business at the corporation. In the meantime, would you mind taking care of Grandpa?"

Noella nodded in agreement.

With several bodyguards around Sexton, safety wasn't an issue; it was the old man's health that concerned Palmer more.

Outside the gallery, Sexton watched Palmer's car disappear into the distance and grumbled, "That kid! Dropping Noella off and then just leaving? Is the company really that important? Can’t he just spend more time with Noella!"

Sexton knew the Pollack Group kept Palmer busy, but he disapproved of his grandson's neglect in wooing his fiancée. Did Palmer realize how exceptional Noella was? What if she caught someone else's eye while he was away? Seeing that Noella didn't seem too fond of Palmer yet, that kid really should worry!

Sexton was genuinely concerned.

Outside, the press had already taken their places. As soon as Noella appeared, the cameras went live, trained on the Schnabel family.

Travis was stunned by the turnout.

Had Ms. Noella brought the whole family? Was this her idea of not worrying about the exhibition? But the Schnabel's presence wouldn't matter at an art exhibition. Those highbrow artists were only there for the paintings!