Noella's affirmative response was reflected in Palmer's smile, mirrored in the pristine glass window. His voice, deep and seductive, wrapped around her, "Let's not make a fuss this time, but next time, I hope you'll remember what you've promised me. Even if it's just sharing a meal, I'll be looking forward to it."
The mere thought of dining with Noella made him patient enough to endure the tedious company partners. He found himself browsing through the trendiest spots where the local youngsters liked to hang out for dates. But before he knew it, she had slipped away from Imperial City.
What a heartless little thing she was! Did she really think it was just about a meal?
Deep down, Palmer knew it was probably because his lady hadn't taken him to heart yet. That was why the things he asked for could be so easily forgotten. That realization left a bittersweet taste in his mouth.
Noella touched her nose, not sure if she felt embarrassed or guilty.
"I get it. It was my fault this time. When I'm back, I'll make it up to you."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Noella glanced at the call log on her phone. When exactly had it become a daily routine for him to call her? Was the CEO of the Pollack Group really that free?
She put her phone down and took out the watch she had borrowed from Palmer. She promised him to send it back after some modification. Since now she got nothing to do, seemed like the perfect time to get to it.
Wren, watching Noella's concentrated profile in the rear-view mirror, thought how serene and elegant she was. She exuded the composed grace of a lady born into high society. The memory of what had happened at Imperial West Hospital made Wren's blood boil.
"Ms. Schnabel, if you ever run into the Lamberts, please don't reveal your identity to them. They're nothing but greedy. I used to think they were good to you, but I was clearly mistaken."
"The Lamberts?"
Wren recounted the encounter with Vincent at the hospital. "If you see them, don't give them the time of day!"
Noella nodded, fitting the last component back into the watch. The refurbished men's watch was a masterpiece of understated luxury, its diamonds full and dazzling. It suited Palmer to a T.
Wren continued to caution, "I don't think they caught your birthday live stream; they probably don’t know who you really are."
If Vincent knew that Noella was the daughter of the nation's wealthiest family, he'd lose his mind!
Families like the Schnabels kept their wealth shrouded in mystery. They never appeared on those rich lists because they chose not to.
Someone like Vincent, with his greedy and petty nature, would surely try to bleed her dry if he found out. Noella must never let him know.
Noella smiled softly, nodding her agreement, "It's fine. Whether they know or not, I have nothing to do with them now."
Ever since she learned her grandmother had no ties to the Lambert family, Noella had felt at ease. She had never had much regard for the Lamberts; it was all for her grandmother's sake, not wanting to cause her distress. But her grandmother knew everything.
Noella glanced at the delicate jade bracelet on her wrist, a piece so exquisite that a similar one had fetched seven hundred grand at auction last year.
Wren saw that Noella had things under control and relaxed. He just worried that Ms. Schnabel's kindness might be taken advantage of and that the Lambert family could hurt her.
As the car stopped at the lab entrance in Emerald County, Elara, having heard the news, dashed down from her lab and enveloped Noella in a tight hug as soon as she stepped out.
"Noella! You finally came to visit me!"
Elara looked pale, with dark circles under her eyes, clearly the result of too many late nights. But the sight of Noella made her face light up with joy.
"Elara, I brought you lots of things. Mom prepared them all for you."
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