"No, you’ve got it wrong," Palmer said, releasing the top button of his shirt to let in a bit of air. There was a chilling hardness about him, a murderous aura that clung to his frame like a second skin. Yet, his lips curled into a sly, rogue's smile.
"I'm keeping him around because he has a bigger role to play. Noella worries he might sling mud at the Schnabel name, and Mr. Schnabel, you wouldn't want Noella to be worried about you guys, would you?"
The moment Beckett realized his sister was involved, the displeasure on his face ebbed away. If Noella had a say in it, the situation must be different. His sister was the smartest, kindest little princess in the world. Whatever Noella said was gospel; whatever she did was without question.
Palmer was well aware of how the Schnabels doted on Noella.
"Noella doesn't want you to worry, so she kept this from you. But the Pollack family affairs are a tangled web, and I'm concerned there might be aspects I can't protect her from. I hope Mr. Schnabel will also ensure Noella is looked after."
His plea was earnest, his tone sincere. The care he expressed for Noella couldn't be feigned, and Beckett could feel Palmer's genuine concern for her.
Beckett's expression softened considerably. "You don't need to tell me. I know what to do. I'll arrange for someone to watch over Noella discreetly. It won't disrupt her life."
His sister was too naive. If the Schnabels knew the danger she was in, they would have turned the Pollack family upside down!
Knowing his sister was concerned about them, Beckett's heart melted.
His sister, why was she so wonderful?
Beckett was nearly heartbroken over her!
"Even though it's a Pollack family matter, for Elara's sake as well as Noella’s, I need to ask bluntly, Mr. Pollack, how do you plan to handle it?"
Whether or not Noella would end up with Palmer, Elara was still a Pollack by blood, an unbreakable bond. Elara might not bear the Pollack name now, but Sexton had added her to the family tree and planned to pass on all his shares of Pollack Group to her. This meant Elara was facing a host of challenges.
Beckett's tone was icy. "Mr. Pollack should understand that to me, Elara is just as important as Noella. If the Pollack family can't ensure her safety, I might not allow her to return. And as for Noella, if you truly care for her, you should consider her future as well. A Schnabel daughter will not marry into danger."
The scandal surrounding Palmer's mother had once been infamous among the elite circles. If Noella ended up in a similar plight, the entire Schnabel family would be devastated. Just the thought was enough to shatter Beckett's heart.
Palmer knew that Beckett's harsh words stemmed from love for Noella and Elara.
"The Pollack family issues are nearly settled. I assure you, before Elara returns home and Noella becomes part of the family, all will be taken care of."
"Let's hope so."
Beckett was somewhat reassured by Palmer's promise, mindful of the complexities within the Pollack family. He refrained from probing further, his sole concern being the well-being of his two precious sisters.
After the call, Beckett paced his office like a man on fire, spinning in circles as he tried to think. Finally, he dialed Noella's number.
"Noella, what are you up to? Did you miss me?"
"Just out shopping with Malvina. What's up?"
Hearing Noella's casual tone, Beckett's heart settled. He could handle international deals worth billions without breaking a sweat, but when it came to Noella’s troubles, he found himself sweating buckets.
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