The Killer Queen ( Noella Briony ) novel Chapter 244

Oriana's face was a patchwork of reds and whites, a veritable display of indignation.

"I didn't have a family parade dropping me off because I'm independent. We're modern women with our own thoughts and personalities. I'm not a parasite replying on my family!"

Mizar couldn't help but snicker behind her hand. "Now you're talking about personality? Maybe you should've joined philosophy instead of design. With that attitude, you'd make a great debater. Look, the Schnabels making a big show of sending their kid to school - it’s about being close-knit and valuing their daughter. How does that make anyone a family parasite."

Oriana was convinced that the Schnabels' display was in poor taste. Mizar's mockery made her face contort even further. She scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Buddy, you can defend the Schnabels all you want, but Ms. Schnabel isn't gonna thank you for it."

In her eyes, Mizar and those who spoke in Noella's favor were simply brown-nosers, attracted to the Schnabels' wealth and status, hoping to rub shoulders with their prestige.

Stirling was different from the Schnabels! Otherwise, why wouldn't he be here today? He must feel the same as her, that such behavior was utterly embarrassing!

At the front of the auditorium, Garrick greeted Marcel with a grin as warm as a summer's day.

"Marcel, old chap, it's been ages! We're getting on in years, aren't we? Come, come, have a seat over here."

Marcel returned the smile with a calm one of his own. "No need, it's just dropping off the kid at school. Any seat will do."

Garrick's eyes then fell upon Noella, who stood by Marcel's side. The young lady was the picture of grace in her understated white dress. She clutched a trench coat, her hair elegantly styled, with soft curls framing her face, adding a youthful charm that was hard to ignore.

Her outfit was the perfect blend of youthful brightness and subtlety, but it was her striking face and her cool, ethereal aura that made it impossible to look away.

Garrick saw something familiar in Noella's face, something that resonated with a memory lodged deep within his mind.

"Welcome to Imperial University's design department, Noella. I look forward to seeing your work."

"Thank you, Principal."

Garrick smiled, then turned his attention to the stage as he was introduced by the host.

The spotlight was on Garrick as he began his rousing speech, the auditorium filled with notable alumni heating up with his every word.

Noella offered a candid assessment. "He'd be great at selling pyramid schemes."

Her tone left no doubt about her opinion of Garrick's character.

Indeed, his oratory skills moved many in the audience to tears, stirring even Elara to nod in agreement.

Only Malvina, the academic slacker, yawned repeatedly, her head bobbing until she dozed off, using Noella's shoulder as a pillow.

Garrick glanced down from the stage. "We have the honor of having the virtuoso Master Rainer perform for our opening ceremony!"

The crowd erupted in excitement. Master Rainer was a legend!

Mizar worked her way through the crowd to Noella, whispering, "Boss, there's been a hiccup with Master Rainer; a traffic jam's holding things up, and he might not make it."

The assistant hurried onto the stage, and Garrick, too, had heard the news.

"Master Rainer is stuck in traffic and may not make it. As we wait, please enjoy some of the other performances."

Everyone knew the traffic in Imperial City could be a nightmare, taking hours to clear up.

The auditorium was filled with a variety of performances prepared by the students in advance.

Backstage, the principal's assistant clapped his hands. "Ready everyone? You're up soon. Give it your best and make the school proud!"