Noella arched an eyebrow slightly. "Where's Lorne now? I'm heading over."
"He's waiting for you on the rooftop of the Richardson Hotel, insisting on a one-to-one meeting. He also made it clear he’d reach out to your sister if you didn't show."
Noella rubbed her temples, a cold smile playing across her fair and striking face, adding a touch of allure to her features.
The few people around her shivered at the sight!
Their boss, when most angered, wouldn't rage but smile instead. This smile was internally referred to within Polaris Star and along the frontier as the Grim Reaper's grin!
Noella nodded slowly, her fingers cracking with tension.
"Fine, I'll remember this. You guys keep an eye on things here. Since there's a heartfelt invitation, I must honor it."
"Don't worry, Ms. Gruber is safe with us."
After all, Lorne's invitation was, essentially, his life on the line!
Noella swung her leg over her motorcycle and sped off, her presence chilling the air around her!
Malvina stepped out of the visitation room just in time to see Noella's departing figure, and after hearing from Alioth what Lorne had done, she was stunned!
"What? Is Lorne out of his mind? Lavinia is his aunt, for heaven's sake! You'd think his brains were scrambled by Arthur, the scoundrel! Aren't you guys going with Noella?"
Phecda shrugged. "Boss always has someone shadowing her. Don't worry."
Besides Polaris Star, Noella was also protected by a whole squad of mercenaries, all arranged by Beckett to serve as her bodyguards. While shaking them off was easy, Noella tolerated their presence to keep Beckett from worrying.
Growing increasingly anxious, Malvina finally made a call to Palmer. "Mr. Pollack, Noella might be in danger. You have to help her!"
"Explain yourself!"
After quickly detailing Lorne's actions, Malvina stamped her feet in frustration. "I didn't dare tell Elara, but what if Lorne has laid a trap for Noella?"
After careful consideration, Malvina concluded that Palmer was the most reliable choice. Given how Palmer looked at Noella, he surely wouldn't stand by if she was in trouble!
Palmer's furious laugh came through the phone, his voice dripping with cold menace.
"That damn Lorne!" he cursed angrily, followed by the sound of a car engine roaring to life. Palmer's chilly orders could be heard before the call abruptly ended.
From the sounds on the other end, it was evident that Palmer was already on his way!
Malvina finally breathed a sigh of relief!
...
On the rooftop of the Richardson Hotel, Lorne sat in a wheelchair, a glass of red wine in his hand, its liquid shimmering under the sunlight. Besides him, Lavinia was tied up in a chair, her expression filled with confusion.
"What on earth are you planning, Lorne? If I had known this is what you'd become, I'd have never let your father adopt you!"
Lorne took a sip of his wine, seething with anger. "I know you and Grandpa have always looked down on me, but I don't care! The Richardson family will soon be mine!"
Lavinia couldn't believe the maniacal Lorne before her, her gaze filled with disbelief.
"What are you trying to do? Who were you trying to threaten using me?"
"Aunt, you should be thankful. I even contacted your daughter. Don't you want to see your child?"
Her child?
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