The Killer Queen ( Noella Briony ) novel Chapter 300

Ulrich's hand was already reaching out, but upon hearing Noella's words, he retracted it.

Beckett and Jasper stood at the door, both mirroring Ulrich's expression.

Only Palmer had a slight smile on his face, his gaze constantly following Noella's movements, never shifting away no matter what she did!

The light cast on them outlined their figures under the Tyndall effect, the profiles of Noella and Palmer complementing each other as if all other sounds in the world were suddenly superfluous.

Elara suddenly felt like she was third wheeling.

"Uh, I just remembered I haven't put on my shoes. I'll head out first. Jasper, could you settle the bill for me?"

"Sure, anything for you."

Elara had rushed out too hastily, running barefoot all the way, only now feeling the chill creeping into her soles.

Jasper quickly ushered Elara away from the scene.

Beckett glanced at Palmer's wound. Noella was being very careful and attentive, occasionally asking him if it hurt.

Watching the scene unfold, Beckett chuckled softly, his eyes reflecting a mix of loss and contentment. The emotions were complex, but he eventually closed the door.

Beckett turned to face Dalia and Darcy. "Noella's fine. I'll drive you home."

Dalia was practically bubbling with excitement. "Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pollack are so close! In the past, whenever Mr. Pollack had some free time, he would join Ms. Schnabel at work!"

Everyone in the gallery knew Palmer; every time he brought afternoon tea for Noella, he'd also treat the staff, and they've been mooching off Noella's treats for a while! They've practically adopted Palmer as one of their own, seeing him as their boss's man!

Darcy quickly refused, "Mr. Schnabel, we're just here to check on Noella. You don't have to trouble yourself. We can take a cab back!"

Beckett stood still, turning his gaze to Darcy.

In the bustling hospital corridor, with the smell of disinfectant spreading everywhere, Beckett's gaze met Darcy's.

After a moment, his lips curved slightly, his tone leaving no room for argument, "Are you refusing me? It's just a ride home, no trouble at all."

With those words, he turned and left, as if the chilly atmosphere hadn't been his doing at all!

Darcy had no choice but to pull Dalia along.

After all, her sister was still working under the Schnabel family's enterprise. It wouldn't do to offend the Schnabels, nor was this unnecessary interaction with Beckett.

With that thought, Darcy braced herself and followed Beckett's lead.

Beckett drove steadily, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, not sparing a glance for the passengers behind him.

Dalia, being younger and having had work interactions with Beckett at the gallery, chattered away about her job.

Beckett listened attentively, nodding after Dalia had finished.

"Thank you, your cooperation makes Noella's job easier."

"No, no, it's all thanks to Ms. Schnabel's management. She’s truly remarkable. I had an issue with an exhibit setup, and despite revising it over a dozen times, I couldn't find the problem. Yet, she spotted it right away!"

Dalia was practically in awe of Noella! Despite being about the same age, Ms. Schnabel was so much more accomplished!

"Does Mr. Pollack often visit Noella?"

"Yeah, Mr. Pollack sends afternoon tea when he's busy and even accompanied Ms. Schnabel to work last time!"

Seeing Noella and Palmer through an outsider's perspective always gave a clearer understanding of their relationship. Beckett felt reassured.

Perhaps it was Beckett's reciprocal manner that made Dalia drop her guard, daring to gossip.

"Mr. Schnabel, do you have a girlfriend?"

"No."