The Killer Queen

Erek could hardly contain his excitement as he watched the video.

“Boss, the looks on the Gruber family’s faces when they see this will be priceless! I’m actually looking forward to it!”

The video was considerate enough to capture every worker’s face, and every word they said was recorded without fail.

If the Gruber family didn’t want to burn bridges with the Schnabel family too soon, they’d most likely opt to pay up.

“Boss, when it comes to swindling cash, you sure don’t beat around the bush. Three hundred million is gonna make the Grubers gasp for air. I bet they won’t cough it up easily.”

The Gruber family’s business empire had been facing a string of issues lately, and their liquid assets weren’t as flush as they used to be.

Erek couldn’t help but think that their boss was…ruthless! But, hey, the boss didn’t even spare his own fiancé, considering the gear at Lunar Lab was courtesy of Mr. Pollack. Erek suddenly felt a surge of respect for the boss!

Their boss had been working her tail off for the future of the organization!

Noella said indifferently, “They’ll pay. Three hundred million is a small price for not getting on the bad side of the Obelisk Organization and the Schnabel family.”

Hearing this, Erek was touched. Such a fair and square deal, the Gruber family would be fools to pass up such a sweet offer!

Erek promised to send the video to the Gruber family that very night.

The next morning, Noella got ready and descended the stairs, only to see the living room brimming with gifts. Boxes of all sizes filled the space, leaving barely any room to step.

Exotic herbs and luxury supplements were neatly boxed up; there were even dozens of bird’s nest packages, and at the forefront was a fist–sized pearl, which seemed like the one auctioned last year at the East Sea Pearl Market.

Sienna’s face lit up with joy as she saw her darling daughter come downstairs.

“Sweetheart, take a look and pick whatever you like. I’ll have it sent to your room.”

“Why all this stuff?”

“They’re from the Gruber family, sent as an apology, probably because of Walden’s little tantrum at the gallery yesterday?”

Remembering yesterday’s incident, even Sienna had to admit the Gruber’s illegitimate son had

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been a bit of an embarrassment.

But to send all these gifts as an apology the next day showed class, and since the two families had numerous business dealings. It was best to meet each other halfway.

Marcel, sitting at the breakfast table with his newspaper, cast a scrutinizing glance at the pile

of gifts.

“All this for yesterday’s mishap? The Gruber family seem to have some sense of decorum.” Marcel’s eyes were sharp. He could tell that the gifts were over the top for just a petty squabble between children. The Gruber family could have dismissed it as youthful roughhousing. Even if they felt obliged to send gifts, this was simply too much. “There’s likely some other reason. Let Tristan dig a little deeper.”

Sienna chuckled, “Dad, you might be overthinking it. Tristan checked yesterday, and there was nothing else.”

Noella’s gaze swept over the multitude of presents.

The Gruber family were probably acting preemptively because of last night’s video, testing the waters with the Schnabel family.

If the Schnabel family knew about the incident, these gifts wouldn’t just be refused at the door; they’d be thrown back in the Grubers‘ faces.

Accepting the gifts meant that the Schnabel family were indeed oblivious to the situation.

“Mom, I’m heading to the gallery.”

“Don’t overwork yourself, sweetheart. I know you’re exceptional, but take care of yourself, got Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

it?”

Sienna was all smiles as she watched Noella. Her precious daughter was simply too impressive!

Just yesterday, she was at a party, and all the other society ladies looked on with envy. Who wouldn’t be proud to have such a successful child?

Noella nodded and stepped out, heading straight to the car parked at the curb. She opened the door and slid into the vehicle.

Erek, munching on a sandwich, spoke up, “Boss, the Gruber family have agreed to pay up, but they’re asking for a face–to–face meeting to hand over the cash.”

A face–to–face to hand over the money? More like they wanted to take care of them in person.

With such damning evidence in the hands of the Obelisk Organization, the Gruber family couldn’t be sure when the video might end up with the Schnabel family.

If the Obelisk Organization decided to double–dip, the Gruber family would just have to swallow the bitter pill.

Erek scoffed, “Meeting up is a sham. They either want to rope us in for their dirty work or

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intimidate us. The Grubers are playing dirty. Are we going to meet them, boss?”

Noella’s expression was cool and detached, “No. Tell them any tricks, and the price jumps to half a billion. Not a penny less, or the video goes straight to the Schnabel family, along with some extra footage the Gruber family haven’t seen.”

Erek chuckled gleefully. The Grubers thought they could strong–arm their boss, but they’d hit a steel wall.

The Obelisk Organization, in their international warzone dealings, let’s say, their sense of “justice” was not to be taken lightly. The Grubers were still fixated on petty profits! They had a long way to go if they

wanted to play in the big leagues.

“Boss, you heading to the gallery today?”

“First, a bank.”

Old Mrs. Lambert had left everything for her in that bank, and she had to check it out. Whatever Old Mrs. Lambert had left, she intended to take good care of it.

The bank that Old Mrs. Lambert had chosen was a multinational giant. It just so happened to be Rising Glory Bank, owned by the Schnabel family, with the safety deposit boxes located in Imperial City.

When had Grandma ever come to Imperial City to store things? Why didn’t she know anything about it? It must have been while she was away on a mission with the Obelisk Organization, not by her grandmother’s side.

Erek pulled up in front of Rising Glory Bank, and as Noella was about to step out, someone opened the car door from the outside.

Walden’s face bore a partial smile, but his eyes were all scrutiny as they settled on Noella.

“Ms. Schnabel, we meet again. It seems we’re quite fated to cross paths.”

Noella’s gaze landed on Walden’s face. The imprint of five fingers, still somewhat visible even after being medicated and iced, indicated he’d received quite the slap.

“Walden, didn’t you look in the mirror before stepping out? That face might give someone a fright, which would be rather unfortunate.”

Walden’s smile stiffened! Just yesterday, he had returned home to a resounding slap across his face, the pain of which only subsided after a night of icing.

How did this girl spot it right away? And even if she did notice, to call it out in front of everyone, not leaving him the slightest bit of dignity!

“Ms. Schnabel, do you always speak so bluntly?”

Noella said coolly, “Given your intellect, I fear you wouldn’t understand a subtler approach.”

Walden couldn’t muster a smile any longer.

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This woman was impenetrable! But he thought of establishing a close relationship with Ms. Schnabel, which would bring him endless benefits, made his heart race. Whether it was the Gruber family or the Schnabel family, it could all be his! Just thinking of the towering wealth made Walden’s heart surge with heat.

“Ms. Schnabel, they say serendipity brings people together. How about we have dinner. together?”

Noella frowned at the man before her.

“Do all Gruber men have such thick skins? Or is Walden truly blessed with an extraordinary ability to misunderstand plain speech? I told you to get lost. Didn’t you hear me?”