The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Feeling the warmth around his neck, Jasper wished he could just disappear!

Gavin's dad quickly scooped him up, apologizing profusely to Jasper. "I'm so sorry, Jasper. Really, I am!"All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Gavin was just a kid after all, and Jasper figured it wasn't worth holding a grudge. Especially since their families were about to be united. Gavin, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, muttered, "Sorry, I didn't mean it. I'll buy you a new shirt with my allowance!"

Jasper took a deep breath and patted Gavin on the head. "It's alright. I'll just go change."

Thankfully, the Schnabel residence was right behind them, making a clothing change convenient.

The laughter that erupted from the Schnabel siblings, along with Elara, was loud and merry.

Tristan reminisced, "Brings back memories. Elara used to be just like this when she was a tot. Kids are adorable when they're that small."

At the mention of Elara's childhood, Lavinia, who had been quiet, looked their way. "Was Elara a cute kid?"

Sienna, all smiles, responded, "We've got pictures! And lots of videos. I'll show you later!"

"Really? I wouldn't want to impose."

Lavinia felt somewhat out of place.

Sienna brushed off her concerns. "Don't worry about it. Even if Elara goes back with you, does that make her any less my daughter? She's your flesh and blood; wouldn't she recognize you as her mom?"

"It's unfortunate Noella didn't have better foster parents; otherwise, we'd be as close as family!" Lavinia was moved, wiping away a tear. She was grateful Elara had grown up with the Schnabels.

Elara, linking arms with both her moms, smiled. "Everyone here is family to me. I'm the luckiest!"

Whether it was the Pollack, Schnabel, Richardson, or Horwich families, everyone treated her like a treasure.

Sexton looked at Lavinia, "What's Lavinia doing here without Kendra?"

Palmer, having just peeled some shrimp for Noella, casually mentioned, "She's traveling. Was in Turkey just a few days ago."

"That child, always wandering the globe even on big occasions. But Kendra does love her adventures."

"She'll be back for our wedding."

Sexton nodded. "That's good to hear. Traveling is good for the soul!"

Kendra's lifelong dream had been to see the world, a wish that led Emeric Pollack to leave everything behind after her departure.

In this, Palmer and his brothers were much like their father, each finding their own way to remember Kendra.

Sexton handed Lavinia a box. "This is for you, from Dad. Jacob was supposed to give it to you, but he thought you might not like it."

Lavinia felt awkward.

To Sexton, Lavinia was already part of the Pollack family.

Jacob, taking the box, said, "I never said that. Lavinia was just unwell and in the hospital. I didn't want to disturb her."

"Now that you're better, please accept it."

Jacob's fingers brushed the velvet of the box before placing it beside Lavinia. "It's yours."

"Are you sure? It doesn't feel right."

This was meant for the Pollack's daughter-in-law, and she felt it wasn't her place to take it. "There's nothing wrong. If not for you, this box would never find its owner. It would have by now." Helen chimed in gently, "Please, take it. Even if you don't want it, you can give it to Elara later." With everyone insisting, Lavinia accepted. "Thank you, Mom and Dad."

Lavinia knew of Sexton's condition and Helen's guilt. They welcomed her warmly for Jacob and Elara's sake. The engagement party was dreamlike, with both the Pollack and Schnabel families putting in much effort.

As the band started to play, Palmer extended his hand to Noella. "May I have this dance?"

"Of course."

They were to open the dance floor.

Elara, dragging Stirling along, teased, "Come on, Stirling. Misery loves company, let's dance together!"

"Why not ask Beckett?"

"Beckett doesn't look in the mood to dance."

Besides, the last time she danced with Beckett, she got a lecture on her steps and etiquette.

"Stirling, at least you're from the entertainment world. You might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but at least you can dance." Stirling: "..."

He didn't quite appreciate that kind of compliment!

Even Sienna and Tristan hit the dance floor, joining in the celebration.

Beckett leaned against the bar, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he watched the crowd dance. His slightly unbuttoned shirt revealed an alluring glimpse of his collarbone.

S

Beer in hand, he seemed like a figure bathed in twilight, shrouded in a misty allure.

Malvina couldn't hit the dance floor, and so, Ulrich stayed back as well.

"Beckett, why isn't Darcy here tonight?"

"She's got classes."

To Beckett, even adult relationships required a sense of boundaries.

"No need to take a leave for Noella's ent party. But... I'm thinking of getting hitched too. Got the date and Ithe venue all set. You'll have to take a day off when it happens."

Ulrich's brain momentarily froze! "What? When did you set a date?"

"A few years back."

Seeing Noella and Palmer's engagement seemed to have inspired everyone in the room! He too wanted to tie the knot!

"I heard from Noella that Darcy's worried about not being able to have kids. That doesn't bother you, Beckett?"

"If she likes kids, we can adopt. If the country's encouraging it, I say why not adopt yours?"

Ulrich: "What?"

The country's encouraging having kids, not necessarily adopting someone else's!

Malvina raised her hand from the

bet

"Beckett, let's wait till we're second child. I've`

grown too attached to this little one."

Ulrich quickly pulled her back!

Beckett chuckled under his breath, his chest filled with contentment.