The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Noella and Palmer looked like a match made in heaven as they stood together.

Around Linnea Schnabel, a colleague whispered, “Pollack and Schnabel are like peanut butter and jelly, a perfect match! Can you even imagine how gorgeous their kids would be?”

“Oh my gosh, is there still a chance for me to be reborn as Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pollack's kid? That’s my top choice!” “You'd probably end up as an overworked employee instead.”

Listening to the murmurs, a shadow flickered in Linnea's eyes as she withdrew her gaze from Palmer and Noella. Muttering to herself, she said, “Them getting married? I wouldn't bet on it.”

Linnea approached, handing Noella her well-prepared resume. “Ms. Schnabel, here's my resume.”

Noella took it, scanning through. Linnea’s major in hospitality management was evident, a perfect fit for her standing here. She had spent her college years volunteering in rural areas, earning national scholarships annually and graduating top of her class. A truly impressive resume.

“Why didn’t you pursue further studies? Your grades could've easily landed you a spot.

“I wanted to start working, and my grandfather supported that.”

“What's your current position?”

Linnea pointed to her badge, “I’m an intern manager, but I’m aiming for something else.”

“Oh? Such as?”

‘I'd like to be your assistant. While management suits my major, I’d prefer to learn directly from you.

‘I'm also new here; you won't learn much fram me.”

Linnea shook her head, “But you need an assistant. and what I learn is up to me. Whether or not I come to the hotel is your call. Her confidence and poise were evident as she spoke directly to Noella, catching her interest.

As they walked to Noella’s office, she asked, "Being my assistant won't be easy, Miss Linnea. What's your career plan?” “To work in the hotel for a few years, then study abroad.”

“I thought you weren't interested in furthering your studies?"

Linnea tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, “To be precise, I'm not interested in using the Schnabel family's money for it. The schools I’m eyeing are quite expensive, and I'd rather pay my own way.”

Noella chuckled softly. “Ephraim would’ve supported your studies, you know.

“Yes, but I wouldn't feel right accepting the Schnabel family’s generosity.”

She wasn’t a Schnabel by blood, and Ephraim raising her was already more than generous. Linnea stood tall, “I just hope to make him proud.”

Returning her resume, Noella took off her coat, which Linnea quickly hung up. leaving Palmer with an empty gesture. Linnea’s professional warmth was undeniable, even as she asked, “Do you need this ironed?” “No need, I'll be leaving soon. Also, youre hired as my assistant.”

Linnea bowed slightly, “Thank you, Ms. Schnabel. I won’t let you down.

After some instructions, Noella realized Linnea had already done her homework on the hotel ‘I'll bring the accounts to you later.”

“Thank you.”

Watching Linnea leave the office, Noella turned back to Palmer, who handed her a coffee and pulled her onto his lap, whispering, “Feels like Linnea just took my job, doesn’t it?”

Linnea seemed to always position herself between Palmer and Noella, even casting Palmer a slightly hostile glance as she left.

Noella found it amusing that Palmer seemed jealous, even of a woman.

“She's part of the Schnabel family; as long as she’s competent, it’s fine.

Noella had been swamped with her company's affairs, rarely visiting Polaris Star. Having someone to delegate to meant more time for her own work. Linnea’s attitude wasn't too bad, either.

Palmer, nestling into Noella's neck, breathed in her scent. savoring the warmth and softness in his arms. “When do you think... we might get engaged?

Noella, caught off-guard, wasn’t in a rush for an engagement. They were already partners, and an engagement was just a formality for family and public acknowledgment.

Palmer’s voice, hoarse with unspoken desire, made Noella’s cheeks flush. Pushing him away, she stood up in a fluster. “I've got something to take care of, just wait here!NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

Watching Noella leave, Palmer's smile widened. Spinning in his chair, he gazed out at the garden where Noella stood, fanning her flushed face. Their eyes met through the glass, her embarrassment clear.

As a doctor, Noella knew all too well what had just transpired between them.

Standing in the flower garden, catching a bit of the breeze before turning around, Palmer had already swiveled in his chair, comfortably settling into Noella's laptop to tackle some work issues.

Finally freed from that intense gaze, Noella let out a relieved sigh!

"Ms. Schnabel, were you out admiring the garden?" Linnea stood behind Noella, her gaze following Noella’s to Palmer, who was engrossed in his work.

"Is it really okay for Mr. Pollack to just use your laptop like that?”

‘It's fine, I haveyny own laptop for personal use" No matter the task at hand, Noella always preferred using her own taptop. Besides, Palmer was just using the hotel's laptop fora videe’conference, nothing that required specialized software.

"The hotel's laptop is linked to the internal network. Even if you and Mr. Pollack are close, one should still be cautious. Even back in the day, it wasn't proper for a husband to meddle with his wife's dowry."

Noella archedsan eyebrow. She turned to fase Linnea, meeting her earnest gaze that seemed solely = concerned for Noella's well- being: Yet, why, did her words carry a hint of he&tility? A hostility, it seemed, directed at Palmer! Contentbelongs 6

"May I ask bluntly, do you have a beef with the Pollack family?”

Linnea responded coolly, "No, I just think someoite as wonderful as you should chadse someone more => suitable!Fhe Pollack family's = intricate re dynamics aside, you could do better, it doesn't have to be Mr. Polack.” tt to

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It was clear to Noella then. Linnea was openly trying to sway Palmer's affection away!