The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 83

Beckett, the eldest son of the Schnabels and prez of Rising Glory Group, is always on the move. hustling 24/7. He’s got a gold mine gig that needs his attention across the globe, and his flight’s about to take off any minute now.

But hanging with his sis was top priority for him. Noella’s such a sweetheart, and without him, she’d probably get pushed around at the music store and gallery. Beckett just couldn’t shake off the worry until he saw Noella make that piano store manager eat humble pie. Only then did he leave with a satisfied grin.

No sooner had he stepped out of the music store than he hopped on a motorbike parked right

out front.

Noella turned around to see her brother decked out in his sharp suit and tear off towards the airport on the motorbike, which almost sparked up the pavement with speed.

Beckett’s just looking out for her. That was why he took time out of his mad schedule to be with her, and that thought alone warmed Noella’s heart.

Just out of the store, Noella got a ring from Master Rainer.

“Kiddo, some sucker just offered a whopping 90 mil for that botched zither I had, saying it’s a gift for his sis. Can you believe that? Who in their right mind does that?”

After a brief pause, Noella responded with a smile, “Who’s the buyer?”

“Let me check… the Schnabel family… Hey, isn’t that your family? Are they buying that junker for you? There’s no need! The zither I gave you before is way better, ain’t it?”

Master Rainer, thinking he’d stumbled upon a poor sod, didn’t expect it was Noella’s folks who wanted to splurge. He’s got this serious OCD about his work, but he’s also precious about it. Only the so–so stuff he didn’t fancy made it to exhibitions, and only the clueless outside treasured them as gems.

“I fixed it up and it’ll sing after. You wanna sell it, that’s cool. But if it’s the Schnabels asking. cut ‘em some slack on the price.”

Hearing that Noella had fixed up the zither, Master Rainer’s wrinkles smoothed out with joy.

“Kiddo, you’re too good! If the Schnabels had said it was for you, you could’ve just taken it and no cash is needed! Seems like they treat you right.”

“They’re alright.” She replied.

The Old Mr. Schnabel knew the rough times Noella had been through and that the Schnabels treated her like a treasure, and that put his heart at ease.

“That’s good to hear. If they ever give you trouble, just bring those rascals back here. Polaris Star will take care of you.”

12:23

“Got it. Found some new Jade for you, I’ll polish it up and send it over.”

Rainer’s a sucker for jade zithers. He’s picky about the material and composition, and Noella’s the only one

Imperial City next month.

time was when she popped by his tea house for a

thought it over, then agreed,

old masters of Polaris Star were like family, who had been schooling Noella in the ways of the world since she was a kid. In their eyes, she was just their

my favorite grub, and I’ll see you

sure everything’s sorted for

content as can be, hung up and rang

made up your mind? My sis really digs that zither. Please name

“Nope, not selling.”

to his ear,

cash. I’m not

Rainer’s net worth wasn’t sweating the price

terms then. Whatever you ask, the Schnabel family

Schnabels genuinely cared for Noella.

wants the zither

eyes nearly

Master Rainer’s student would be a dream come true!

amid the thrill, Jasper said, “Deal, but I gotta check with my sis first!”

nodded. They didn’t presume to answer for Noella and they respected her feelings. That showed the Schnabels‘

quick to dial

taken aback but then agreed. The old man was

mentor anyway.

12:23

Chapter 83

through. If you’re not keen, I

worries, I’m in.”

That’s great! Master Rainer’s hitting up Imperial City next month for an event. He

“Alright.”

Rainer, leave your travel and stay to us; the

a solid boost, “That zither is just for the little

a ton, Master Rainer!” Jasper replied.

the flip side.