Chapter 249 winter lowered his voice to a near whisper, audible only to Noella and himself. Pay nice, and I help you with whatever you need ” Noella withdrew her foot, taking several sips of ice–cold water to calm herself. Why did she get the feeling Palmer’s words held a double meaning? Beckett pressed his fingers against his temples. “Yvonne is going too far. Why is she never satisfied? Not only did she poison Ashlyn, but she always targets Noella!” why she keeps pushing her luck. We might as well maroon Malvina shrugged her shoulders. “I think Noella’s been too soft on her. That’s w her on a deserted island and let her fend for herself.” Malvina had seen Noella throw a punch or two in her time. If those fists ever landed on Yvonne’s sour face, a couple of hits and Yvonne would be knocking on heaven’s door. Unch cast a glance at Malvina. “That would be illegal.” “What? And your punch at the hospital wasn’t? Got it. It’s all part of your special treatment for psych patients!” Unch met Beckett’s puzzled gaze and coughed into his fist, pushing Malvina’s head back down to her meal. Hin had lashed out at Yvonne last time because she had insulted Malvina and spread nasty rumors about the Schnabel family. If he had known she wouldn’t leam her lesson, he would have hit her harder! Malvina checked the message on her phone. “Noella darling. Yvonne is threatening to livestream and expose your so–called crimes. Talk about shameless!” Malvina marveled at Yvonne’s audacity, which seemed as impenetrable as city walls! o live). With swift thumbs, Noella issued commands through her phone. [Track the account; let her go Heh, this is going to be good!] Alioth rubbed his hands together gleefully, ready for the show to begin Beckett soothes Noella. “Noella, I will take care of this, including the Yvonne situation. You don’t need to worry Thanks, Beckett” As impenal University, a sleek Cullinan pulled up, and Palmer handed a bag to Noella, his gaze soft “Til come pick you up when you’re done” No need to bother, I can take a cab home.” Seeing Palmer’s insistence and remembering her promise from the night before, Noella nodded in agreement. “Then I’m off” “You don’t have many classes today. Are you going to e theres a restaurant nearby owned by the Pollack Group.” lolle stood at the entrance, puzzled by Palmer’s excessive care. Was he this considerate with everyone? Tm fine with the canteen.” ith your classmate? If the canteen doesn’t serve anything you like, Paimer didn’t press further. “I’ve put some snacks and a thermos in your bag M “Palmer, why are you fussier than my dad?” you drink plenty of warm water.” In fact, on the way here, Palmer had even fixed Noella’s hair and collar – something even Tristan hadn’t fussed over so much! A rare flush of embarrassment crossed Palmer’s face. “Ungrateful kid, I’m just worried about you” an adult, not a three–year–old. Or maybe, like the Schnabel family, Palmer subconsciously treated her like a child? This realization always struck Noelia as a bit odd As Noella nodded and walked away, Annie, sitting in the driver’s seat, couldn’t help but chuckle. Feeling the chill and pressure from the back seat, she quickly suffed her urge to laugh aloud. 10 27 Thats her idol, Ma Noella, for you! She dared to say such things right in front of Bona! Palmer’s glare was icy as he wamed, “Annie, if you no longer want this job, just say sol Annie promptly clammed up Imperial University was vast, and following the map shed committed to memory, Noella easily found the lecture hall. As she entered, the noisy classroom hushed. Her performance of High Mountain and Flowing River had already made her a campus sensation! Seeing her in person, more stunning than in the videos, her ethereal demeanor captivated many hearts. Some people were born to be the cente, of attention! The girl, dressed in a simple hoodie and jeans with a sleek ponytail, exposed a slender neck through the neckline, looking sharp and spirited. This contrasted starkly with her fairy–like image from yesterday, yet still a sight that captivated many “Noella’s so gorgeous. I wonder if she has a boyfriend.” “I heard she’s already engaged. Don’t get your hopes up” “Noella could be our campus queen with those looks.” Listening to the unabashed conversations around her, Oriana rolled her eyes, envious of how beautiful Noella looked even in such simple clothes. But upon closer inspection, Noella’s clothes didn’t seem branded. Could it be that Ms. Schnabel wasn’t as favored as they thought? The thought made Onana secretly gloat. After all, a country girl plucked from obscunty probably knew nothing, and it would be normal for a prominent family like the Schnabels to look down on her. Oriana intentionally raised her voice. “I wonder if those news stories from yesterday have affected Nocta.” At the mention of the news, the classmates expressions soured. Seeing people pay attention to her, Oriana’s voice grew even louder. “I never expected Noella to be this kind of person. You think you know someone but… Noella, slouched in the back row with her legs stretched out, overheard the whisper and let out a derisive snort. “What kind of person would that be?” she asked, her voice low but carrying enough to make heads turn. Her tone was a mix of resolve, cool detachment, and biting sarcasm that sent shivers down spines. She sounded like a mountain stream–clear and distant- yet her words landed like thunderclaps. She twirled a fountain pen between her fingers absentmindedly. It was a morning gift from Marcel, who claimed it held sentimental value from his own school days. “What kind of person am I, exactly? Enlighten me. What does ‘you think you know someone, but even mean? Do you know me, or just my reputation?” she be hiding at home, too ashamed to show her face Oriana hadn’t expected Noella to retort, especially not here, not now. Shouldn’t she be here? A flush crept up Oriana’s cheeks. “I didn’t mean anything bytte just all the gossip online, it’s not exactly painting you in the best light Noella’s lips curled into a scomful smile, a light and airy expression that chilled to the bone. Her eyes, icy and commanding, transformed her into a queen of ice and snow causing the room temperature to drop. “Oh, really? Then it seems you might be lacking some grey matter. No capacity for judgment, just a mouthpiece for rumors. Seems like this classmate’s brain and gut are pretty much the same full of the same stuff. 10:27