Chapter 43 Annie said with anticipation, “The shindig at the Schnabel Manor is really something today.” As a senior assistant to the president of the Pollack Group, Annie had her fair share of fancy lady friends in her social circle. “I saw a bunch of girls posting selfies with Ms. Yvonne Schnabel. Though it’s her birthday bash, Ms. Schnabel dressed pretty plainly. I have no clue how she passed that high society etiquette class.” High–end birthday parties came with a whole set of complicated do’s and don’ts! Yvonne’s sporting a dress with like ten layers of lace and this huge, ridiculous hat – totally not the vibe for a birthday party. “Her etiquette skills aren’t my problem. I’ll head over when the birthday party kicks off tonight.” The disdain Palmer had for Yvonne was plain as day in his voice! “Right, I’ll get ready then.” Annie bowed and left Palmer’s study. Standing in front of the massive floor–to–ceiling window was a man with a statuesque figure and handsome features as perfectly chiseled as an ice sculpture, exuding an air of absolute authority! He glanced at his phone, eyebrows knitting slightly. “Busy today? Or some mission from the Obelisk Organization?” Noella hadn’t replied to his messages all day! The conversation was still on yesterday’s transaction, where Noella sent him a hundred bucks, jokingly labeled ‘taxi fare‘! This was probably the smallest amount of money Palmer had ever received in his life! Yet, it excited him more than his first 100 million dollars when he was fifteen. His business empire was all under his thumb, but Noella… he had to admit she had him all twisted up! A wave of sheer joy swept over him; he couldn’t wait to see her! Palmer pocketed his phone and looked out over the Schnabel family’s blooming estate. No rush! Once he successfully broke off the engagement today, he would be free to chase after her! Meanwhile, at the Schnabel Mansion. From top to bottom, even the family dog’s collar was worth a whopping ten grand. Each servant scrubbed up three times and donned fresh threads just for this birthday event! Stirling was not only a movie star and top idol, but he also had the world’s biggest 12:13 Chapter 43 entertainment company in his grip! “Over here, make sure the live stream captures every angle. I want my sister looking flawless from all sides! What do you mean by ‘turn on the filter‘? Are you trying to insult my sister’s out–of–this–world beauty? Look at me. Do you think my sister needs a filter?” Stirling’s face had been hailed as a universal treasure, topping the ‘World’s Most Handsome Men‘ list for five straight years. The assistant thought, “Sure, Mr. Schnabel might not need it, but Miss Yvonne sure could use a little help.” “Yes, yes, we’ll sort the cameras! We’ll make sure the young miss’s face shines from every angle!” Jasper stayed by Beckett’s side to greet guests. The who’s who coming and going were the ones topping the rich list each year, and anyone outside the top hundred didn’t stand a chance of getting an invite from the Schnabels! Even Noella’s birthday wasn’t a free–for–all – not everyone had the privilege to step into the Schnabel manor. Yvonne couldn’t help feeling sour and slighted as she watched the spectacle unfold. She cursed inwardly. “Just you wait! Soon, you’ll all see in a house like the Schnabels, even if you’ve got the blood, an impure daughter won’t ever be acknowledged!” As night fell, the birthday celebration began! Outside the Phoenix Tower, eighty–eight cannon salutes echoed in unison, fresh flowers flown in overnight carpeted the entiré venue, and ribbons danced in the sky! The girls close to Yvonne were green with envy! “Yvonne’s got it made, just for a birthday party.” “Oh my gosh, isn’t that Mr. Pollack? Did Mr. Pollack come just for Yvonne’s birthday party?” In the twilight, Palmer was followed by an impressive entourage, with Annie in tow wearing her business suit, clutching several gift boxes. Palmer, alone in the moonlight, exuded a cool and distant charm, his model–like stature and features bathed in the soft moonlight – his presence was killer! Tristan hurried over when he spotted Palmer. “Ahh, Mr. Pollack, long time no see! I was beginning to think you wouldn’t make it even thought we sent an invite!” Palmer replied with a casual smile, “Mr. Tristan, just Palmer is fine. Since it’s the young miss’s birthday party, of course, I should attend. Plus, I’ve got some important matters to discuss with 3/4 12:13 Tristan exchanged a knowing look with Stenna by his side. Clearly, they had all but forgotten about Pared! Even if they hadn’t, who would have thought he would actually have time to show up? Palmer, reigning at the top of the world’s wealthiest for several years, had businesses too numerous to count, so busy he barely had a moment to spare, Even his grandfather Sexton couldn’t see him whenever he wanted, Sure, the invite was sent, but the Schnabels had totally spaced on the fact that Palmer had never actually met Noella! Meeting his fiancee for the first time at her birthday party, the Schnabels felt it was rather sudden for the Pollacks. Palmer was definitely here to talk marriage! Tristan clapped Palmer on the shoulder, speaking with a hint of subtlety, “Whatever it is, let’s wait until she shows up; then we can all sit down and talk it over, okay?” Palmer scanned the crowd but didn’t spot Yvonne anywhere. “Alright, I’ll follow your lead. These are my gifts, one for you and your wife and one for Ms. Schnabel” “You’re too polite, kid! Don’t worry, we’ll make sure my daughter knows these are from you! Heh heh.” The more Tristan looked at Palmer, the more he liked what he saw! Outside, fireworks burst into the sky! The entire sky was engulfed in brilliant pyrotechnics, with the dazzling display converging into patterns above that rained down as showers of fresh flowers! Everyone was gobsmacked! Oh man, talk about the Schnabel family making a scene! Imagine this: flowers raining from the sky, a massive swing made of blooms, suddenly appearing amid the most dazzling fireworks. And there, sitting pretty on that swing, a little fairy in a gown! At the end of the fireworks show, bold letters light up the night: “Happy Birthday Princess Noella Schnabel!” The four Schnabel brothers lined up and took a knee in front of the swing, reaching out their hands. Noella placed her hand in Beckett’s and gracefully stepped off the swing. 12:13 Chapter 43 Tristan and Sienna, watching their son and daughter approach step by step, were so overjoyed they were on the verge of tears! Noella was rocking a dress designed by Master Azure, hem decked out with diamonds. sparkling under the lights like a real fairy from the Milky Way; each step she took was a sight. to behold, the epitome of grace and beauty. Walking alongside the Schnabel brothers, one could tell right away she was a Schnabel daughter through and through! She lifted her dress slightly and curtsied to her parents with the smoothness of a stream, pulling off a move that would put even court nobles to shame! Palmer watched Noella step by step onto the stage, his breath caught in his throat! Noella! Her name was Noella Schnabel! Tristan, holding Noella’s hand, turned to the crowd. “This is our daughter Noella Schnabel, who, for various reasons, wasn’t able to grow up with us. Now, by some miracle, she’s finally home, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you all for joining our little girl’s birthday bash: the Schnabels owe you big time!“. Noella, too, holding up her dress, curtsied to thank everyone. The four Schnabel sons and the equally dolled–up Elara stood at the foot of the stage, looking every bit the knights to the princess, nodding their thanks to the crowd! Tristan went on, “Noella is our youngest, and Elara is our adopted daughter, just as much a part of the Schnabel family. We’re entrusting these six young ones to your care.” Six young ones! Annie’s mouth dropped open in shock. So, that meant Ms. Yvonne Schnabel wasn’t even acknowledged. She was not even a Schnabel lady! The real Ms. Schnabel, the one her boss couldn’t stop thinking about, was none other than Ms. Noella!