CHapter 185

Chapter 185

Walden’s face lit up with a smile when he heard his secretary’s words.

“You’re telling me Malvina is into Mr. Pollack? She’s always been a tough cookie, always gets what she wants. If she sets her sights on seducing Mr. Pollack, then Ms. Schnabel is as good as mine!”

“Even if Ms. Schnabel isn’t smitten with you right now, she’s bound to get a little green with envy seeing Malvina and Mr. Pollack together. That’s your chance to swoop in and win her over,” the secretary added with a conspiratorial wink.

Walden’s lips curled into a smug grin. “You’re damn right. I’ll go find Malvina right now.”

Around the corner, Yvonne clenched her teeth, eavesdropping on Walden and his secretary’s scheming. The bitterness stung like lemon on a paper cut.

Typical Walden, only ever looking out for himself. He never considered her part of the family. And he had the nerve to forget who helped him climb the ladder to success!

Malvina, with her princess complex, always looking down her nose at everyone, Yvonne could barely stand the thought of her. That spoiled brat! How could a catch like Mr. Pollack ever fall for her?

Yvonne’s face twisted with sour resentment. There was no way she was going to let

Malvina have her way!

But whether it was Malvina or Noella who ended up embarrassed tonight, Palmer was hers for the taking.

Malvina lounged by the entrance, dressed in a lilac strapless gown that clung to her like a second skin. Her curled hair cascaded down her back, doll–like in their perfection.

“Trouble’s brewing, Sis;” a voice called out. “Heard there’s someone gunning for your spotlight tonight!”

Malvina flicked a cherry pit from her lips and purred, “What did you call me?”

Yvonne gritted her teeth, begrudgingly correcting herself, “Malvina…”

“That’s better. And remember, not every man is family.” Malvina scoffed with a roll of her

eyes.

This was understanding? Yvonne thought it was more like royal disdain.

But in the Gruber family, Malvina was Arthur’s little princess, untouchable. If she so much as frowned, Yvonne would be out on her ear.

Yvonne’s face grew red. “I understand. Malvina, today Noella from the Schnabel family will also be in attendance. She’s not someone to be underestimated. Seeing you looking so stunning and eye–catching, she will definitely try to steal your limelight. And I heard that

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Mr. Pollack will also be coming

Malvina glanced at Yvonne before her. “What kind of idiot are you?”

“Huh?”

“You used to belong to the Schnabel family. Now, in my presence, you’re badmouthing Ms. Schnabel. Are you trying to sow discord between me and her? I don’t even know her, and this is the Gruber family’s territory! Who dares to steal my spotlight?”

Malvina wiggled her fair feet, and soon a nanny was crouching down to put on her diamond–studded high heels.

“Although you’re an imbecile, since you’ve mentioned it, I might as well go take a look myself.”

Fuming but powerless, Yvonne followed Malvina, who glanced back with disdain. “Why are you so short? Didn’t the Schnabels feed you? Oh, but of course, with your dad’s genes, how could you be tall? Silly me.”

Yvonne was livid!

Did Malvina think everyone was as towering as a tree just like her? She was tall herself already, and she still liked to wear high heels! Malvina always looked down on her, but Yvonne could only seethe silently, humiliated to her core.

Outside, a car pulled up smoothly, and Annie stepped out to open the door.

Palmer emerged, hand in hand with Noella, both in black formal attire. Noella’s dress had a matching pattern to Palmer’s tie, a picture of elegance.

Noella wore a simple string of flawless pearls, her neck long and porcelain, resembling the neck of a vintage vase- mysterious and alluring.

Yvonne’s eyes narrowed with envy at the sight of Palmer and Noella’s intertwined hands.

Why did Palmer only have eyes for Noella? She knew him first, yet he wouldn’t spare her a glance. It was so unfair!

Malvina, too, was momentarily stunned. “Is that Ms. Schnabel? What’s her name again?”

“Noella Schnabel!”

Yvonne could hardly contain her excitement, sure that Malvina would make a scene over Noella’s stunning presence,

Malvina patted her cheeks and approached brightly, her smile dazzling. “Such a lovely name! I’m Malvina. Care to make acquaintances? Your necklace is divine, and your dress, oh so chic! How is your waist so tiny? I’m green with envy! May I touch? Just for a second!”

Noella was taken aback by such enthusiasm from a Gruber.

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Chapter 103

Why was this Gruber lady so different from the rest?

Palmer frowned protectively, pulling Noella closer to him, and gave Malvina a warning look. “Ms. Gruber! I’d advise you to show some respect!”

Malvina instantly bristled, hands on her hips as she glared at Palmer. “How am I being disrespectful? I was talking to Ms. Schnabel. What’s it to you? You’re the one lacking manneis!”

The air fell into an eerie silence.

“Malvina Gruber is a real piece of work, isn’t he?” one of the guests whispered, watching the scene unfold with wide eyes.

The audacity to publicly challenge Mr. Pollack… and all for Ms. Schnabel’s attention!

Even Yvonne was taken aback.

Did Malvina not realize she was confronting none other than the CEO of the Pollack Group?

“Malvina, this gentleman is Mr. Pollack…” Yvonne attempted to intervene.

“So what if he’s Mr. Pollack? Does that give him the right to interrupt others? Let me ask you, how exactly am I being rude? I was complimenting Ms. Schnabel, expressing my desire to befriend her. Is that any of your business? Ms. Schnabel is so beautiful; even I

want to be her friend!”

The room was stunned.

Malvina was picking a fight with Mr. Pollack just to befriend Ms. Schnabel?

With a dramatic gesture, Malvina grabbed Noella by the arm. “Noella, let’s go. Even if he’s your fiancé, he can’t dictate who you befriend!”

Noella, facing Palmer’s icy glare, couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “Ms. Gruber, I’d be delighted to make your acquaintance.”

She stealthily reached out and gave Palmer’s hand a reassuring squeeze to calm his

nerves.

Seeing Noella willing to engage with Malvina, Palmer didn’t protest further. He took Noella’s hand and led her toward the Gruber family’s inner circle. He was only worried that Malvina, notoriously spoiled in their social circle, might inadvertently offend Noella.

Yvonne watched the trio walk away, dumbfounded.

How could it be that Malvina, the wildcat, didn’t start a fight with Noella?

It made no sense!

Yvonne decided to stir the pot. “Malvina, didn’t you say you fancied Mr. Pollack?”

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Malvina nodded smugly. “Yes, I like Mr. Pollack. And I had dinner just last night with Sexton himself, and he’s quite fond of me too! I’m beloved by all. You ninny, step aside, you’re too ugly, a real eyesore. I prefer the company of the beautiful!”

If only she had known how attractive Noella was, she would have paid a visit to the Schnabel family long ago,

Malvina was self–absorbed to the core; she never bothered to watch Noella’s birthday banquet live stream. Why would she care about someone else’s celebration when she considered herself the only princess in her world?

Yvonne’s mouth hung open. “The Mr. Pollack you’re talking about… you mean Grandpa Sexton?”

“Yes, what of it? Surely you don’t think I’m interested in this one?” Malvina scoffed, glancing at Palmer and quickly dismissing him. “He’s not my type, and I never compete for men. It’s beneath me!”

She held her chin high, looking down on Yvonne with utter disdain, and with a swift motion, she delivered a stinging slap across her face.

The sound of the slap echoed through the hall.

“You think I’d be your pawn, to quarrel with dear Noella? Dream on! Look at yourself. You fool!”