CHapter 250
The Killer Queen
Chapter 250
âSpeaking ill of others without knowing the truth, this classmateâs intellect and character leave much to be
desiredâ
Noellaâs voice, sweet and melodious, echoed through the classroom
Noella could spot a wolf in sheepâs clothing from a mile away, and someone like Oriana wasnât worth a second thought to her.
Noella was only here to fulfil her grandmotherâs wish for her to get a proper college education, but she had her own plans too.
Oriana came from an academic family, each member more bookish than the last. Her face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment when Noellaâs words hit their mark.
âBut the person online said she was your sister. It canât all be made up, can it?â
Noella glanced at Oriana with a look of sheer disdain.
Did they really believe whatever the internet spewed? Yvonne or Briony, both slightly older than Noella, referred to her as their âolder sisterâ merely to appear delicate and in need of care. In reality, she had no sisters at all
âI could claim to be your longâlost father would you buy that?â
Oriana was speechless.
Laughter broke out among the students, and Orianaâs cheeks stung with em
ment.
âWhy donât you clarify things? If itâs a misunderstanding, you should set the re
âOriana, the stuff youâve got in your head and guts, how exactly would you clarify that? In other words, if I say Iâm your real dad, how would you clear that up?â
Oriana was stunned!
How could you clarify such nonsense? It didnât need clarification! Everyone knew what the head and guts were full of, and who would seriously think Noella could be Orianaâs father?
To clarify such a thing would be an exercise in futility.
The room erupted in laughter again.
âNoella should join the debate team. With her, our college would take home the gold this year!â
Orianaâs face turned a spectrum of reds and purples, and with the teacherâs entrance, she had no choice but to simmer down and take her seat.
The first class was Intro to Jewelry Design, taught by a lady dressed in a tailored dress and a crisp white blazer, who brought a treasure trove of jewelry for the students to examine.
âIâm Darcy, and Iâll be your instructor and advisor for this course,â Darcy began, her gaze sweeping over the amphitheater.
Noella couldnât shake the feeling that Darcy lingered a little longer on her.
Was it because of the online rumors, or was it because of the zither performance from yesterday?
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After class, Darcy announced the homework
âPlease submit your design drafts to my email after class,â she said.
Jewelry design demanded an assessment of the studentsâ artistic skills and understanding of the craft, and many students were prepared in advance.
Darcyâs eyes fell on the girl at the back of the room. âNoella, could you come to my office, please?â
âOf course.â
Noellaâs summons to Darcyâs office sparked giggles from Oriana and a few other girls.
They were sure the teacher was going to give Noella a hard time!
Oriana, accompanied by a few cohorts, followed stealthily, eager to eavesdrop.
After all, the rumors online had tarnished the collegeâs reputation, and a public scolding would surely embarrass Noella
In the office, Darcy sipped water to moisten her throat before addressing Noella, who stood tall and poised.
Noellaâs fair complexion and refined features were complemented by her gaze, which carried a palpable
air of cool indifference.
Darcy smiled, âDonât be nervous. I asked you here for two reasons. First, about the courses youâve applied to be excused fromâIâd like to know whyâ
âNo particular reason, just that some classes feel like a waste of time.â
Noella had her plate full, managing the Schnabel familyâs business ventu internal affairs, and fulfilling duties at the border. She simply couldnât spar
curriculum.
ending to Polaris Starâs
r the schoolâs
Darcy was taken aback, expecting a more elaborate excuse than just âa waste of timeâ.
âWhat about physical education? Thatâs still important.â
Noella handed over documents sheâd prepared in advance. âIâm a secondâlevel skier and table tennis athlete in Harmonia Country, PE. classes wonât teach me anything new.â
Behind the certificates were numerous jewelry design drafts, casually sketched by Noella in her spare
time.
Darcyâs eyes widened in amazement.
The sketches outlined the use of gemstones and detailed every cut and process. If brought to life, these designs would dazzle and shine!
âNoella, did you draw all these?â
âJust something I do when Iâm bored. Since youâve called me in, I might as well mention that I could miss some of my major classes too.â
From her sketches, it was evident that the curriculum offered little that Noella didnât already know of
couldnât selfâlearn.
Darcy hesitated, clearly impressed.
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Was every child from the Schnabel family a prodigy?
Noella remained calm. âIâll make sure to attend final exams, but I canât guarantee my presence at other
times.â
At Imperial University, course participation only counted for thirty percent of the grade, so even if she missed all her classes, she wouldnât fail.
Darcy frowned thoughtfully. âBut with your talent, Noella, scholarships would be yours for the taking Donât you want to compete for one?â
âItâs not necessary. Better to leave it for someone who really needs it.â
Scholarships held no allure for Noella; there were plenty of diligent students who could use that money
Sensing Darcyâs dilemma, Noella asked, âIs it a problem?â
If it was a noâgo officially, sheâd just have to skip classes when necessary.
Darcy waved the thought away. âJust have your brother visit the school to sign a request, and thatâs it. He even told me to look out for youâI had no idea Beckettâs sister was such a jewelry design prodigy. These drafts are incredible!â
âWait, you know Beckett?â
âYeah, we go way back, to our PhD days. And the second thing, I owe you one for giving my sister a shot. She was over the moon when she heard youâd be attending our college. Told me to make sure I show you the ropes.â
But as it stood, Noella was way out of her league to teach anything!
âYour sister isâ¦â
âAn employee at your gallery, Dalia. She couldnât stop singing your praises to me.â
Noella glanced at the photo on Darcyâs phone, the one of them together, and remembered the intern who used to be under Travisâs thumb. Last month, sheâd been promoted to a fullâtime position at the gallery.
âBut what Iâm really curious about is what youâre planning to do with all that time since youâre not taking many classes?â
To dodge a few courses, Noella needed a good excuse.
âRunning the family business. Iâve got a dozen companies under my name that need managing
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