CHapter 261

Chapter 261

Verdant Garden’s location was a bit of a puzzle. Adding to its mystery, Noella had intentionally surrounded it with natural barriers to keep unwelcome guests at bay. Unless someone was an old hunter or a local from the hills, it would be nearly impossible to locate, even with the best GPS

If it weren’t for Ellsworth guiding those obsessed fans in, they’d never have found Stirling, even if they knew the general area! Yvonne had paid Ellsworth a tidy sum to sneak those relentless fans into the village!

Stirling frowned. “I thought Yvonne wasn’t all bad at first. I figured she was just upset because Noella came back home all of a sudden. But turns out, she’s rotten to the core!”

Yashel just shrugged. “You thought she wasn’t bad, but look who paid the price! Well, I guess you leamed your lesson the hard way.”

Stirling was known for his integrity and kindness, a rare find in showbiz. He was always ready to help; even stray cats and dogs found a home with him..

Yasbel couldn’t understand how the Schnabel family raised such a gentle soul in Stirling, yet their eldest was as cold–hearted as they

come!

It just didn’t add up!

Stirling rubbed his face. It won’t happen again, Noella. I had no idea Yvonne was like that”

Thankfully, Yvonne hadn’t caused any real harm to his sister!

Noella never took Wonne senously. Just another schemer trying to stir trouble.

Seeing the information on his phone, Stirling gasped in shock!

“It was Yvonne who spread rumors about Beckett having a secret child. Back then, it caused such a stir and even led to his girlfriend leaving him!”

Stirling’s team had dug up everything they could on Yvonne. She had been cautious, using someone else’s identity to contact Ellsworth, a detail Beckett had overlooked. Yvonne was meticulous, always using others IDs for registrations, cutting ties as soon as her dirty

work was done.

This time, her repeat contact with the same marketer was her undoing. Even her attempts to secretly buy trending spots for her and Palmer’s supposed engagement were exposed!

This was news to Noella.

“Beckett’s girlfriend?”

“Yeah, he was actually close to getting married a few years back. But those rumors ruined everything.”

Noella was puzzled. “But anyone who really knows Beckett wouldn’t lose faith over some gossip

“That’s true, but we’re not exactly sure what went down back then.”

Beckett kept mum, and the Schnabel family, not wanting to upset him, didn’t pry.

Now it seemed Yvonne was more entangled in their lives than they knew.

“Why would Yvonne do this? We need to tell Becketti”

After much thought, Stirling decided to call Beckett and share everything, even sending all the findings to the Schnabel siblings‘ group

chat

The immediate response e was concern for Noella, asking if she had been bullied on set

Elara: [Come on, Stirling, you’ve got to do better. Noella almost got harassed because of this. I’m disappointed!

Jasper asked. [Noella, you okay? Stirling, drop by my office when you can. We need to prepare for a lawsuit.]

Ulrich added: [‘m going to check Noella’s well–being when she gets home! Oh, and Stirling, you come too.)

Elara teased: [Deckett, maybe it’s time to clear things up with your ex?]

Learning about Yvonne’s deeds left the Schnabel siblings in silence. Ulrich regretted not dealing with Yvonne when they had the chance at Larson Pollack’s estate.

After a long silence, Beckett simply expressed concem for Noella and Stirling’s health.

[We’ll handle this. Let’s not worry Mom and Dad; they’re enjoying their vacation. Just make sure to get checked out]

Trying not to worry his siblings, Beckett later added: [She’s married now. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.]

Those who didn’t believe in him before might see this truth as an intrusion on their peaceful life. Reflecting on the past, Beckett realized It wasn’t a lack of faith in their love, but rather in him.

00:54

After a moment, Beckett dialed a number

“Ms. Darcy, sorry to bother you Has Noella’s exemption request been processed?”

“It’s underway, but Garrick is being difficut Mr. Schnabel, could you possibly visit the campus?”

Even at Imperial University, they’ve had students apply for exemptions under various circumstances. Darcy had never seen Garrick block an exemption process before, but as the Design Academy’s dean and the university president, his signature was needed.

“Alright III be there in half an hour”

Ulrich’s

After being checked at the hospital and enduring Ulrich’s long winded concerns, Noella and Stirling were finally allowed to return home. Yasbel insisted she was too spooked to sleep alone and needed a night of deep conversation, so she accompanied Noella to the Schnabel Manor

As they got out of the car and watched Stirling and Yasbel head into the courtyard, Noella paused. She turned to look at Palmer standing behind her, seeing her own reflection in his eyes, filled to the brim with emotions.

Yet, there was an almost imperceptible sense of hurt and disappointment.

Recalling a conversation at the hospital, Yasbel had pointed out how Noella seemed too indifferent towards Palmer, not showing the affection expected of a fiancee

Moved by the thought. Noella stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Palmers lean waist!

Her presence instantly enveloped his world, her soft body pressing against him.

Palmers eyes lit up with ecstasy, a beautiful smile curving his lips, his pupils dilating in the moment!

This was the first time Noella had initiated a hug!

“Noella

Noella whispered, her voice as faint as a mosquitos, “The hug I promised you in Glen Village.”

She was not one to break her promises; if she promised Palmer a hug, she wouldn’t go back on her word. With that, she ran off, her ears burning red. dashing past Stirling and Yasbel into the house,

a cold?”

Stirling, puzzled, remarked, “What’s gotten into her? Why is her face so red? Could Noella be coming down with a c

“A cold? Since when do colds make your

ears t

turn red!” Yasbel thought.

Having known Noella for years, Yasbel had never seen her catch a cold.

Yasbel’s lips twitched as she turned to glance at Palmer, who was still standing there with a silly grin.

Such a priceless smile!

At Impenal University, a sleek black sedan, understated yet luxurious, parked at the front entrance. The car’s interior light was on, casting a warm glow on the man’s refined and elegant features, accentuating his chiseled profile,

Darcy jogged to open the car door and slid in. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Schnabel. A meeting came up unexpectedly and just wrapped up.”

Beckett put away the documents he was reading, his expression unreadable,

“What do you want to eat?”

“Huh? I thought we were here to discuss Noella’s exemption application…

Beckett’s voice camed a decisive note that brooked no argument

“Ms. Darcy, your oversight made me wait an additional two hours. Nobody has made me wait this long except for delayed flights. Do you really expect me to discuss this on an empty stomach?”