CHapter 42

Chapter 42

Up on the second floor of Serene Haven, Noella was getting dolled up.

The Schnabel family had roped in a top international makeup squad to primp Noella to perfection.

“Miss, your face is just drop–dead gorgeous, and that figure? Outta this world! Skinniest waist I’ve ever measured!”

“Oh boy! She’s like the final masterpiece from the Goddess of Creation herself! My mug in comparison? Just a slapdash clay pinch from the Goddess.”

In the vanity mirror, a touch of makeup graced Noella’s face, her stunning beauty even breathtaking, difficult to even look away from!

Sienna was over the moon. “Baby, you’re a knockout! A chip off the old block!”

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Yvonne sauntered in from outside, handing over her phone. “Mom, Grandma’s on the line for you.”

Ashlyn’s booming voice blasts from the receiver. “Noella, why aren’t you here taking care of me today? Get yourself to the hospital, pronto!”

Sienna was grinning through gritted teeth. “Mom, it’s Noella’s birthday bash today. We’ve got a whole lineup of blue–blooded pals to meet later. There’s no time for the hospital. How about I set you up with twenty caregivers instead?”

“Caregivers can’t hold a candle to your own flesh and blood! If Noella’s too good for this old hag, just spit it out.”

Sienna could barely keep the smile on her face!

Noella chimed in cool as a cucumber, “Yep, too good.”

“Ha! Knew it! You think you’re too good for me! But tough luck! As long as you’re a Schnabel, I’m your grandma! Drop whatever it is you’re doing, and come to the hospital today! Otherwise, I’ll spill to the press about your ungrateful ways, saying you’re unfit to be a Schnabel!”

Ashlyn huffed, “Don’t think I don’t know you swiped my prayer beads, you uncultured bastard…” Sienna fired back, “Mom, Noella is the real deal, my own flesh and blood, Dad’s beloved granddaughter. What’s this ‘bastard‘ talk? That’s way out of line!”

“I don’t care. Her manners are lacking, even snatching my prayer beads! Who knows what bad seed she’s picked that up from!”

Sienna almost burst into laughter.

Ashlyn wouldn’t dare bad–mouth her son Tristan; she was practically saying Sienna was the bad influence corrupting Noella!

Chapter 42

Yvonne was giddy with delight!

“Noella, did you really swipe Grandma’s stuff?”

She was brimming with anticipation. If Noella actually did take Ashlyn’s stuff, with all these guests coming over, the Schnabels surely wouldn’t stand for a light–fingered daughter.

Noella’s frown was as arresting as a captivating landscape painting.

“The necklace around my neck’s worth 600 million, earrings 300 million, bracelet 100 million. and this dress is a bespoke creation by Master Azure, worth a pretty penny. I’m not exactly eyeing a 30–grand string of prayer beads.”

Ashlyn was livid. “What’s that supposed to mean? You calling me poor?”

“If that’s what you want to think, I can’t help it. But when I left yesterday, those beads were still on your wrist.”

Ashlyn’s beads were her constant companion. She knew full well whether Noella took them or

not.

The makeup artists, hearing the price tags on Noella’s bling, are nearly choking on their fists.

They all knew the Schnabels were filthy rich, but this was next–level loaded!

Yvonne, hearing the value of those items, was green with envy!

Why couldn’t all that swag be hers?

If Noella got dragged away by Ashlyn today, left at the hospital, and weren’t back for the global. live broadcast, Yvonne would step in as the real Schnabel daughter!

Ashlyn’s voice was tinged with rage. “So, you mean you’re not coming today? I’ll contact the reporters right now and tell them how unfilial you are, that you don’t even care about your Grandma!”

Ashlyn hung up with a click.

There was dead silence in the room, the staff not daring to make a sound.

Was this what a high–society showdown feels like? Would they end up silenced for good?

Sienna couldn’t hold back the tears, looking like a sorrowful beauty.

“She always treated me like this. Your dad and I couldn’t even have a decent wedding. My parents always thought the Schnabels were a disgrace. They’ve never set foot in the Schnabel house ever since.

Made me wash clothes in the yard in the dead of winter, cook and serve her meals. My parents never even tasted my cooking!

When your eldest brother was born, all she fed me was greens, not a grain of rice, saying I’d gotten fat. Almost drove me to postpartum depression, thank goodness your dad whisked me away! Why is she coming after my daughter now? I’ve had it!”

12:13

Word of the wife’s tears and the sister’s woes brought the Schnabel men running.

Tristan embraced Sienna, his heart aching for her.

“It’s all your fault. Your mom’s gone too far! Wasn’t it enough how she tormented me, and now she’s after my daughter! Tristan, I’m telling you, if anything goes wrong with Noella’s party today, I’m filing for divorce!”

“Divorce? No way, hon. How would I go on without you!”

Beckett frowned slightly, looking at Noella.

“Sis, you don’t have to go. We’ll go for you.”

Anyway, Ashlyn was just looking for trouble.

Yvonne jumped in. “But Grandma asked specifically for Noella. She knows who we are. Otherwise, I could go. I’d hate to see Noella’s first homecoming party get interrupted…”

Noella spoke up. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

She whipped out her phone and called Marcel, giving him the lowdown.

Marcel chuckled. “Got it. You just enjoy your birthday; leave your grandma to me.”

Marcel’s health wasn’t excellent, and his big–shot status meant he usually skipped the grand

events.

Noella was a bit skeptical. “Grandpa, can you handle it?”

“What do you mean, ‘can I handle it“? Just watch and learn!”

Offended by the doubt, Marcel busted out of his ward and headed straight for Ashlyn’s ward.

He looked at Ashlyn, who was lying in bed, and said in a deep voice, “If Noella doesn’t get to properly enjoy her birthday today, I’m divorcing you!”

The Schnabel family was all stunned.

Seriously? That could work?

But as it turned out, Ashlyn totally ate that up!

After a moment of stunned silence, Ashlyn burst into tears. “You old fart…”

Marcel chuckled at his phone, bragging, “How about that, my dear granddaughter? Grandpa’s pretty badass, right? Just relax and enjoy your birthday; my gift is already on its way!”

“Thank you, Grandpa.

Everyone in the Schnabel family breathed a sigh of relief, and finally, Sienna stopped crying.

Yvonne was completely dismayed!

Why was Marcel taking Noella’s side? They must all be clueless about her true colors!

12:13

Chapter 42

If the Schnabel family found out that Noella had been secretly dating some Uber driver punk. they would definitely be disappointed in her!

In Serene Haven, Dragon Tower.

Annie handed the gift to Palmer and bowed, saying, “Mr. Pollack, the gifts for Ms. Schnabel and her parents from the Schnabel family are all ready, and the blue diamond necklace you won at the auction has been wrapped up with them.”

“What for?”

Annie stood her ground. “After you call off the engagement today, you can wholeheartedly give Ms. Noella her gifts! That necklace you snagged at the auction suits Ms. Noella’s style perfectly. She’s going to love it and feel your affection!”

Palmer was tempted.

That blue diamond necklace, hailed as the Queen’s Crown, was incredibly rare. Its former owner was the most prestigious princess of the royalty, and its value couldn’t be measured in

money.

The thought of Noella’s charming face adorned with that necklace… It was indeed a perfect match!

“Hand it over. I’ll go find Noella after I break off the engagement.”

“Yes, sir. May you win the lady’s heart!”

What mattered was that Ms. Noella had the makings of a great boss lady!