CHapter 45

Chapter 45

Beckett had a brainwave.

If this video is legit and my sis has got the hots for someone else, and we let this dude marry into the Schnabel family, then Noella’s never gonna leave the nest! As for Palmer, the Pollack family’s a big deal in Imperial City and around the globe, so you bet they’ve got their fair share of family drama.

If Noella actually ties the knot with them, who knows if they’ll even get to hang out much after that!

Beckett caught his siblings just as they were about to blow a fuse. He looked at Noella all sweet–like and asked, “Noella, do you dig this guy? Don’t sweat it. In our family, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. Whoever it is, we’re cool with it. If you’re not into them, forget about fancy doors, and if you are, heck, even if they drive for Uber, it’s all good!”

Palmer’s eyes lit up like fireworks, all eager, looking at Noella!

“We’re just friends, no crush or anything.”

Beckett nodded, “Friends are cool, who knows what could happen down the line.”

“Mr. Pollack, since Noella’s got someone she’s into, maybe we should revisit this arranged engagement thing. I mean, you probably aren’t keen on some old–school arranged deal either. right? Young folks should be all about free love.”

Palmer had a grin like a sunrise on his face. “I agree, and so Noella and I are all about that free love. The dude driving in the video? That’s me.”

The four Schnabel brothers were in shock.

Tristan was all “What the heck?”

The car in the video wasn’t worth the lint on Palmer’s clothes, and he was saying he was the

driver?

Palmer turned and strutted over to the big screen, looking all sharp and stand–out in his tailored suit. He hooked up his phone to the screen and quickly pulled up a’video.

It was from the driver’s POV, showing Noella waiting for a ride at the roadside. Just a couple of seconds long, but it had all the goods.

“Sorry about this, didn’t expect someone to catch a video of Noella and me. It was just a bit of fun between us. When we throw our wedding party, we’d love for you all to come.”

Everyone was floored!

Who would’ve thought Palmer was the guy in that clunker!

“Ya know, that ride’s kinda trendy. I might get one myself.”

12:14

“Mr. Pollack and Noella are so chummy. It looks like he’s been picking her up from work every day!”

The Schnabel family was like, “What?”

Tristan and Sienna were over the moon!

So all this time, it’s been Palmer chauffeuring their girl in this charmingly vintage set of wheels. for the sake of keeping it low–key. So romantic!

Looks like Palmer’s really into their daughter, and she seems to have a soft spot for him, too. That smile when she hops in the car is just like back when they were young and in love.

Jasper was a bit miffed. “Mr. Pollack, you’re picking up my sis in this junker? You dissing the Schnabel family or what?”

Palmer was the picture of politeness. “Not at all, Noella picked this car when we first met, so I thought she liked the brand. As a present, I’ve bought her an entire car brand.

Jasper’s mood improved a ton.

If sis likes it, it’s gotta be the real deal!

Noella looked at Palmer, a tad conflicted.

“When did you film this?”

“I noticed we were being filmed, so I shot this as a precaution. Also, I wanted to capture you.”

That killer instinct for his surroundings was legit, but what was up with the second half?

Tristan saw them getting along so well, all pleased as punch.

“Mr. Pollack, Noella, since you’re both here, how about the opening dance? The first dance at Noella’s birthday party with Mr. Pollack would be just perfect!”

They were planning on having the Schnabel brothers take turns dancing with Noella. Now with Palmer here and an engagement on the books, he’s definitely the top pick!

Palmer’s gaze was burning with intensity. He bowed slightly and offered his hand to Noella.

“May I have the honor of the first dance with you, my dear fiancée?”

Protocol says you can’t turn down the first dance.

Facing the expectant looks from the Schnabel parents and Palmer’s deep eyes, Noella reluctantly agreed.

“Alright.”

The romantic waltz filled the air, the royal orchestra’s lead violinist struck up the tune, and the piano melody flowed with the swirl of elegant dresses.

Palmer held onto Noella’s slender waist, and they glided across the dance floor together.

12:14 –

“You look stunning today, my dear fiancée,” said Palmer.

Noella was speechless. She’s got a name, why keep calling her fiance? What’s he up to

A little payback for Beckett’s talk of calling off their engagement? She had no clue he could be

so petty!

The dashing man, tall and mighty, and the delicate girl in his arms, their steps in perfect sync left everyone’s hearts pounding!

It was sheer perfection! This opening dance could go straight into the etiquette textbookst

A daughter of the Schnabel family and the helmsman of the Pollack family, the epitome of grace!

Yvonne, biting her handkerchief, envied the dancing couple, bubbling with jealousy. She was the one who should’ve been dancing with Palmer! She’d dressed to the nines today, hoping to steal the show, but her video plot flopped, and Palmer claimed the footage!

Yvonne turned to her nanny, teary–eyed.

“What do we do now? Palmer’s dancing with her, and I’m the joke!”

She was all dolled up and not a single soul had asked her to dance!

Even Tristan didn’t acknowledge she existed!

The nanny wasn’t fazed and consoled her, “Miss Yvonne, don’t sweat it. Being the belle of the ball tonight doesn’t mean squatting for the future. The higher you climb, the harder you fall. Just wait until Mr. Schnabel realizes you’re the cream of the crop, the real Schnabel family gem. Your time in the spotlight will dwarf this one. And just so you know, Miss Noella isn’t even on the family tree yet.”

The family tree! To get on the Schnabel family’s tree, Marcel and Ashlyn both gotta give the

thumbs up!

With Ashlyn’s current vibe towards Noella, It’s a snowball’s chance in hell she’d let her on that tree. As long as Noella’s not on it, Yvonne still has a shot.

“You’re right, but with Palmer being so sweet on her, what chance do I stand?”

“Mr. Pollack just met Miss Noella, and he hasn’t seen much of girls from the poorhouse before. It’s all just for show to save face. It’s all an act. If you ask me, Miss Yvonne, you still got a shot!”

Yvonne watched as Noella and Palmer finished their first dance in the ballroom.

Palmer was bending over, planting a kiss on the back of Noella’s hand!

Though it was a must–do in high society etiquette, Yvonne was green with envy!

As the dance wrapped up, the servants scurried along, lined up, and stood before the Schnabel family.

Chapter 45

“Mr. and Mrs. Schnabel, this is a gift for Miss Noella from Tavian, an ancient painting.”

Everybody was like “What?”

Tavian, wasn’t he the former president?

“Master Hector has sent a pair of agate bracelets for Miss Noella.”

Hector, the old–school Gemstone Gambling King of Harmonia Country, pretty much owns the whole gemstone and maritime trade biz now!

Noella’s got connections like these?

“Master Rainer presents an ancient zither to Miss Noella.”

Rainer, a zither sage of our times, a heavyweight in the world of zither, the man who writes the textbooks!

“The old Mr. Schnabel has gifted Miss Noella an LC5 Helicopter!”

Everyone was gobsmacked!

Isn’t that the latest model, a car and chopper in one, the only one in the world?

Marcel Schnabel sure spoils his granddaughter rotten. Getting on Noella’s good side would mean smooth sailing in future Schnabel family deals.

Tristan was floored looking at the mountain of gifts.

He didn’t even have the guts to send these big shots an invite, considering it was just a kiddo’s birthday party, and it didn’t seem right to bother them.

“Noella, you know all these maestros?”

Noella eyed the pile of presents from her mentors and was a bit speechless. With their caliber, they should’ve known she was a Schnabel the moment she walked in the door.

Noella shook her head and said, “Must be Grandpa’s pals.”

“Ah, must be your granddad wanting to surprise you, then. No worries! Never would’ve guessed your granddad had this attention to detail. The old fox still has it!”