CHapter 73

Chapter 73

Looking at the scrutinizing and side–eye his sister was giving him, Stirling felt a whole lot of reuret in his heart.

It only he knew better, he wouldn’t have agreed to star in that movie with two male leads! If this whole mess tarnished his shining reputation in his sister’s eyes, he would go ballistic on those movie studios.

“Go to sleep; we’ll catch up tomorrow.”

“Alright, good night, Stirling.”

At the common ward in Imperial West Hospital.

Vincent was staring at the bill like it was sucking his blood dry. Just for passing out from a shock, and he even told them somebody at the door knocked into him- the hospital should be chasing that dude for the medical expenses!

But the medics? They wouldn’t listen; they just kept nagging him to cough up the cash.

With no choice, Vincent paid up and, spotting Briony walking in, said, “Briony, where have you been? Mr. Schnabel’s gonna show up any minute. Don’t go wandering off.”

“When is Mr. Schnabel gonna get here? We’ve been waiting all afternoon. Is he really coming?”

Vincent couldn’t be sure. Would someone like Tristan actually come to see them?

Belinda just chuckled with an air of mystery.

his ears at work. When “You guys just don’t get it. Mr. Schnabel’s a big shot, always up would he find the time to meet us? Even if he does come, for the Schnabel family’s rep, he would avoid daylight and sneak in under the radar.

“You’re right. If Mr. Schnabel knows he’s been bamboozled, he’ll definitely show.”

Vincent glanced at his watch, getting antsy. If Mr. Schnabel didn’t show up soon, they would be forking over another day’s hospital fees!

A few bodyguards in sleek black suits entered the ward. “Vincent? Mr. Schnabel sent us to pick you up. Come with us.”

The Lamberts couldn’t contain their glee, scrambling out of bed to follow the bodyguards. Briony, not seeing Tristan anywhere, whispered, “Where’s Mr. Schnabel? We’ve got some important stuff to tell him. Isn’t he coming?”

The bodyguards didn’t give her the time of day, making things awkward real quick.

Briony tugged at Belinda’s sleeve with a pout, “Mom, I need to pee.”

11:15

Chapter 73

“Go ahead, make it snappy.

The bodyguards didn’t mind Briony and whisked Vincent and Belinda off in the car, zooming away from Imperial West Hospital.

As soon as the car started, Belinda got antsy. Briony wasn’t on board yet!

“Hey, sir, my girl’s not in the car yet! Why’d you take off? I swear, I’m gonna tell Mr. Schnabel to fire your asses!”

“Shut it!”

The Lambert couple exchanged looks, sensing something was off. Where the heck were they being taken?

“We’re Mr. Schnabel’s guests! What do you think you’re doing?!”

The bodyguards just smirked. “You’ll find out soon enough!”

The next morning, Stirling had just whipped up breakfast and was about to wake Noella when the doorbell rang.

Palmer, with a whole parade of food carts behind him, watched as the servants efficiently laid out a breakfast spread that filled the grand table with tempting sights and smells, making Stirling’s home–cooked meals look downright inconspicuous.

Stirling’s eye twitched. “What’s all this about?”

“After enjoying your dinner last night, it’s only right I take care of breakfast.”

Stirling’s mood improved slightly, and he was about to let it slide when Palmer strutted upstairs.

“Hey! What do you think you’re doing? You’re addicted to my sister’s room or what? Get down here!”

Noella woke to see a snazzily dressed Palmer with a fuming, pajama clad Stirling behind him.

Stirling was still cursing up a storm.

“Stirling, what’s all the ruckus this early?”

She had just woken to their bickering, yet they both looked fresh as daisies.

Noella, in her light blue pajamas, her hair like a misty cloud sprawled on the pillow, her doe eyes still misty with sleep, gazed at the two men before her.

Palmer caught his breath, momentarily lost for words at the gorgeous sight before him!

He bent down, caressing Noella’s head with a tender touch. “Awake? Wanna sleep some more?

I brought breakfast and got all the stuff you said you liked ready in the kitchen.”

“No need, I’ll be right up.”

11:15

Chapter 73

“Don’t rush; I’ve got some stuff to hash out with your brother anyway. Take your time.”

Reluctantly leaving the silkiness of her hair, which carried her signature hint of cedar, Palmer turned away.

Stirling, playing the third wheel against the door, muttered under his breath as Palmer stepped out. “Good on you, kiddo, for knowing your place!”

As Palmer closed Noella’s door, he massaged his temples, a tad frustrated. “Next time I’m talking to Noella, try to keep your distance, will you? And if you’re just jealous of our chemistry, go find yourself a fiancée.”

“Wait, what? Is he poking fun ‘cause I’m single?” Stirling thought. He flew off the handle, fists clenched. “What are you implying? She’s my sister, mine! Don’t even think about messing with her in front of me!”

“The Lambert couple got dragged out to the sticks last night and got a thrashing. Was that your doing?”

Stirling paused, whipping out his phone to check, and then looked up cluelessly. “Nah, my guys were scheduled to rough up the Rosenberg folks today. I thought it was you, wasn’t it?”

Palmer and he locked eyes, both thinking the other was the culprit.

Stirling said, “Looks like it was my dad’s doing, but my guys went too. It’s a buy one get one free deal might as well give them another thrashing. At least that way, they won’t be able to hassle Noella again.

“Let’s keep this between us, okay? No need to tell Noella about it,” Palmer said.

Stirling nodded in agreement with Palmer’s suggestion, deciding there was no point in bothering Noella with this annoying stuff. She should just stay happy and carefree.

The Pollack family’s cook whipped up a seriously hearty breakfast, so much so that even Stirling, who was always watching his weight, downed three sandwiches with a look of pure bliss on his face.

“The Pollack family’s chef is pretty darn good, huh? When’s he gonna jump ship to Schnabel Manor? Mr. Pollack, you wouldn’t be so petty as to not let a chef go, would you?”

“No way, it’s just that my grandpa is also a big fan of the chef’s skills. If you like it, you should come over to the Pollack Mansion more often. Noella and I would love to have you.”

Stirling

nearly choked on his almond pastry, shooting Palmer a look that could kill.

Noella glanced over at Palmer and Stirling. “I’m done eating. You guys can keep bickering if you want; I’m outta here.”

Stirling hurried after her, worried that Noella might overthink things.

“Sis, it’s all his fault; I’m innocent! You believe me, right?”

“I do.”

11:15

Chapter 73

Palmer followed Noella, gently taking her small hand in his. “I’ve prepared gifts for Grandpa Merrick and Grandma Freya; we’ll send them together under our names, so don’t worry.”

Watching their hands clasped together, Stirling felt like he had been stabbed in the heart, his eyes sore, his heart riddled with holes.

Could it be true? Like Palmer said, should he start looking for a fiancée?

Palmer must be scheming to steal his sister away on purpose!

At the entrance of the Horwich Mansion, Sienna and Tristan, having received the news, were already there early, pushing the old man and the lady out to wait.

“Mom, Dad, why don’t you go inside? It’s cold out here!”

“What are you talking about? It’s sunny, It’s Noella’s first time here: I’m just helping her recognize the place so she knows this is her home, too!”