CHapter 9

Chapter 9

“Do you not like it? How about trying something else?”

With a nonchalant air, Noella said, “I’m not a fan of seasonings: I can’t stand onions, ginger, or

garlic.”

It was just a minor issue, and she didn’t sweat it. After all, in the Lambert family, Belinda never cared about what she liked to eat. Instead, she would force Noella to eat stuff she hated just to flex her control freak muscles.

The soup bowl in her hand was swiftly taken by Sienna, who then turned to the nanny and instructed. “From now on, absolutely no onions, ginger, or garlic in any of our dishes!”

The nanny was speechless.

Yvonne’s favorite dishes contained onions and gingers!

However, she didn’t dare speak up, just shot a glare at Noella, who had been throwing her weight around since she came home, almost grinding her teeth.

Noella blinked, surprised by Sienna’s command. “It’s fine, really.”

Sienna was unfazed and, taking Noella’s hand, advised, “Noella, when you’ve got a sec, jot down what you like and dislike. What you like to eat, me and your dad will like, and what you don’t is a no–show in our house!”

Tristan nodded in agreement. “Yeah, look how skinny you are; the Lamberts definitely didn’t feed you any good grub.”

To the Schnabel parents, the Lambert family had practically become Noella’s tormentors. Her clothes were nothing to write home about, no brand names and her suitcase was tiny, with no

other luggage in sight!

Talk about pinching pennies!

Sienna hesitated before spilling the beans, “Sweetie, you’ve got four brothers and one sister at home. We figured out a few years back that you and Elara were switched at birth. It took us years to find you. Your dad and I, it wasn’t on purpose, we…”

Noella nodded.

Nobody intentionally swaps kids.

“As for Elara, she’s innocent. We’ve raised her for years, and she’s not looking to compete with you. So, until she finds her own family, we hope she can stay with us. Don’t worry, she’s usually out at Emerald County doing research.”

“The one who called me, that was her?” She remembered Vincent mentioning a rooster crowing on the phone.

“Yup, Elara found you and called you. These past two years, we’ve been digging into what

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Chapter 9

happened and realized Elara’s actually a few days older than you. Your dad and I are still trying to find Elara’s real family.”

Finding relatives was all about fate. The Schnabet parents simply hoped Elara Schnabel could remain part of the family.

Noella didn’t object; whoever the Schnabel folks wanted to take care of was their prerogative.

“I got it.”

The Schnabel parents breathed a sigh of relief.

They knew their daughter wasn’t the type to kick Elara out of the Schnabel household. Elara had been with them for years, and even when they stumbled upon the truth years ago, they couldn’t bear to send her away!

Sienna said excitedly. “You’ll surely like Elara when you meet her!”

Noella’s expression remained neutral, silent.

The nanny muttered under her breath, “And there’s also Ms. Yvonne…”

The mention of Yvonne Schnabel noticeably dampened the parents‘ enthusiasm and anticipation.

Sienna took a sip of her soup and said indifferently. “As for Yvonne, she’s an orphan adopted by your grandma, not really a Schnabel daughter, so don’t worry about her.”

The nanny looked a bit miffed but kept her gaze on Noella. She had finally managed to get Elara to stay away for research, leaving Yvonne as the only daughter at home. Mr. Schnabel and his wife were bound to grow fond of Ms. Yvonne!

But now, with a new miss in town, everything that was Yvonne’s was at risk of being snatched away!

Noella noticed the nanny’s resentful look but didn’t give two hoots.

“Why adopt?”

Talking about Yvonne, the Schnabel couple’s attitude was lukewarm at best.

“Your grandma was sick back in the day, dreamed about a celestial maiden descending to keep her company. After she got out of the hospital, she adopted Yvonne, who’s been keeping grandma company ever since. Your brothers are all busy; we’ll Introduce you to them later.”

Noella acknowledged with a nod, slightly bowing her head.

Tristan clapped his hands. “Noella, wanna check out your room?”

Meeting the hopeful gaze of the Schnabel parents, Noella nodded.

They went upstairs.

“Noella, I heard you’ve got college entrance exams next month. Got any schools in mind? No

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Chapter 9

worries if academics aren’t your thing. We can study abroad! Which university do you fancy?”

Noella hadn’t really thought about it. She had received acceptance letters from Aqua Vine College and Northlight University last month and was still weighing her options.

The Lambert couple was clueless about these developments. Ever since Belinda stopped Noella from studying properly to provoke Briony, she kept her grades to herself, away from the Lambert couple.

“Haven’t figured it out yet.”

“No rush, take your time. Your brothers all studied abroad, and Elara graduated from Northlight’s gifted youth program and is now pursuing her Ph.D. at the Harmonia Country Science Research Institute. We’ll have Elara give you some pointers later on.

Noella could tell Elara was a genius in the science area. No wonder the Schnabel parents were so keen on keeping her around.

Tristan patted his chest, “You can ask me too! I’m a Aqua Vine College grad!”

Sienna called him out, “You only got into Aqua Vine College because your old man donated a couple of buildings to the school.”

Tristan was at a loss for words. He chuckled awkwardly and pushed open the door to the second–floor hallway.

The whole floor was decked out in minimalist style, but every nook and cranny screamed understated opulence.

A thirty–million antique shelf, loaded with priceless antiques, a walk–in wardrobe bigger than the Lambert family’s master bedroom, a bathroom floor one could see one’s reflection in, plus a study, a dance studio, and a game room…

Tristan swept his arm grandly. “This whole floor is yours, Noella. Do you like it?”

The entire second floor, at least three 3000 square feet, all for her?

Sienna chimed in, “Yeah, check out the style. If it’s not your cup of tea, we’ll knock it down right away. The third floor’s yours too. If you’re not into it, we’ll switch it up!”

Noella did not know what to say.

“No need. The second floor is fine.”

Tristan and Sienna were worried sick that Noella wouldn’t be into it. Seeing her nod, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

Sienna flung open the walk–in wardrobe’s door. “I’ve got some loungewear ready for you. See if you like it.”

Half the wardrobe was stuffed with high–end designer loungewear, but the most eye–catching were a few pieces with the distinctive willow leaf logo.

Chapter 9

“This is Master Azure’s latest collection. You like?”

Noella felt a mix of emotions. “I like it.”

Sienna and Tristan almost burst into tears of joy! Their daughter said she liked it!

“Sweetie, you rest up. I’m gonna call your brothers to come home, and we’ll all have dinner together tonight!”

“Okay.”

Sienna and Tristan skipped downstairs, over the moon.

Noella thought for a moment and sent a text.

Noella: [Find out why Vocalist showed up in Imperial City and when he took Marcel’s order.]

[Gotcha!]

Five minutes later.

[Boss, Vocalist took a gig for a tycoon in Imperial City, but he didn’t take any job about Marcel]

Damn that Vocalist!

Noella: [Dig into the mix–up with the Schnabel family’s daughter back in the day.]

[On it!]

Noella had always suspected there was more to that story!