Chapter 109
If Noella were to marry Belinda’s good–for–nothing nephew, it would be a win–win for both the Fullers and the Lamberts. The Fullers would save a bundle on the wedding gift, while the Lamberts would tighten their grip on Noella.
Vincent’s mind was awash with images of Noella surrounded by a revolving door of dashing young men, all of whom he was certain she had lured in on her own. Even if the method wasn’t exactly above board, once they were in Vincent’s reach, they were connections for the Lambert family!
The more Belinda thought about it, the more it made perfect sense. “Honey, think about it. Noella’s just a caregiver right now, Marrying her off to my nephew Ellsworth Fuller would be a decent match. We’re already looking out for her best interests! Besides, Ellsworth’s had a crush on Noella since they were kids. It’s fate, and us playing matchmaker is just helping fate along. Given her job, she must know plenty of doctors from the Schnabel family. Your illness might just find its cure.”
Vincent wasn’t too bothered about being locked up; he figured a bit of cash would smooth things over and he’d be out in no time. Right now, his illness was the real pressing issue!
The thought of his condition made him feel sick to his stomach, as if the cancer was spreading right before his eyes.
“You’re right. We have to make this happen. Even if Noella herself isn’t willing, she doesn’t get a say! We have supported her for years; it’s time for her to pay us back!”
The Rosenbergs couldn’t help but roll their eyes at Vincent’s hasty decision about his former daughter’s future.
Zachary scoffed, “She doesn’t even give you the’time of day. Besides, you might want to focus on getting out first!”
He was still in the police station, after all!
Ellsworth Fuller was nothing but a lazy troublemaker. How could they even think of scheming against Noella?
Linsey couldn’t bear to listen anymore! She glanced at her son and raised her voice, “Son, you and Noella grew up together. Why don’t you get in touch from time to time? If she truly has connections to good doctors, our door isn’t closed to her.”
Milford, thinking of Noella’s pure and lovely face, swallowed hard and agreed.
Vincent panicked. “What do you mean by that? Briony is the one betrothed to Milford! Noella’s meant to marry the Fuller boy. Don’t get any funny ideas!”
Linsey’s eyes practically rolled back in her head.
Vincent was already sure Noella would agree to marry Ellsworth? His brains might as well be in a toilet bowll
10:16
On the outskirts of Linefort City, Yvonne wrapped herself up tight and put on a mask as she stepped into a fast–food joint.
Disdainfully eyeing the burger and fried chicken in front of her, she impatiently demanded, “Where’s my order?”
The middle–aged man across from her, with a sinister scar under his eye, didn’t bother with pleasantries.
He rubbed two greasy fingers together. “No money, no goods.”
Yvonne frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean? Am I not good for the money?”
She had blown through all the cash she’d secretly transferred from Ashlyn’s account and now couldn’t afford the high–grade Nourishment Pill she needed.
The man finished his meal and looked up at Yvonne. “Spill it. What did you mean on the phone?”
Yvonne glanced around and whispered, “I need to know if anyone else around here is selling Nourishment Pills.”
The man’s expression changed. “You are looking for a new dealer?”
“No, we’ve been partners for years. Why would I go to someone else?”
But she suspected that Noella did something to have the Schnabels and Palmer wrapped around her finger so quickly. It could be that she was doling out Nourishment Pills to the Schnabels too!
Otherwise, how else could she, after years of dedication, be outshone by a wild girl who’d only been back a few months?
The Schnabels‘ indulgence and affection for Noella was a thorn in Yvonne’s side!
“I can’t tell you that. Anything else? I need to go.”
Desperate, Yvonne blurted, “I want to hire some hitmen. Know any good ways to find them?”
The man’s gaze turned peculiar as he sized her up. “Try the deep web. Cash talks, and there’s plenty willing to take the job.”
Right, the deep web! She’d only had a glimpse before and hadn’t fully understood it.
He sneered, “Planning a hit?”
Yvonne shrank back from his gaze. “Just give me the goods!”
“The cash first!”
Yvonne clenched her teeth. She’d dealt with this man so many times; couldn’t he let her have a tab just once?
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10:16
“I’m short right now. Give me the stuff, and I’ll wire you the money pronto,”
“No deal. You’re asking for the top–shelf stuff this time no money, no pill.”
Yvonne’s request was for the purest Nourishment Pills, potent enough to turn someone into a fool it mishandled.
It it weren’t for the Schnabels pushing her to the edge, she wouldn’t have to resort to such desperate measures,
Yvonne knew the man she was dealing with was as sly as a fox. He wouldn’t spill the beans without seeing some green first.
So, she had no choice but to dip into her own little stash of cash.
That money was her secret savings, amassed over the years by pulling the wool over Ashlyn’s
eves.
Did anyone really think she liked playing the humble servant in front of Ashlyn? She’d been working her tail off to be accepted as the real Ms. Schnabel of the Schnabel family, dreaming of the day they’d truly take her in.
But now, they only had eyes for that country bumpkin!
Just thinking about how Ulrich had warned her off because of that hayseed made Yvonne’s
blood boil.
“I’ll give you the dough, now hand over the goods!”
“If you’d just said so from the get–go, we could’ve avoided this song and dance. I run a tight ship here, no tabs.”
Five minutes later, Yvonne clutched a small box,and hurried out of the diner.
Half an hour passed before the middle–aged man sauntered out, looking casual as anything.
Ulrich lowered the binoculars. “You tall Yvonne. I’ll follow this guy. We split up.”
Annie, while deftly slipping on gloves and a mask, asked, “Is this because you’re worried you might go easy on Ms. Yvonne, Dr. Schnabel?”
Ulrich shrugged. “No. I just don’t think you can handle that guy.”
Annie was speechless, giving Ulrich a probing look.
After all, she was a killer of some renown in the depths of the deep web, ranked within the Abyssal Organization. And here was Ulrich, doubting her!
Probably, Ulrich had his reasons, thinking the man with the Nourishment Pill was the bigger threat, backed by a more significant organization.
As she opened the car door to head to another vehicle, she said with a poised smile, “Well, thank you for your concern, Dr. Schnabel.”
10:16
Chapter 109
The cars headed off in different directions, disappearing into the woods.
Ulrich watched the middle–aged man’s retreating figure, feeling a sense of déjà vu.
He was sure he’d seen that guy somewhere before!
Meanwhile, at Fortress Hospital, Thorpe stood vigil by his brother’s bedside, anxiously waiting for him to wake up.
Noella, in her white lab coat with a mask obscuring most of her face, had a pair of eyes that shimmered with emotion, the only part of her the world could see.
“When will he wake up?” Thorpe asked.
Noella replied coolly, “Severe brain injury. If he wakes up within a week, he’s lucky. Just wait.” Thorpe wasn’t surprised; he knew his brother Hollis’s condition better than anyone. He had devoured most medical papers on brain injuries, all to help his brother recover.
“When my brother wakes up, I’ll give you the information you want.”
“What do you mean? You don’t have the person with you?”
Thorpe nodded, his gaze never leaving Hollis. “No, but I know where they are. And I’m the only one who does!”
