Chapter 187
Walden’s face flushed a deep crimson, resembling an overcooked slice of liverwurst.
The public humiliation was unbearable, all because of their envy of his exceptional talent. They feared he might indeed become the heir to the Gruber family, trampling the Pollack and Schnabel names in the mud.
Doubt gnawed at Walden. He couldn’t risk betting on whether Arthur would side with Noella and Palmer and cast him aside. If he was barred from the gemstone auction, his footing within the Gruber family would crumble to dust!
“Grandpa, I pulled all the strings to make today’s auction happen. Without me, it might all fall apart.”
Hearing this, Noella said coolly, “Palmer, let’s go. I’ll inform my brother that the Schnabels needn’t associate with the Grubers any longer.”
“As you wish.”
Arthur clenched his teeth. “Walden! Let your brother take the lead today, and you’d better play second fiddle!”
“Grandpa!”
The bitterness was palpable. Walden had slaved over the preparations, even securing the Gemstone Gambling King’s presence. Why should all this benefit only his brother Yates Gruber?
“Have my words lost their weight?” Arthur challenged.
With gritted teeth, Walden conceded, “Yes!”
Arthur’s word was law in the Gruber family. Even if Walden had played his cards right to win a chance from Arthur, defiance was not an option.
Malvina sprang to her feet and waved excitedly into the distance, “Yates! Grandpa’s asking for you to take over! He’s really rolling out the red carpet for you!”
Walden’s heart bled as he watched Malvina’s display. “Malvina, haven’t you always wanted to meet Mr. Pollack? Today’s your chance…”
Arthur’s gaze fell on Malvina. If she could snag Palmer’s attention, the Gruber–Pollack alliance could strengthen, paving the way to fully absorb the Schnabels.
Palmer’s engagement to the Schnabels was just one of many high–society unions. Ultimately, it was Palmer’s call to make, and Arthur wasn’t overly concerned.
“Oh? Malvina wants to get acquainted with Mr. Pollack? Why didn’t you tell me before?” Arthur feigned surprise.
Malvina paused, then plastered on a sugary smile. “Now you know, Grandpa. Not only have I met Mr. Pollack, but I’ve also made friends with his fiancéel”
She turned to Noella, grasping her hand. “Noella and I are already pals!”
Meeting her pleading gaze, Noella sensed the tremors in Malvina’s grip. Fear doesn’t lie; Malvina was terrified. It seemed even she wasn’t entirely at ease around the formidable Arthur.
Noella nodded. “Malvina is… interesting.”
“Aww, Noella!” Malvina looked at her touchingly.
Arthur’s stern eyes scrutinized the bond between Malvina and Noella, weighing the odds of Malvina making a play for Palmer.
*Heh, if Malvina and Ms. Schnabel are such good friends, then spend today with Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pollack. Don’t embarrass the Gruber name.”
“Will do, Grandpa!”
Arthur’s glance was laden with a silent threat that made Malvina stiffen.
As Walden wheeled Arthur away, he shot Noella a venomous look..
How could Ms. Schnabel be blind to his earnestness, favoring Palmer’s pretty–boy charm over him?
Watching their retreating silhouettes, Malvina exhaled in relief.
Noella’s voice breezed in, “You fear your grandfather.”
Malvina replied with a bitter smile, “Honey, you’re better off not knowing why I’m scared of him. He’s a real monster! His asking me to stick with you probably means he wants me to seduce Mr. Pollack, but relax, I’ve got zero interest in him, I just need to hang around you, or else…”
Malvina’s candor was evident. She shuddered, unwilling to recall what Arthur’s punishments entailed for disobedience.
“Please, let me be with you guys. I swear I won’t go after Mr. Pollack, at most, maybe just you!”
Noella was speechless.
Palmer’s face hardened, and he reached for Noella’s hand, saying coldly, “Malvina, you should keep your distance from Noella.”
“If I distance myself from her, I’ll just end up closer to you. Even if you won’t be annoyed by that, I will be disgusted! Sweet Noella, let me stick by your side! Pretty please, I’m begging you!” Malvina batted her eyelashes at Noella, pleading adorably.
10.54
Noella was somewhat familiar with Arthur’s tactics.
The Gruber empire was built on shady dealings, branching off from the Richardson legacy to dabble in the underworld. Arthur’s attire hinted at ties with the Shadow Dragon Society, an organization never associated with the lawful. The Gruber family’s business dealings had always skirted the edges of the criminal world.
“I’d like to know something about the Gruber family.”
Malvina breathed a sigh of relief. “Sure thing, I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”
All that mattered was that Noella would allow her to stick around. Otherwise, once they left, Arthur would surely have her hide!
Malvina led them through the venue, holding Noella’s hand, whispering explanations. “I did say I was interested in Mr. Pollack before, but that was out of necessity. It was because my granddad wanted to set me up in a marriage of convenience with one of his business associates.”
“You don’t like that guy?”
“Are you kidding me? That guy is uglier than Walden! The first time I saw him, I thought he was a gender–bent version of Yvonne. So hideous I couldn’t sleep for three days!”
Noella got it. Malvina was attracted to good–looking folks. Her unfriendliness toward Yvonne and Walden was mostly because they weren’t easy on the eyes.
Quite a straightforward reason!
“Mr. Pollack, though, he’s got status, money, and most importantly, he ignores me! He never replies to my messages. Grandpa Sexton was pretty chill when I went to see him last time, so I got to report back without a hitch!”
Noella was surprised. “You went to see Grandpa Sexton just to report back?”
“Yeah, I swear, I’ve got zero interest in your man! If I’m lying, may I break out with acne so bad that I can’t show my face outside!”
Just the thought of that scenario was almost enough to make Malvina cry.
Noella chuckled softly. She could tell Malvina was serious, and her attitude toward Palmer didn’t seem like she had any real designs on him.
“I believe you.”
“Thanks a million, Noella, darling! You guys wait here for a sec; I’ll go up front and smooth things over!”
Malvina lifted her skirt and hurried off toward the front of the venue.
Palmer slung an arm around Noella’s waist, drawing her close into his embrace. His forehead touched Noella’s, his voice muffled. “So, you don’t care about it at all?”
10.54
Palmer didn’t want Noelle to be swayed by some random woman, but his heart sank when he saw Noella discussing him with Malviha without any algn of jealousy or emotion.
Noella looked Into Palmer’s deep eyes. “But she’s not interested in you,”
That’s not the point.”
Noella didn’t understand. If that wasn’t the paint, what was?
Palmer sighed softly, still holding Noella close. “Never mind, I’m overthinking it. It’s normal for you not to care too much, especially since it’s all been one–sided on my part.”
Noella’s lashes cast a shadow as she instinctively wanted to clarify that it wasn’t what she meant.
Suddenly, the table beside them shook.
The tablecloth was lifted, and there was Yasbel with a piece of cake in her mouth and Master Hector beside her, both looking eagerly at Noella and Palmer.
“Haha, Boss, what a coincidence! Don’t mind us, carry on, carry on…”
