The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Noella was gobsmacked! She never expected Helen to be so out of line.

It was clear as day that Garrick couldn't swim. His silk button-up fluttered on the water's surface, scattering the fish in all directions, and by the looks of it, he'd swallowed more than a few gulps.

Jacob was frantically calling for help.

"Help! Someone, please! Man overboard!" NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

In the ensuing chaos, with everyone running around like headless chickens, they finally managed to fish Garrick out of the water. Thankfully, the Pollack family's resort had the foresight to have several lifeguards on standby, so apart from a few swallowed gulps, Garrick was just a bit out of sorts, nothing serious.

Jacob, wiping the sweat from his forehead, asked, "Mom, what's gotten into you? Didn't you have an arrangement with Garrick? Why'd you go and kick him into the water?"

Helen settled back into her chair, adjusting her shawl with a serene expression.

"He was fishing in the sweet spot, lots of fish, and I wanted in. But he was such an eyesore, just irked me, and I didn't invite him."

While Jacob was still processing this, a van pulled up and several strapping young men emerged, all smiles, gathering around Helen.

"Lady, we're here."

"Hush now, don't scare away my fish."

Seeing Helen surrounded by a half-dozen men in light button-ups, each with a red bow tie, left Jacob flabbergasted!

One of the hunks glanced at Jacob and leaned on Helen's shoulder.

"Lady, did you order this one too? Looks a bit old."

"No, that's my son. Off with you, Jacob, don't be a nuisance."

With his mind buzzing with questions, Jacob awkwardly made his exit. Listening to the laughter and chatter behind him, he suddenly understood why his mom never wanted to go home.

Noella, watching Megrez drive up in the van, couldn't help but twitch her mouth.

"Since when did we offer this service?"

"It's always been around. You have no idea how lucrative it is. Don't worry, Boss, it's just about keeping the elderly company, providing emotional support, no selling snake oil."

That reminded Noella of the time when Polaris Star was short on research funds, and Megrez had come up with the idea of an elder companionship program. It was all about caring for the lonely elders, but she never imagined it would be implemented in this fashion.

Noella heard Helen's hearty laughter, which seemed much more cheerful.

"Be mindful of the boundaries."

"Don't worry, Boss! Helen was a bit down, but ever since she signed up for our companionship service, she's been much better! She even started taking her medication."

Noella could tell from Helen's pulse that she must have been severely depressed, noticing the scars on the lady's wrists.

Since it was a Polaris Star initiative, Noella felt somewhat relieved.

Megrez winked at Noella. "Boss, if you ever need our companionship service, you can pick any of our models! They're all top-notch, with six-packs you can wash clothes on! First-rate service!"

Noella rolled her eyes at Megrez's cheeky grin, only to find Palmer standing right behind her.

She had no idea how much of the conversation he caught. But judging by Palmer's expression, he'd heard enough.

Palmer took Noella by the wrist and led her away without a word.

"Where's Uncle Jacob and Elara?"

"They went to check on Garrick. Let me show you around the resort."

His face was unreadable, but just as Noella let her guard down, Palmer suddenly swept her off her feet, seating her atop a flowerbed.

From her elevated position, Noella could look down at Palmer's handsome face.

"Let me down..."

His hands were firm on Noella's slender waist, his gaze filled with an indescribable emotion.

One hand held Noella's, placing it against his chest.

Noella's hand felt warm, and she tried to pull away, but Palmer held it firmly, allowing her to feel his solid muscles and the steady beat of his heart.

"Do you like it, fiancée? You can go lower if you want."

Palmer's shirt was slightly unbuttoned at the top, revealing a hint of his toned abs as he moved.

Noella quickly withdrew her hand. "I didn't know about Polaris Star's service of this until now, but rest assured, Polaris Star wouldn't cross the line."

With a soft chuckle, Palmer brushed a stray hair from Noella's forehead, captivated by her enchanting face. Behind her, the flowerbed bloomed with lush roses, and as he gazed into her sparkling eyes, his heart raced uncontrollably.

"I heard about it. Grandma has severe depression, even had suicidal tendencies before. She's been in a nursing home since being saved. We let her do whatever makes her happy, that's why."

As long as it brought Helen joy, the Pollack family was willing to indulge her.

"What caused her depression?"

"It was my mother's situation, followed by Elara's mother's. That's when Grandma fell ill."

Listening to the laughter in the distance, with Helen being entertained by the hunky models, it was clear her mood had greatly improved.

Noella glanced towards the source of the laughter but was quickly redirected by Palmer.

"Look at me, not them."

It was clear now; Palmer was feeling a tad jealous.

Raising an eyebrow, Noella teased, "Mr. Pollack, do you see yourself in the same light as them? Or perhaps you'd like to join our company and take over this line of service?"

Why was this man even jealous of the models providing companionship services?

It was clear that Megrez's rambling had struck a chord, igniting a fear in Palmer that Noella might actually go off in search of those male models, to the point of compromising himself by pressing her hand against him.

Palmer's head was buried in Noella's waist as he mumbled, "I was just worried you'd get spooked by Grandma's stories."

"I've told you, I see you as a friend. I haven't really given marriage much thought."

Palmer's eyes, deep like night’s sky, lit up at her words.

No thoughts of marriage, but at least there were no thoughts of calling off the engagement!

Noella looked at Palmer, her lashes fluttering like raven feathers.

Gathering her courage, she continued, "I'm not good at dating, but I don't dislike you. Last time you asked for a chance... so let's start as friends."

This was the biggest concession Noella could make. She had seen too much love and loss from a young age. Whether it was the superficial marriage of Vincent Lambert and Belinda Fuller, or the various scenes she witnessed at Polaris Star, all had left Noella skeptical about marriage and love.

Perhaps, returning to the Schnabel family had also given Noella a fresh perspective on relationships. She should give Palmer a chance, and herself a chance too!

"Alright! Let's start with friendship!" Palmer agreed immediately.

As long as his girl hadn't rejected him, he still had a chance!