Chapter 166
Hoe felt the sudden weight of a well–defined hand on her slender waist, as if it could encircle her with
an effortless ease, setting a flutter in Palmer’s chest.
Following her gaze, Palmer caressed her hand and murmured, “That’s Lavinia Richardson, Grandpa
Lucian’s daughter. She’s been under the weather, so it’s not odd you don’t know
he
Is she married?”
Palmer had never seen Noe so keen on gossip before. Amused, he smiled indulgently, “Nah, she’s
been single. She had a rough bout with illness years ago, and has been
recuperating. Never heard any wedding bells for her.”
Unmarried. Maybe Noe’s odd hunch was off the mark.
As Noe turned away, she was suddenly enveloped in Palmer’s arms, her svelte figure pressed tightly
against his in her form–fitting gown, eliciting a muffled gasp from her.
Her hands braced against him, feeling the defined contours of his abs beneath her palms, each one
distinct, heating her touch.
A blush crept onto her face, and she frowned, “Palmer! What are you doing?*
Palmer secured Noe’s waist, halting her squirming.
To onlookers, it seemed like Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pock were simply sharing an intimate moment –
nothing unusual for an engaged couple. Most gave them space; some even felt a pang of envy for their
PDA.
Palmer’s voice was a deep rumble in Noe’s ear, “Just letting them know you’re mine.”
He knew his fiancée didn’t realize her own allure; so many eyes had followed her as they
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entered!
Those brazen gazes irked him!
Palmer tilted Noe’s chin, gazing into her alluring face, her eyes shimmering pools he was drowning
in.
“Noe, I don’t mind taking all the time you need toe around to me. But until then, I can’t have
others coveting you! Unless you say you don’t fancy me, then maybe I’d reconsider my tactics of
chasing you.”
His handsome face loomed close, his eyshes and a hint of jealousy clearly visible in his eyes. Was
he…jealous?
Palmer leaned in closer, their noses brushing, breaths entwining.
“So, tell me, do you fancy me?”
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a was tongue tied, unsure why he’d ask such a thing at this moment,
Did she fancy him? She wasn’t even sure herself!
he thought for a moment, looked into Palmer’s expectant eyes, and replied honestly, “1 don’t know.
Not knowing wasn’t a “no“, nor a “dislike“! It meant there was a ce for him in her eyes, even if she
hadn’t realized it yet. One day she’d be won over!
Joy surged in Palmer’s heart as his voice echoed softly by her ear, “Onest question, may
kiss you?”
Before she could react, a quick kiss grazed her lips, leaving a trace of Palmer’s scent.
Maybe it wasn’t so bad, Noe looked up into Palmer’s tender gaze.
“So, what was that? Marking territory?”
“No, I was stamping my im! Just to show that you are the one I belong to – even if you don’t care, I
wouldn’t want you stumbling on nasty rumors about me.”
After all, it hadn’t been easy to catch his fiancée’s eye. If those pests fluttered too close to Noe, all
his efforts might be undone!
Their public disy of affection already sent a clear message to back off, especially to those with
designs on his betrothed!
Anyone with eyes would know better how to behave. But some were blind.
Walden Gruber approached, holding a ss of red wine, “Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pock’s love is truly
enviable. Us singles are green with envy.”
Palmer’s eyes were frosty as he regarded Walden; he said mercilessly, “Seems any mutt can yelp in
my presence now. The Gruber family must not be able to train their strays,”
Noe added coolly, “Indeed, someone from the Gruber family was bold enough to assault my staff
yesterday. Shamelessness must be a family trait.”
Walden’s smile froze. He hade over in good spirits, hoping Noe would introduce him to Master
Killian, considering the unpleasantness between him and Master Killian earlier at the gallery was
rted to Ms. Schnabel.
Due to Master Killian’s regard for Ms. Schnabel, if he could curry favor with her, he might mend the rift
between Master Killian and the Gruber family!
At the thought of it, Walden clenched his teeth and forced a smile, “Ms. Schnabel, I apologize for any
offense. I’m here to make amends, and Grandpa also wishes to express his regret. Just tell me how to
appease you. Whatever it is, I’ll not shirk it!”
His eyes were resolute as he appraised Noe – her beauty, her lithe figure like a willow in
February’s breeze, her cool, untouchable air making his heart itch.
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fore Walden could continue, his knees buckled under a swift kick, and he found him kneeling before
Noe!
Another kicknded on his back, and he howled in agony, the sound of his bones snapping all too
clear.
Palmer had moved too fast; Walden had no chance to dodge andy face down on the
floor.
“If you ever look at her that way again, you can say goodbye to your eyes.”
Walden felt like crying! Meeting Palmer’s murderous gaze, he nodded frantically, unable to utter a
word.
Noe’s gaze was icy, her stiletto heel pressing down on Walden’s face as she nudged him with a kick.
“Really, Walden, there’s no need for such formalities. Even if you groveled at my feet, I wouldn’t forgive
you. And let’s not forget, you’re the Gruber family’s little secret, their illegitimate child. How shameless
can you be, dragging the Gruber name through the mud?”
The bystanders were gobsmacked at the scene unfolding before them!
“Who would have thought Mr. Pock has such a soft spot for Ms. Schnabel? He actually got his hands
dirty just because Walden showed Ms. Schnabel disrespect.”
“Walden is indeed the ck sheep of the family, his actions bringing nothing but disgrace!”
Hearing the whispers around him, Walden felt a rush of panic. The reputation he had been carefully
rebuilding was about to crumble.
No, it couldn’t end like this. He had ambitions to be the Gruber heir, it was all meant to be his! Biting
back the pain, Walden addressed Noe.
“Ms. Schnabel, it’s my fault! Let bygones be bygones. Please forgive me, or tell me what to do, and I’ll
do anything!”
Noe’s lips twisted into a smirk as she looped her arm through Palmer’s, her eyes cold
and detached.
“Oh really? Poor Walden, I’m not one to kick someone when they’re down. I suppose I could forgive
you, but there’s a condition. The yard’s got a mess left by the dog. Go clean. it up with your mouth!”