CHapter 34
“Milford, what should I do?”
“Just sneak into Vincent’s study, find a certain document, and bring it to me. Briony, the future of
the Lambert and Rosenberg families is in our hands. You wouldn’t want to see me down in the
dumps, right?”
Briony hesitated. She didn’t have the clearance to enter Vincent’s study.
“Briony, don’t you want to marry me? Once this hup is out of the way, I can get you a rock the
size of a pigeon’s egg. Come on, just likest time, swipe Vincent’s papers for me. You got this.”
A rock the size of a pigeon’s egg! Briony’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
“Alright! I’ll nab it for you! Just wait, Milford!”
Milford grabbed Briony’s hand, his lips curling into a broad grin. “I’ll be waiting!”
As soon as visiting hours at the ICU ended, Briony left with her head turning back three steps at a
time, heart heavy with reluctance.
Her father had been all for her marrying Milford in double–quick time. He would surely back her up
on this. Once the Rosenberg family crisis blew over, she could spill the beans to her dad.
At the Lambert Mansion
Briony tiptoed into Vincent’s study and, amid a mountain of paperwork, she pinpointed the
document Milford had mentioned and made off with it, careful as a cat burr.
Her heart was racing like a drum roll! Just the thought of soon bing Milford’s bride made her
feel like she was floating on cloud nine!
Too bad her bliss was a no–go show for Noe, who would be green with envy if she caught.
wind of it!
Belinda lounged on the couch, soaking up a massage from the nanny.
She felt like she had been put through the wringer just thinking about the stint she had had to
endure in the clink because of that little stinker Noe.
“Where’s Briony?“.
“The young miss is visiting Mr. Rosenberg at the hospital.”
“That’s good. At least Briony knows the score: She better clinch that marriage deal with the
Rosenberg family. Once she’s in, she’ll be living the life of Riley! As for that little stinker Noe…”
Belinda’s thoughts took a sharp turn. She shot up and found Vincent watering the garden,
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dragging him over to sit down,
“Honey, do you reckon the olddy left some dough for Horta in sacs YAGE DE Bezed the bucket?
How else could she have cut loose so easily
It clicked for Vincent.
“The old bat always had a soft spot for Hoe. No way she’d leave this wild without leaving a little
something behind. If Noe managed to snag Jasper, she must have used her coc
Belinda frowned. “That’s not on. All that foot should be Brionys. She’s the Lambert’s flesh and
blood. Why should Noe get a dime?”
Vincent nodded. “I’ll give Noe’s folks a ring myself to make her cough up every penny, it’s all
Briony’s!”
Thinking they could take anything from the Lamberts? Fat chance!
Vincent made up his mind and headed upstairs to his study.
Five minutester, he bolted out of the study, sweating bullets!
“Where the heck are my papers? That’s the bid proposal ourpany needs. It’s top priority!”
Belinda joined the panic. “Did anyone go into your study? Briony and I just got back. We haven’t
been in there. When did you prep the bid?”
“The same day Noe took off. Haven’t nced at it since!”
Vincent pped his forehead, grinding his teeth. “That little snake! She must’ve swiped it. Is she
trying to get back at the Lamberts?”
“What do we do now? Should we call the cops?”
The bid had too many secrets to go public. If Vincent called the cops, Noe would be in hot water,
but he would be the one embarrassed. If word got out, he could kiss his reputation in Tranquility City
goodbye.
“No, no. Let’s get ahold of Noe first and make her hand it over. If we push her too far, and she
runs off to our rivals with the bid, then what?”
“That treacherous little brat! I knew I should have…”
Belinda caught herself mid–sentence, realizing she was about to spill the beans, and mmed
1. up.
Lucky for her, Vincent was so wrapped up in the bid that he didn’t catch her slip–up.
At Imperial City, Imperial West Hospital.
As Noe stepped out of Marcel’s ward, she spotted a familiar car parked at the hospital entrance.
The setting sun cast its glow on the ck car and the dashing man leaning against it, painting a
picture of worldly charm. His faint smile tugged at Noe’s heartstrings.
“Please.”
Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.
Noe got in the car, frowning slightly. “Can’t you get any other fares? Why do you always end up
picking me up?”
Palmer was speechless.
“My car’s a bit rough around the edges. The tform won’t approve it, and you don’t seem to
mind.”
True, the car had seen better days. Most Imperial City Uber drivers had nicer rides, and with
Palmer’s unique situation, getting approved was tricky.
Palmer leaned in, close enough to help Noe buckle up, his scent of sandalwood enveloping her,
making even the dust in the air seem bewitched.
“I can do it myself.
“Of course, it’s just this car’s seat belt is a bit fiddly. My apologies. I’ll work hard to upgrade to a
better one.”
Noe did not know what to say.
What did his car upgrade have to do with her?
She hid the flush creeping over her face, speaking coolly. “Thorpe skipped town. Actually, he never
showed up at the bar. It was his brother who met with Toxic Monarch.”
“My guys found out, too. Turns out Abyssal Organization has some dirt on Thorpe. Wanna take a
look together?”
Noe shot him a nce, “This intel is from the Abyssal Organization. Why share it with me?”
Abyssal and Obelisk, two assassin groups that were like cats and dogs!
Palmer’s lips curled into a smooth smile. “Why not? When I do things I follow my heart, not the
rules.”
Heart?
Noe turned away, feeling a bit awkward.
“Alright, I’ll share what Obelisk has on Thorpe too.”
“In that case, let’s grab a bite and have a proper chat.”
Palmer drove into the city center and picked out a revolving restaurant that oozed romance from
every brick; all lit up with colorful lights.
Just as well, the joint was a real wallet–buster; you wouldn’t get out of there for less than a five–
figure meal!
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“Did we really have to pick such a pricey spot to eat?”
Palmer came up beside her, swung open the door, and shielded it with his hand to keep her from
bumping her head.
He leaned in slightly, a ripple of darkness crossing his deep–set eyes. “The first meal I treat you to.
I want it to be special. Rx, it’s just dinner. I still have enough dough for a new ride.”
Noe was at a loss for words. What’s it got to do with her?
She just thought Palmer, already not Mr. Moneybags and busting his back to support a whole org,
was burning cash like it was going out of style – must be tough.
What car he would buy wasn’t up to her!
Inside the restaurant, Palmer led Noe to a window–side seat with a killer view, overlooking most
of Imperial City’s nightlife.
“Any preferences?” He asked.
“Whatever.”
Palmer nodded and motioned for the waiter toe and order.
His phone buzzed, and then Yvonne’s voice, all dolled up in sweetness, sounded. “Palmy, when are
youing to get me? I wanna have dinner with you!”
“Who gave you my number?”
“If there’s a will, there’s a way. Palmy, I really like you!”
“Beat it!”
He hung up, blocked the number in one fell swoop, and messaged Annie to sniff out who leaked his
digits to Yvonne.
Looking up, he caught Noe’s teasing gaze across the table.
“Palmy?”
Hearing his name from Yvonne’s lips made Palmer’s skin crawl, but from Noe, it sounded like
music to his ears!
The girl opposite him was all smiles, lips shining and juicy like jelly, the name she utteredced with
an enchanting allure..
“I’ve got nothing to do with her. I can’t stand her.”
Noe nodded. “So, people you can’t stand can call you that, too? Palmy?”
Palmer was speechless.
He stood up and poured Noe a ss of red wine.
“Only someone I like can call me that.”