CHapter 244
Oriana’s face was a patchwork of reds and whites, a veritable disy of indignation.
“I didn’t have a family parade dropping me off because I’m Independent. We’re modern women
with our own thoughts and personalities. I’m not a parasite replying on my family!”
Mizer couldn’t help but snicker behind her hand. “Now you’re talking about personality? Maybe you
should’ve joined philosophy instead of design. With that attitude, you’d make a great debater. Look,
the Schnabels making a big show of sending their kid to school – it’s about being close–knit and
valuing their daughter. How does that make anyone a family parasite.
Onana was convinced that the Schnabels‘ disy was in poor taste. Mizar’s mockery made her
face contort even further. She scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Buddy, you can defend the
Schnabels all you want, but Ms. Schnabel isn’t gonna thank you for it”
In her eyes, Mizar and those who spoke in Noo’s favor were simply brown–nosers, attracted to
the Schnabels‘ wealth and status, hoping to rub shoulders with their prestige.
Stirling was different from the Schnabels! Otherwise, why wouldn’t he be here today? He must feel
the same as her, that such behavior was utterly embarrassing!
At the front of the auditonum, Garrick greeted Marcel with a grin as warm as a summer’s day.
“Marcel, old chap, it’s been ages! We’re getting on in years, aren’t we? Come,e, have a seat
over here.”
Marcel returned the smile with a calm one of his own. “No need, it’s just dropping off the kid at
school. Any seat will do.”
Gamick’s eyes then fell upon Noe, who stood by Marcel’s side. The youngdy was the picture of
grace in her understated white dress. She clutched a trench coat, her hair elegantly styled, with soft
curls framing her face, adding a youthful charm that was hard to ignore
Her outfit was the perfect blend of youthful brightness and subtlety, but it was her striking face and
her cool, ethereal aura that made it impossible to look away.
omething
Garrick saw something familiar in Noe’s face, something that resonated with a memory lodged
deep within his mind.
“Wee to Imperial University’s design department, Noe. I look forward to seeing your work”
Thank you, Principal.”
Garrick smiled, then turned his attention to the stage as he was introduced by the host.
The spotlight was on Garrick as he began his rousing speech, the auditorium filled with notable
alumni heating up with his every word.
Noe offered a candid assessment. “He’d be great at selling pyramid schemes.”
Her tone left no doubt about her opinion of Garrick’s character.
Indeed, his oratory skills moved many in the audience to tears, stirring even ra to nod in
agreement.
Only Malvina, the academic cker, yawned repeatedly, her head bobbing until she dozed off,
using Noe’s shoulder as a pillow.
Garrick nced down from the stage. “We have the honor of having the virtuoso Master Rainer
perform for our opening ceremony
The crowd erupted in excitement. Master Rainer was pend
Mizar worked her way through the crowd to Noe, whispel Boss, there’s been a hup with Master
Rainer, a traffic jam’s holding things up, and he might not make it.”
The assistant humed onto the stage, and Garrick, too, had heard the news.
“Master Rainer is stuck in traffic and may not make it. As we wait, please enjoy some of the other
performances.”
Everyone knew the traffic in Imperial City could be a nightmare, taking hours to clean up.
The auditorium was filled with a variety of performances prepared by the students in advance.
Backstage, the principal’s assistant pped his hands. “Ready everyone? You’re up soon. Give it
your best and make the school proud!”
Oriana was beaming as she prepared for her turn. She had been practicing tirelessly for this
moment, eager to showcase her talents in front of the aplished audience. What a boost for her
future prospects!
Pity that the whole Schnabel family showed up except for Stirling. If only he could see her shine on
stage..
Oriana was set to perform a piano solo.
Malvina, waking up during the performance, yawned.
“This piano ying is… beginner level, a bit heavy–handed.”
Noe raised an eyebrow. “You know about piano?”
10:26
“I can’t y, but I can listen. Arthur Invested a lot in me, hoping to cash in someday. Too bad he got
locked up first, hah
Melving was spot–on. Oriann’s no ying wasmendable among students but indeed
showed signs of forcefulness.
Maybe it was Noe’s imagination, but during the performance. Ona seemed to nce her way
now and then. Noa couldn’t recall knowing this student before.
After the piece, Oriana lingered on stage, her eyes challenging Noe.
“Principal, I heard Noe was a special admit. I wonder if she has any talents to share?”
Garrick was taken aback but looked at Noe with a smile. “Noe, would you like to perform as
well?”
Noe’s expression was cool. “No, thank you”
Oriana’s smile grew more smug.
Just as she thought- Ms. Schnabel had no real talents and must have gotten into Imperial University
through her family’s influence. Such a person didn’t deserve to be associated with Stirling!
Noe felt the inexplicable hostility emanating from Oriana and quirked an eyebrow.
Was this person for real?
Mizar whispered to Noe, “Boss, that gal was just talking smack about you. She seemed to be a
fan of your brother, Stirling.”
Surling’s fan?
How did that exin her hostility?
Garrick sensed the strange tension in the air and smoothly changed the subject
“Since we’ve got the chance here, why don’t you take the stage, Noe? Anything is fine. This
stage is all yours – it’s all about the youth these days!”
As he spoke, many in the crowd started pping in agreement.
Marcel frowned. “Garrick, seriously? You’re an old man. What’s with the kick you get out of
watching kids perform?”
Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.
Was Garrick actually going to push Noe onto the stage against her will?
Garrick smiled, his tone gentle but firm. “Come on, Marcel, Noe’s gonna be a student at our
university soon enough. It wouldn’t hurt to get acquainted with everyone early! The youth are the
dawn of a new era. If she’s shy now, what’s she gonna do on the world stageter? You can coddle
them now, but you can’t make all their decisions for themter, right?”
Noe raised an eyebrow
So, not getting up there wouldbel her as stage–shy? It seemed Garrick was dead set on her
doing a show.