The Killer Queen

The spread prepared by Maddox was simple, but the home–cooked meals carried a warmth reminiscent of a quaint countryside.

Palmer savored each dish meticulously, as if reliving paths Noella had once wandered.

The modest garden was but a small patch of earth beneath a sprawling canopy of stars that invited one to get lost in their beauty.

“You must have been quite the picky eater as a child, eh?”

“How did you know?”

Palmer gestured to the meal. “These dishes look like they were plated separately. I saw Maddox with garlic and breadcrumbs on him earlier. Was he making pasties? Since he didn’t serve them, it means he knows you don’t like them.”

Those who remembered what she didn’t favor obviously catered to her palate when preparing other foods.

Old Mrs. Lambert never grumbled about her pickiness, except to joke that it might stunt her growth, yet she always cooked to her liking.

Now, the Schnabel family also remembered her preferences!

Noella gazed at her plate. The chicken legs and wings were deboned, leaving succulent meat that melted in her mouth. The golden broth, enriched with local herbs, was exceptionally delicious.

Perhaps the man before her was also the one who remembered what she loved most!

After the meal, Maddox came in to clear the dishes, lamp in hand. He checked Verdant Garden’s wiring, then slapped his forehead. “Shoot, Ms. Noella, seems like we got a bit of an electrical issue. Shall I get someone to fix it tomorrow?”

In his mind, a power outage meant fumbling in the dark, hands brushing against each other, and accidental collisions in the cramped space…

Just thinking about this scene alone made Maddox exited!

Old Mrs. Lambert used to say that Noella was too stubborn, and that she would definitely become impatient when it came to dating in the future. The strategies he’s using now were all agreed upon back then!

Maddox chuckled to himself, thinking of Old Mrs. Lambert’s spirit laughing along from above.

Noella frowned slightly and approached the fuse box. Lifting her phone flashlight, she inspected the wiring closely.

“Ms. Noella, it’s an old house; wiring issues are expected. Don’t bother with it; I’ll have the village electrician take a look tomorrow.”

“I remember we have some tools for fixing this stuff,” Noella replied, heading to fetch them.

Maddox didn’t think much of it, knowing that Noella studied design and probably knew nothing about electrical work.

Noella climbed the ladder, donning insulating gloves, and examined the circuitry closely.

Palmer steadied her by the waist, sending an electric jolt through her that almost felt like a short circuit. As if sparks invisible in the night burst forth, scattering ripples of light.

“Be careful. Let me do it if you can’t see well.

Noella’s cheeks flushed inexplicably. “You know how to do this?”

“I had to practice a lot outdoors for my graduate studies. Did I ever mention I designed Dragon Tower’s wiring myself? Maybe you would like to see it sometime?”

Serene Haven’s tower, bought by Palmer and the Schnabels, was always brilliantly lit, its lights. shining like fireworks.

“Beckett said the Dragon Tower’s lights are too flashy, like a peacock’s display.”

Palmer’s smile froze in an instant. He had personally designed the lighting but rarely turned it on. Now Sexton insisted on lighting it up every night, hoping Noella would feel the warmth of the Pollack family. Sexton believed that Noella might decide to join their family because of the beautiful lights.

Noella examined the circuit board’s angle plate and chips, frowning slightly. “Has someone tampered with this?”

The angle plate was clearly warped, as if deliberately damaged with pliers.

Maddox was shocked: she could tell it was sabotaged! He had caused the damage himself just moments before.

“Ah, no. Just an old circuit shorting out on its own, nothing serious!”

“The diodes and capacitors need replacing too. Pass me the tools.” Noella took the tools from Palmer, her flashlight illuminating the circuit. She quickly fixed the wiring using the tools at hand.

When she flipped the breaker, a warm yellow light filled the house. Old Mrs. Lambert’s portrait in the hall seemed more peaceful than ever.

Maddox truly hadn’t expected Noella to be so handy!

After inspecting her work, Noella said, “Tomorrow, have an electrician replace some parts. Many are worn.”

“Sure, Ms. Noella. You and the young master rest up; I’ll prepare your bed.”

Maddox was inwardly disappointed; if only Ms. Noella couldn’t fix the wiring, they would have had a romantic evening in the dark! Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Noella’s room was small, with just a desk and a twin bed. A tiny wardrobe stood against one wall, and in front of it hung a full–length mirror framed with dried flowers.

Noella touched the mirror gently. “Grandma said all girls love to look pretty, so she bought this mirror especially for me.”

Palmer surveyed the cozy room, feeling a bit cramped with his height. The night breeze wafted through the window, filling the room with a sweet fragrance.

“Your grandma cared a lot for you. She’s watching over you now, content in heaven.”

Noella nodded, a touch of melancholy in her gesture.

If only Grandma were still here!

Maddox peeked his head out from the neighboring room. “Ms. Noella, sorry for the inconvenience, but it looks like the young master will have to bunk with you tonight. The floor in Old Mrs. Lambert’s room has been chewed up by mice.”

Noella’s room wasn’t exactly spacious, and accommodating Palmer meant relegating him to the narrow hallway.

She eyed the corridor with a sense of claustrophobia just thinking about it, let alone how Palmer’s frame would fit in that space – he’d hardly have room to roll over.

She turned to Palmer. “Or maybe you could sleep in the car?”

Palmer looked at her with a hint of a pout in his voice, slightly nasal. “Noella, I drove a convertible. Sure, it’s got a roof, but it’s no place to sleep.”

Noella was at a loss for words. She had completely forgotten that Palmer drove a sports car! The temperature in the mountains fluctuated wildly between day and night, and it was particularly chilly in the evenings. If Palmer spent the night in the car, he’d surely catch a cold – not to mention that his model–like stature would never fit in a two–seater sports car.

Maddox quickly interjected, “Ms. Noella, I’ll just set up a makeshift bed for Mr. Pollack in your room, eh? Right next to the bed, it’ll be roomy!”

Roomy, indeed. It was the kind of ‘roomy‘ where Palmer could do a half–turn and find his face smushed against the wall!