The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Sienna's phone buzzed with a message, and she was instantly fueled with righteous anger. With rapid-fire thumbs, she hammered out a response. "Even if my daughter-in-law isn't perfect, she's only 'afflicting' my son, and that's our business, not yours!"

"My son finally finds a girl who's willing to settle for him, and you've got the nerve to criticize? Mind your own beeswax!"

Still fuming, Sienna couldn't resist checking out the profile of her critic. She bypassed their other posts until one caught her eye-a snide comment about a female celebrity being 'a bit chubby'.

Sienna couldn't hold back, typing swiftly: "Oh, like you're so slim? You probably don't weigh more than a feather!"

After posting, she grumbled, "Why's everyone picking on the poor girl? She's talented and doesn't even mind our son's quirks!"

The thought of a public proposal was beyond Sienna; she'd never have the nerve herself!

Tristan, her husband, seemed cautious. "Honey, aren't you worried this girl might actually be trouble?"

"Trouble? As if your 'mom issues' aren't a bigger problem?" Sienna shot back, leaving Tristan speechless.

The reference to 'mom issues' was a sore spot-Tristan's dad had made some questionable choices in his day.

Despite past drama with Ashlyn, Sienna still worried about her eldest.

"Time to book flights home!" she declared.

Then, another message popped up.

"She can't have kids. Looks like your Schnabel lineage is doomed!"

Sienna's eyes widened in shock. No children?

"If our daughter-in-law can't have kids, we'll just have to nurture her health. Could it be a cold womb or something congenital?" The concern was palpable in her voice.

Another message arrived, hinting at a past abortion. Sienna relaxed slightly.

"A past child means it's not a congenital issue! Looks like we need to focus on improving her overall health."

Tristan tiptoed around the subject. "Sweetheart, you're not holding this against our future daughter-in-law, are you?"

Sienna pocketed her phone. "Our son chose her. Whatever she's like, it's his decision. With Beckett's judgment, do you really think he'd choose poorly?"

Becoming the Schnabel family's matriarch wasn't easy!Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"I don't buy into this gossip, nor do I doubt our future daughter-in-law. But I trust our children."

At the proposal scene, Noella was still seated, her keen eye for people evident.

Sienna trusted Beckett and Noella's judgment, preferring not to meddle in their affairs.

Tristan suggested they treat this as a vacation instead of getting involved. "Let's enjoy ourselves. The kids will figure it out."

That thought alone was enough to convince Sienna.

Meanwhile, Beckett, fresh from a jewelry exhibition, listened to Sienna's voicemail.

"Son, just give Mom a heads-up when you're getting married. I've prepared some nutritious meals.for Darcy. And Noella looks a bit thin; it worries me. Take care of your siblings, love you."

Despite the concern, the selfies of Sienna and Tristan enjoying their island getaway spoke volumes of their current mood.

Last was a snapshot of the gossip that had reached Sienna, imagining her voice as he read it made Beckett smirk, replying, "Got it."

Exiting the venue, Marisol was still buzzing with excitement at having met the famous designer, who was also Mr. Schnabel's sister-in-law. "Darcy, would you consider joining our company?"

Darcy laughed. "I've already agreed with Noella. Aside from schoolwork, I'll provide designs as long as you have the materials I need." "Don't worry, we'll get you whatever you need. If we can't find it, I'll dig up the mines myself!"

Darcy was amused. "No need to go that far!"

Looking around, Darcy noticed Dalia was missing. "Where's my sister? She should be heading to the hospital with her injury."

Noella noticed a group huddled in a dimly lit alley, playing cards near a dumpster. "What are you all doing?"

"Playing cards!" came the cheerful reply.

When Noella mentioned she had

things to handle, Beckett agreed to take Marisol home, his gaze lingering on the group Noella called friends-members of the Polaris Star.

Beckett offered help if needed, but

learned they were waiting f

Pollack, another twist that left

Beckett pondering his place in

Noella's adventurous world.

Beckett's gaze sharpened, "Here's my business card. Call me when you need me, Noella. A million per case!"

"Deal! Mr. Schnabel, you're now our top-tier VIP client!"

Watching Megrez skillfully hustle Beckett, Noella lifted her foot and kicked him lightly.

"Beat it."

"Beckett, don't mind him, it's all business talk. Last time, Azure's shipment got held up at customs, and there are still some loose ends to tie up." Noella's expression remained calm, "Darcy, I've sent Dalia back to the gallery. A client requested her expertise for a project, I'll call you back later." Darcy, aware of Noella's healing skills and knowing Dalia was nearly recovered, was just a bit anxious.

"That's a relief, you know best, I trust you!"

"Thanks, Darcy, I'll head out then."

As Noella turned to leave with Megrez and the others, Beckett couldn't help but think how his sister had grown up with these folks...

A pang of emotion hit him, and Beckett said, "Noella, invite your friends over for dinner sometime, my treat!"

Noella's face lit up with a warm smile!

The others turned around, echoing in unison, "Thanks, Beckett! We'll definitely come!"