The Killer Queen

In the surveillance room, the screen clearly showed a car losing control, bursting out of the parking lot, slamming into the guardrails on either side of the road before careening down the tree–lined avenuet

The logistics personnel retrieving the footage were visibly nervous,

On one hand, an incident like this happening within the college’s premises was unthinkable. If it blew up, the consequences would be dire. On the other hand, Beckett’s presence behind them was overwhelmingly intimidating!

Despite Beckett’s politeness and somewhat courteous demeanor, the aura he exuded sent shivers down their spines.

Beckett pointed at the screen. “Rewind it, to the frame at four minutes and fifteen seconds, please.”

In the rewound footage, a figure suddenly appeared in the tree–lined avenue, seated in a wheelchair. This sudden appearance was due to Lorne initially being in the car but then deciding to disembark and proceed in the wheelchair.

Beckett frowned. “Ms. Darcy, I don’t recall the graduate school being on this route.”

Noella was coming to Imperial University, and the Schnabel family had scrutinized every possible route through the college the night before.

Beckett always liked to have everything under his control.

Darcy nodded. “Maybe, Lorne wanted to enjoy the view?”

Indeed, Imperial University, being an established institution, boasted beautiful scenery. But how could someone fresh off the surgery table enjoying the scenery?

“He should be in intensive care at this time, not out sightseeing. It would be more fitting for him to visit the River Styx at this rate. Please copy this video for me; I will pursue legal action against the driver and the college.”

Sweat beaded on the logistics personnel’s forehead. At this moment, they couldn’t muster the courage to suggest that Beckett should let the college off the hook, given it was indeed a lapse in the college’s oversight!

Darcy looked at Beckett with a gentle tone. “Mr. Schnabel, it’s right to hold the college accountable, but wouldn’t this affect Noella, given she’s still studying here?”

“There are colleges all over the world; Noella can choose any. She doesn’t need to stay at one that nearly had her in an accident!”

Beckett’s tone was sharp, veins throbbing on his hand. His temper, which had been soothed by Noella, flared up again upon seeing the footage.

Had Noella not reacted swiftly, would she be the one lying in the hospital now?

“Mr. Schnabel, perhaps we could calm down a bit. Accidents can happen due to human error at any college, right?”

Beckett’s gaze paused, the aura of authority around him palpable as his eyes swept over Darcy before retracting.

10-18ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“What do you mean? Are you suggesting this was deliberately orchestrated?”

“From the video, it’s not hard to infer that this accident was likely aimed at Noella.”

Beckett’s assistant entered from outside, leaning in. “Mr. Schnabel, the driver has been revived. He confessed to intentionally targeting Ms. Noella after seeing those rumors about her online.”

Due to baseless rumors? Someone attempted to harm Noella with a vehicle on campus?

Beckett scoffed. “Dig deeper and include the Richardson family in the investigation. I want to see who’s so relentless in chasing after Noella, not resting until they see her harmed!”

“Yes, also, Mr. Pollack called to say Ms. Noella is with him and asked you not to worry.”

After Noella left the campus, she got straight into Palmer’s car. Somehow, Palmer knew about the incident and had his assistant inform Beckett’s.

Beckett’s mood visibly improved.

Even in such a trivial matter, Palmer made it a point to notify him, clearly showing he cared for his sister!

Exiting the surveillance room, Beckett said sternly, “Ms. Darcy, would you mind showing me around the campus? We don’t have to visit everywhere, just the places Noella frequents for her classes.”

His tone was strictly professional, his gaze exceptionally cold, as if they were strangers.

“Ms. Darcy, if you’re busy, feel free to call another teacher, preferably one from Noella’s major.”

His words set clear boundaries; his invitation was solely because Darcy was Noella’s professor.

The logistics director eagerly pushed Darcy forward. “Of course, Ms. Darcy’s free after this!”

The director gestured to Darcy with exaggerated facial expressions.

They needed to appease this influential figure! If Rising Glory Group and the Schnabel Group really sued the college and it escalated, the college would suffer!

Forget about Darcy having no classes; now, even if she did, she’d have to accompany Beckett on a campus tour!

With no choice, Darcy reluctantly agreed, only to look up and find Beckett striding ahead.

Darcy then led Beckett around the academic building.

“Freshman classes are usually held in the auditorium. Noella has waived many courses, so you might just want to visit the main academic building, Mr. Schnabel.”

Since Noella didn’t stay in the dorms, there was no need to visit the student housing.

Beckett mentioned, “And the canteen.”

Given Beckett’s meticulous care for Noella, it made sense to inspect the canteen.

Imperial University had several canteens, and the one closest to the Design Academy was bustling with students. The dozen or so food stalls offered a wide variety of meals.

Beckett, still in his upscale suit, exuded a model–like grace with every move, drawing the gaze of many students as he entered.

He remained unfazed, his gaze serene. “Ms. Darcy, did you bring your faculty card?”

10:18

“Mr. Schnabel, are you planning to dine here?”

Darcy nearly bit her tongue in shock!

Beckett, a name that shines bright on the list of influential young tycoons, stooping down ag duw ing college canteen? It boggled the mind. The cost of a meal here probably wouldn’t even cover the poe cup of coffee for Beckett

“If Noella finds this place good enough to eat, I should definitely give it a try. Don’t worry about the cous consider it my treat,” he said.

Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. So, it was all about Noella. For a moment there, she thought Becher pos actually going to join her for a meal in the canteen.

Darcy quickly waved her hands. “Oh, no, I insist, Mr. Schnabel, Let me treat. The food here is super affordable! What would you like to have, Mr. Schnabel?”

“Anything’s fine. Whatever your are having, get me the same.”

He wasn’t sure what Noella would choose if she were eating at the canteen,

Beckett finished his meal quickly and casually picked up a call from Elara,

Elara’s voice sounded a bit down, with a hint of tears in it!

“Beckett, there’s been an incident at the lab, and I need a few days off to go home and rest. Could you

come to pick me up?”

“Sure, wait for me at your office, I’ll be right there,” Beckett didn’t ask for details.

He stood up, picked up his tray. “This meal’s on Ms. Darcy, Next time, it’s my turn to treat Ms. Darcy, I’ve

got to run now!”

Watching Beckett casually take his tray to the collection point by the door and leave without looking back, one could only wonder. His rush… was he going to pick up his fiancée?

Suddenly, Darcy found the food in her mouth tasteless.