The Killer Queen (Noella Briony) novel Chapter 298

The car pulled up to the hospital, its journey coming to an end.

It wasn't until the final stitch was placed that Noella finally allowed herself a moment of relief.

"We nailed it. Time to update the family."

Calvin looked over at Noella, thoroughly perplexed by her genius.

How could someone so young, barely in her twenties, command the operating room with such calm and precision? Here he was, merely her assistant, marveling at her every move.

As he observed another successful surgery, Calvin found himself continuously astounded by Noella's prowess.

Noticing Noella's scrubs soaked with sweat, he urged her to go freshen up.

With the operation room lights dimmed, Calvin, mask in hand, walked out to face a crowd eagerly awaiting news.

Having spent extensive time operating alongside Noella, Calvin had mastered the art of delivering updates.

"She's doing well, but we'll need to keep a close eye on her. She's been moved to the ICU, equipped with the latest tech."

Elara, anxiety written all over her face, asked, "How's my sister?"

"She's changing. We're all pretty spent. The patient should wake up within a week, and we'll monitor her closely."

"Thank you, Professor Calvin!"

"It's what we do."

Jasper pulled Elara into a comforting embrace, her tears soaking his suit. "There, there, I'm here now. Your mom's going to be okay, sweetheart."

Elara, unable to speak, let her fears and frustrations flow freely.

"Jasper, I'm so scared. Scared for Noella, scared that I made her agree to Lorne's demands. I feel so powerless."

"I understand, and it's okay. You're concerned for Noella and your mom, right? But you, Elara, are stronger than you think. No more tears."

Beckett gently patted Elara's shoulder, his voice soothing. "You've done incredibly well, Elara. Leave the rest to us."

Nodding, Elara let her worries dissolve into Jasper's suit.

...

In the dimly lit hospital stairwell, the sudden flick of a lighter sliced through the darkness. Noella looked up to see a man standing above, his cigarette briefly illuminating his face.

"Why are you here?"

Palmer took a drag, then crushed the cigarette underfoot, his gaze locking with Noella's as he ascended the steps.

"I figured you'd be here."

Noella's eyes flickered as she watched the man approaching her step by step. "How did you know?"

"Just a guess."

Actually, upon arriving at the hospital and noticing Noella’s absence, Palmer knew she would be here. Between them, they already shared a deeper connection than she had realized.

"And how did you know I’d be atop that building?"

Noella stayed silent, locking eyes with the intense gaze before her. The man standing in front of her boasted impeccably sculpted features, resembling a work of art, with sharply defined and handsome contours, and piercing eyes.

"I guessed." Palmer chuckled softly, opening his arms, unaware of the tenderness in his gaze. "Mind the smoke?"