The Killer Queen

Word was out that the Schnabel family’s daughter was throwing a birthday bash, and the whole upper– crust circle was buzzing about it!

Briony got wind of it, too, and looking at the extravaganza posted by some social media influencers on her phone, she was so green with envy she could barely straighten her face.

“Mom, what’s the big deal with this Schnabel family anyway? They throw a birthday party for their daughter and casually snap up Serene Haven’s top–tier penthouse. I heard they dropped a whopping 1.5 billion on the purchase and the decor.”

Belinda peeled off her face mask and massaged the wrinkles by her eyes.

“The Schnabels are no small potatoes, sweetheart. They’re top dogs In Imperial City. Honey, did you square things away with Milford about tying the knot?”

Briony blushed and nodded.

“Yeah, Milford said once he’s back in tip–top shape, we’ll get engaged.”

“That’s my girl!”

Milford was such a catch, and Belinda wouldn’t rest easy until he was officially part of the family.

Just thinking about Milford’s tenderness made Briony utterly contented..

Vincent had just walked in when Briony pounced on him. “Dad, I wanna buy a necklace for when I get engaged.”

“Sure thing, pumpkin. Dad’s got you covered!”

“Thanks, Dad! Three million should do it!”

Vincent was flabbergasted. “What kind of necklace costs three million? Briony, our money doesn’t grow on trees. Don’t splurge like that or try to keep up with the Joneses. Every penny we have, I’ve worked my fingers to the bone for!”

Briony felt wronged to her core.

Why should Ms. Schnabel get to flaunt necklaces worth several hundred million dollars at just a birthday party?

And her spending three million on a necklace was considered wasteful?

Vincent’s phone started ringing.

“Mr. Lambert, our latest project tanked, and the losses are hefty…”

“Oh, flops happen. What’s the word from North Peak Finance?”

The failed investment didn’t faze Vincent; he was used to his ventures bombing eight or ten

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times a year. With North Peak Finance and South Mountain Financial backing him, the Lambert family never worried about finding new partners.

The secretary’s voice wavered. “Other companies have cut ties with us.”

“Let them go. A bunch of snobs! With North Peak and South Mountain behind the Lambert Group, what’s there to worry about?”

North Peak Finance, a rising star in the domestic financing scene, had quickly carved out a niche in the market with its sharp investment acumen and solid capital chain, snapping up several mega–deals.

South Mountain Financial just a notch below the big monopolies in Imperial City, had opened an oil mine in the North Sea last year. With projects flowing like water, everyone was eager to cozy up to them for a partnership.

With North Peak and South Mountain itching to collaborate with the Lambert Group, there was no shortage of companies licking their boots.

“Mr. Lambert, North Peak and South Mountain are suing us. They say our investment losses are too severe, and they’re going after us legally!”

“What did you say?” Vincent leaped off the couch in a panic.

“Have North Peak and South Mountain lost their minds?”

Sure, their contract had risk clauses, but they had never been enforced.

“And West Ocean Media is demanding 300 million dollars in damages, claiming our movie ventures have caused them significant losses.”

West Ocean Media was a big–name production house in Imperial City.

Vincent had invested in a few movies, using West Ocean talent and directors, but he had replaced a few leads with his pet models, relegating West Ocean’s award–winning stars to supporting roles for his arm candy.

“They didn’t mention this before. Why are they asking for money now?”

“East Sea Culture Company is also on our case for compensation, saying that the artists we sent over have caused them public disgrace with their unseemly behavior.”

Vincent was stunned!

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Sure, he had sent some models over to East Sea Culture Company, hoping to launch his pets into stardom and save himself some cash. But their off–screen antics weren’t exactly squeaky clean, tarnishing East Sea’s reputation.

“Why is everyone shaking us down? Get the lawyers on it! I want to meet with these companies‘ bigwigs in person!”

This had to be some sort of mistake!

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He must still be half–asleep; otherwise, why would he be bombarded with these breach–of–contract bombshells.

“Our legal team got slammed with a lawsuit from Jasper’s firm for copyright infringement.”

Vincent felt like he was about to pass out on the spot!

The Lambert family’s legal department usually went for whatever docs they could get their hands on – all for free, of course.

And Jasper’s legal documents were everywhere; any case worth its salt was his handiwork… Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

To even peek at Jasper’s docs, you had to pay a copyright fee to his firm something Vincent never did.

Just looking at a document cost a hundred grand!

Vincent gritted his teeth. “Get our legal eagles on it. If we have to pay, we pay. Get finance to release the funds.”

“Mr. Lambert, about that money you said you’d send to fix up roads and signal towers back home, finance has already wired it out. We’re a bit tight on funds right now.”

Vincent was baffled. “When did I ever say I’d fix up roads back home?”

What was the point of paving that backwater place? No media would ever sing his praises for

that!

“Your videos got blasted all over the web! I thought that’s what you wanted.”

Vincent hastily hung up the call and hit up the trending topics online.

[Rural Entrepreneur Reminisces Hometown, Splurges Five Mil on Roads and Towers]

His disheveled and down–and–dirty ‘king of the hill‘ act in front of Maddox was caught on camera and thrown up on the internet.

And there were a bunch of comments about his bald spot, too.

And just his luck, the video got him loud and clear, talking about building roads‘ and signal towers for his hometown!

Five million bucks!

What kind of road costs five million?

“Hit up those four company heads for me, will ya? I’m heading to the office, gotta invite them out for a bite.”

There were too many companies; the thought of treating each separately was making Vincent’s wallet cry. Anyway, they were all chummy the last time they talked business.

“Let’s hit up that joint we went to last time; it’s easy on the wallet.”

“Got it, I’m on it.”

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After hanging up. Vincent took a deep breath. Those companies must have lost their marbles! All teaming up to hit him with claims!

and

Crunching the numbers, the Lambert family would be dead broke after paying up downgraded to second–rate status. They would never be able to hold their heads high in Tranquility City again.

“Briony, reach out to the Rosenberg family and see if they can give us a hand.

“Sure thing. Dad. I’ll call Milford right away; he’s got our back!”

Thinking of Milford, Vincent’s mood lifted.

Such a stellar son–in–law, secretly helping with the old house repairs–there was no way he would sit out on this. With the Rosenberg family’s help, the Lambert family would surely weather the storm!

At Serene Haven.

Dominating the heart of Serene Haven, the two towers complemented each other perfectly. looking from above like a dragon and phoenix in harmony.

Dragon Tower, snapped up by Palmer.

Phoenix Tower, acquired by the Schnabel family as a birthday gift for Noella.

Bright and early, it was all buzz and bustle in front of Phoenix Tower.

All the big shots from Imperial City were hustling over with gifts for Noella!

Just peep the scene, and one would know how much Noella was the golden girl. Anyone who could snag a ride on Ms. Schnabel’s coattails was set for life!