The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

In the vastness of the Sahara, Cressida and Dalia had been wandering in circles for what felt like an eternity.

"This place is a nightmare. We thought we'd find our way out multiple times, only to realize we were walking in circles!"

"That's what happens when rookies like you dare to come treasure hunting in the desert."

Stirling, with a swift motion, dismounted his camel, patting its back affectionately. The large animal obediently bowed down.

Turning to Dalia and the other women in the group, Stirling said, "There are a few more camels following us. Ladies, please ride the camels; the rest can walk with me."

Seeing the men hesitating to speak, Stirling raised an eyebrow.

"Any objections?"

The men quickly shook their heads.

"None at all! We've got the physical advantage; it wouldn't be fair to make the ladies suffer. Besides, Mr. Schnabel would have our heads if we did!"

They were all employees of Noella, and now was not the time to mess up!

Stirling bent down, scooping up a handful of sand, "We're heading east. Where's Mr. Schnabel?"

"At the edge of the desert. We have a base there!"

Stirling nodded, "Then we better hurry. It's getting dark."

The group followed Stirling without delay.

...

Meanwhile, at the edge of the Sahara.

Noella's slender hands were wrapped around a pair of military binoculars, her brows furrowed in concern.

"I'm going to find them. If we delay any further, they might die out there."

"That's too risky, Mr. Schnabel. The desert is vast, and you have no clue where they are. What if you run into danger?"

Noella insisted, "If I don't go, they'll definitely be in danger."

The group was visibly anxious, but none would let Noella venture into the Sahara.

"Step aside. They're my employees; I can't abandon them!"

"Mr. Schnabel, the rescue team is already on it. Let's wait a bit longer, shall we?"

As dusk approached, the desert became an even more perilous place.

The distant sound of camel bells echoed, and slowly, a group emerged from the heart of the Sahara.

The man leading the group was imposing, dressed in military attire that barely concealed his powerful build.

A dangerous man, indeed!

Noella squinted her eyes, her gaze shifting until it landed on a familiar face.

The sun-kissed face, still handsome and bright, was smiling in a way that tugged at her heartstrings. Those eyes, even brighter than years before, radiated confidence and charm.

Stirling let go of the camel's reins and opened his arms wide.

"Didn't expect a greeting from your brother?"

"Stirling!"

After a hearty hug and twirl, Stirling gestured towards the group behind him, "Your kids, I've brought them back. Some are close to dehydration; they need medical attention."

"Right away!"

The Schnabel family had a professional medical team on standby. The missing employees were quickly taken care of, with a long list of check-ups arranged.

Among them, Dalia was in relatively good shape. Seeing Stirling embracing Noella, she exclaimed, "Oh my, you're Stirling!"

Years ago, when Stirling announced his temporary departure from the entertainment industry after his last TV show, it caused quite a stir.

Rumors had been swirling that Stirling had left to take over the family business.

Fans were nearly heartbroken, and as time passed with no sight of Stirling, wild theories emerged, including one that he had fallen seriously ill or

worse...

The rumors were outrageous!

With such a stark difference from the heartthrob of years past, Dalia could hardly believe this was the same Stirling!

"It's me. I happened to be coming from a military assignment when I stumbled upon you all."

Noella breathed a sigh of relief.

"Without you, they might not have made it today."

Stirling glanced at Noella, noting how she had grown even more beautiful and commanding, her presence reminiscent of Palmer's.

"They were lucky, but even if they hadn't run into me, you would have gone in after them!"

Stirling's certainty was palpable.

"You think so?"

"You, my dear... I had hoped that by now, I would have surpassed you."

Stirling's tone was one of defeat.

He had undergone rigorous training in the Sahara, arranged by the Schnabel family, starting from the basics and completing all tests to earn his medals.

Yet, upon finishing, he was told all his records were second-best.

First place belonged to Noella, who had once ventured into the Sahara on a whim...

Staring at the wall, where a photo of his sister, nonchalantly holding her medal, hung, Stirling felt a mix of pride and melancholy.

Noella smiled, "That's all in the past. I heard you broke many records. Impressive!"

The Sahara training camp's commander kept in touch with Noella and had looked out for Stirling over the years.

In the exercises Noella hadn't participated in, Stirling's name topped the record charts.

Shaking his head, Stirling replied, "That's history. How's the family?"

"Everyone's good. Mom and Dad miss you. We watch your movies and TV shows every day."

Sienna missed Stirling so much she even watched his horror movies multiple times and didn't skip his animated voiceovers!

Stirling laughed heartily, "I miss you all too! I came as soon as I heard you were here."

"And Yasbel?"

While Stirling was training in the

Sahara, Yasbel had been planning a

new project in the Sahara, so Noella

handed her the task of liaising with the training camp.

Mentioning Yasbel, Stirling awkwardly touched his nose.

"Ahem... We had a fight. She said she needed some space to cool off, but the Sahara wasn't cool enough, so she headed to Antarctica."

A literal cool-off!

Noella burst into laughter.

"Don't worry, Polaris Star has a new project down in Antarctica."

"I know, the brothers-in-law told me."

Hearing Stirling's nickname for the Polaris Star crew, Noella couldn't help but facepalm.

When word got out that Yasbel and Stirling were dating, the whole Polaris Star gang insisted on vetting Stirling to see if he was good enough for Yasbel!

One thing led to another, and they became his "brothers-in-law"...

The kind that always takes Stirling's side in any argument!

"What's next for you, Stirling?"

"Acting! It's been ages since I've acted, and I'm itching to get back Yasbel has written so many scripts these past years that I absolutely adore. It's a shame I haven't been able to perform in any."

Yasbel would always share their scripts with Stirling.

Initially, it was to keep him entertained, but it eventually turned into performing scenes together in the desert!

That was when Stirling realized how much he truly loved Yasbel. Everything he wanted to do was about being a better person for Yasbel! Stirling knew Noella was worried about him spending years in the desert training camp, fearing he might lose sight of his passion.

She also feared he might have developed some psychological issues from the experience. Sensing his sister's subtle yet omnipresent concern, Stirling felt deeply warmed.

"Don't think I didn't notice. You've been secretly having them look out for me, even sneaking extra chicken legs into my meals!"

"I did it for everyone, not just you."

But, of course, it all started with wanting to give Stirling something extra!

Stirling patted Noella on the head.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

"Now, the most important thing is to head home!"