The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 11

“The Schnabel family is steeped in culture and high society. Where did this wild and unruly girl come from, daring to butt in even on my own sister? Just looking at her brings bad vibes.”

Stirling, with a flourish, served Noella a bowl of soup using the fancy gold–plated serving spoon. rolling his beautiful eyes in the process.

“Seriously, who knows who’s fresh off the turnip truck, being spoon–fed by Mother Nature herself. With your bumpkin vibes, you could go back to the countryside and get straight onto farming.”

Yvonne was at a loss for words. Her hands, clad in lace–trimmed white gloves, tightened around the hem of her dress, her facial expression contorting.

“Stirling. Jasper, I’m just looking out for Noella. Why are you being like this? I’m part of the Schnabel family, too. I just want us to be a harmonious and beautiful family. Grandma was worried about Noella not knowing the ropes and sent me here on purpose.”

When Ashlyn was mentioned, everyone held their tongues.

Yvonne was an outsider, but Ashlyn was, after all, their elder.

The Schnabel family was all about strict upbringing; elders were to be respected.

Tristan waved his hand impatiently. “Noella’s got her head on straight; she’s awesome. The whole family adores her. Just head back, will you? Don’t disrupt our family dinner.”

Yvonne’s eyes bulged in disbelief. She had deliberately stood at the entrance for half an hour. timing her entrance with dinner, just to show off her impeccable table manners compared to country–bumpkin Noella.

That way, the Schnabels would see that she was the perfect fit for the family.

Why do they still side with Noella, knowing full well she was rough around the edges?

Was this all about blood? So what if she didn’t have it?

Yvonne, her face burning with shame, stormed out.

Ulrich, with his golden hands, peeled a plate of crab meat for Noella and passed it over with a beaming smile. “Give it a try.”

The crab meat was succulent, the roe rich and flavorful.

“Delicious,” said Noella.

Tristan smiled. “Honey, just tell us whatever you like. As Jasper said, from now on, you will set the rules in this house. Mom and Dad will listen to you.”

Sienna said lovingly, “Don’t take Yvonne’s words to heart. She’s no relation to our family. She bears the Schnabel surname because your grandma does. You’re the only daughter of our

household.”

Noella nodded, feeling the warmth of the Schnabels‘ protection–something she had never experienced in eighteen years with the Lambert family.

“Thanks, Mom, Dad, and brothers. I’ll remember that.”

Yvonne left in a huff, not a single tear on her face.

Hunger pangs gnawing at her stomach, she wandered through the vast Schnabel garden. nearly getting lost.

group of servants planting new flowers. Yvonne asked curiously, “What’s

Noella likes roses. Mr. Tristan has ordered us to clear all the flowers in this courtyard and plant roses for her. Oh, and the lilies over there. are to be removed too. Mr. Tristan bought some red maple trees from Kanada, and

was stunned. Those lilies were her favorite!

would swing among them every year. How could everything be snatched away just

scurried

There’s trouble. Mom,

indifferently,

finally blurted out with determination, “Elara, don’t you want to know why you were switched at

eyeing her experimental data, retorted, “As if you can find something out with your brains. Go work

Yvonne’s face twisted in

always at odds with her since childhood,

Yvonne dashed off

the Heartfelt Orphanage

barely eighteen and had no time

drive, she didn’t want to worry the Schnabels, so she took

the suburbs, surrounded by a private

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Chapter 11

sea

rang out. Her instincts had her swiftly pressing against the wall concealing hersel

“Damn that Vocalist,

get to Harmonia Country? If we’d known he was here, we’d never have

he spots us, we’re

hitmen were well–trained and quick on their feet, but not quicker than Vocalist’s bullets.

and the four

features. He was dressed in a vintage vest and

again, Wise Fool.”

furrowing slightly. “You here

commotion and thought I’d kill

was at a loss

those desperate to make a buck with their lives on the line. Vocalist must be one of the local poor folk.

“The target?”

“The director of Heartfelt Orphanage. Client

orphanage. In the orphanage, the director’s

up from behind her. “What are you

memories. I used to

flicker of pity flashed

if he went toe–to–toe with her, Palmer couldn’t guarantee walking away unscathed. Those moves didn’t

she was

didn’t find the files she needed and stood up with a

and cleared the place out in advance.

it was already

around, surprised at Palmer.