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.

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

all the flowers in this courtyard and plant roses for her. Oh,

stunned. Those lilies

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

Yvonne scurried off

There’s trouble. Mom, Dad,

indifferently, “That’s it?”

with determination, “Elara, don’t you want to know why you were switched at birth?”

with your brains. Go work off some of

up, Yvonne’s face

at odds with her since childhood, nothing

Yvonne dashed

the Heartfelt

had no time to get her driver’s license.

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

orphanage was in the suburbs, surrounded by a private estate with a vast rose

2/5

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Chapter 11

verkable sea

out. Her instincts had her swiftly pressing against the wall

that

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

If he spots us, we’re goners, tool

well–trained and quick on their feet, but not

the sky, and

features. He was dressed in a vintage vest

again, Wise Fool.”

glanced at Palmer, her brow furrowing slightly. “You here on

“I live nearby. Saw some commotion and

a loss for words.

private estates around, hitmen were those desperate to make a buck with their lives on the line.

“The target?”

with what he had learned. “The director of Heartfelt Orphanage. Client unknown, order taken by the Cerulean Whale

and strode into the orphanage. In the orphanage, the director’s office was deserted, papers scattered all over

up from behind her. “What are you digging into?

used to live

flashed through

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

was

needed

knew you’d show up and cleared the place out in advance. Swear, when

already a

around, surprised at