The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 22

Yvonne shamelessly mooched a dinner at the Schnabel family’s pad.

Turns out, being Ashlyn’s adopted kid wasn’t so bad. When she wasn’t causing a ruckus, the Schnabel couple and their four boys would just give her the cold shoulder at most, nothing too harsh.

After dinner, Tristan rallied the Schnabel boys to brainstorm about Noella’s birthday party.

Beckett chimed in. “Our place is kinda cramped. Noella’s party might be a tad humble. How about we snap up a new crib right now? The penthouse over at Serene Haven is pretty sweet, a thousand square meters for just a cool billion. We can just put it in Noella’s name.”

Tristan agreed, “Serene Haven’s barely passable. These days, the mansions in Imperial City ain’t what they used to be. Next year, let’s jet off to Italon and snag Noella a castle. Castles here feel too small–time. Plus, with Grandpa and Grandma not well, they can’t travel abroad.”

Noella was shocked at Tristan’s words.

Ulrich suggested, “Let’s get fresh flowers air–shipped for the venue. Noella digs roses, so how ‘bout we craft a rose crown with pink diamonds for her birthday?”

Stirling got hyped, “We’ll invite all the media, have choppers and drones live–streaming the whole party, and let the world know about our Schnabel family princess! I’ve already touched base with Imperial Quartet for the music, and Master Azure’s agreed to design a custom gown for Noella!”

Jasper added, “I’ve invited top chefs from state dinners around the globe for the catering. The ingredients will be air–freighted the same day, so Noella can feast on the freshest delights from all over the world. Oh, and we’ll ditch the onions and garlic.”

Noella didn’t know what to say..

It was just a birthday. Wasn’t this all a bit much?

Just as Noella was about to decline, Elara gently held her hand.

“We’re in a bit of a rush this year, sorry for the fuss, Noella. I know you’ve never had a birthday party back at the Lambert family. It’s okay, we’ll make it up to you, and give you the best of everything in the world.”

Sienna was on the verge of tears. She was still fretting that the plans were too last–minute to give her darling daughter the best possible experience. And to think, her beloved had never even celebrated her birthday before!

“Sweetie, Mom and Dad are so sorry you’ve had it rough. Why didn’t you tell us?”

Sienna’s beauty was classic, the picture of a well–read Horwich family lady – pure, expressive eyes that could melt hearts, especially when she cried.

Chapter 22

The Schnabel brothers were tripping over themselves trying to comfort her.

Elara patted her own mouth and said, “My bad for running my mouth and upsetting Mom. Sorry, Mom!”

Noella held Sienna’s hand, wiping away her tears.

“I’ve been fine, no worries.”

Sienna knew her daughter was just consoling her; it was a mix of heartache and gratitude, but mostly it was just painful to know.

Elara, foreseeing a headache if Sienna continued crying, quickly changed the subject.

“I’ll handle the fireworks for the party. Our lab just cooked up these colorless, odorless fireworks with some sick effects. Noella will definitely love ‘em!”

was mostly top–secret government gear. If she said it was the

to write a report and show you guys the designs!”

ran was crucial, demanding

super important, too. Even a tiny slip could lead to irreversible damage.

Elara fired up her laptop and her

my study just now?”

at the stern–faced Elara and asked, “What’s up? Noella and

still frowning, said, “Someone’s tampered

a bit could

over Noella’s birthday plans, piped

laptop, except maybe Noella. Probably just an accident,

left speechless. Why would I mess with Elara’s

“It wasn’t me.”

sweetest voice, stirred the pot, “Noella, no use denying it. Elara’s data is super important – one wrong click

slightly and said

didn’t touch your laptop. I can vouch for that.”

12:21

rolled her eyes.

block. It ain’t good for you, you know. Grandma always taught me to be

Noella hadn’t touched Elara’s laptop, but data doesn’t just change itself, does

smirked to

precious datasets trump everything. If

them fight like cats and dogs, and soon the Schnabel family will have only one daughter-

her!

family engagement, it’ll

her. But you… Yvonne, I recall you were in my study before

pale with

how could you even think it was me? The only one

stone–cold, her piercing gaze chilling to

exuded an aura of authority that scared the living daylights out of her underlings.

in my study, so let’s just check the

Yvonne was dumbfounded.

Elara for real?

puts cameras in their study? How paranoid can you get about your

voice rang out, nonchalant as ever, “Elara, need a hand? Mind if I take a look at your

crazy

isn’t child’s play. You

lets anyone peek at her precious data! But Elara hesitated for

Chapter 22

sis, and

the data anyway, so no harm in

jumble of numbers like she was reading the morning paper,

to a figure and asked, “Elara, is there a problem with this

it? These experimental figures are all mixed up with loads of controls. Fixing it’s gonna be a real