The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 23

The four Schnabel brothers widened their eyes.

Elara, you’re totally cheating here!

Ulrich flashed a meaningful smile, his eyes shimmering with ripples like a serene autumn pond, as his gaze landed on the hairpin atop Noella’s head.

On the hairpin he had carved himself, he had also stealthily inscribed: “I love you!”

The butler hurried forward, “Mr. Schnabel, Palmer has sent over two gifts.”

Tristan scratched his head. “Two gifts? Should be one for the elders and one for Noella, right? After all, Noella and him are still engaged. The kid sure knows how to curry favor!”

Sienna looked puzzled. “But Palmer doesn’t know Noella’s back home, so how come he’s sending her a gift?*

The butler explained, “One’s for you, Mr. and Mrs. Schnabel, and one for Ulrich, as a thank–you for saving Sexton Pollack.”

“When did I save Sexton?”

Noella knew full well that the gift from the Pollack family was meant for her but they mistook Ulrich for her.

She discreetly tugged Ulrich’s hand and whispered, “Ulrich, just take it.”

Ulrich’s heart nearly melted when a soft little hand gripped his suddenly!

Thinking it over, since Noella had been at the hospital lately, she might know the scoop. Tossing all rational thought aside, Ulrich, with a genteel smile, played along. “That was me. I helped Sexton with a prescription before. Mr. Pollack is too kind.”

Sienna playfully scolded, “You didn’t even give us a heads–up. You almost had me thinking Mr. Pollack got the wrong person. We’ve invited Mr. Pollack to Noella’s birthday party; they can meet the kids then!”

Noella was confused. What’s that got to do with me? Engagement? When?”

Seeing how the Schnabels were all hyped up, Noella didn’t have the heart to burst their bubble.

Imperial West Hospital, patient room

Yvonne, holding a nourishing tonic soup, took her sweet time fixing up her look outside Sexton’s

room.

“Palmy, this is the soup I made for…”

Inside, Palmer was locked in a standoff with Sexton over taking his medicine.

Chapter 23

“I’m not taking It! There’s nothing wrong with me, and it was the wrong meds last time that made me sick! They are all bad stuff, out to get mel”

Palmer was helpless.

to be tampered with last time, but now It’s Sexton’s excuse for not

just for

and I won’t take it!”

cluster of artificial flowers screaming for attention, and her skirt supported by a huge crinoline that required

a bit upset.

Ms.

like a psychedelic trip! And it was a hospital,

young lady, how could her taste be so… backwoods?

clean, neat look. Yvonne’s getup was like jumping

no–go zone.

her professional composure as a top–notch assistant, suggested, “Ms. Schnabel, would you mind changing into something more appropriate? Your outfit isn’t quite fitting for a lady of your stature.”

sizing up Annie who stood a head taller in

Who’s this chick?

is she to criticize my careful selection for

some random chick? Worthy of standing next to

too, so how can you

am Palmer’s fiancée, the future lady

Annie was flabbergasted!

gotten married, yet Yvonne was like this, what if she actually married Mr. Pollack? That would plunge the entire Pollack Group into a

saw a colorful blob standing there.

12:22

“And you are?”

him. “Grandpa Sexton, I’m Yvonne from

looking at her glistening lids. “Yvonne? Never heard of a Schnabel granddaughter by that name.”

Sexton didn’t

devoid of any

saved you

popped out in disbelief. “What? No, no, no, definitely not her. The one who saved me was way prettier,

as her

Professor Calvin’s student, and I know how to take care of your grandfather, so let

frowned, his aura as formidable as a

don’t you ever come back to see my grandfather

turned pale with shock. How could he be so heartless to her!

I’m your fiancée…”

and dark, “A mere adopted daughter of the Schnabel family dares to call herself my

did Palmer get wind of that?

freaking out! “I truly love you, Palmer, and I’m the one who’s meant to be your wife. Marry me and you’ll see I’m the best choice!”

instantly, a bodyguard stepped up. scooped up Yvonne in a sideways hold because of

enjoy some peace

yapping away non–stop. The last one was so much quieter, and a real

talking about Elara, the national youth