The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 24

The little black car smoothly rolled out of the Imperial West Hospital grounds.

“That gal you just saw? She’s not my girlfriend.”

Noella didn’t respond.

“She’s my secretary.”

Noella was like, what’s the deal with her?

Running the show as one of the big three on the deep web, it’s no surprise Palmer’s got a few secretaries, especially when that secretary looked like she could seriously kick some butt probably a real whiz at her job.

“Not bad.” said Noella.

Palmer went on to clarify, “You can’t replace the standout abilities and shining moments that women bring to the table at work, so yeah, I’ve got a good number of ladies on my team.”

Noella nodded in agreement. “Totally get you. My big bro’s company is chock–full of women too. He always says no one falls for the boss just because of the job at hand; integrity and skills trump gender every time.”

Palmer chuckled, “Your brother and I are on the same page.”

“Guys can fall for their boss just as easily. It’s got nothing to do with gender.”

That’s not exactly what Palmer meant!

Palmer touched his nose, trying to mask the stiffness around his lips.

“You’ve heard about Thorpe entering the country, right?”

“Yeah, Thorpe’s probably here to touch base with Toxic Monarch.”

Thorpe, the big cheese of the Cerulean Whale Organization, cozying up with Toxic Monarch in Harmonia Country’s Imperial City – that’s quite a meet–up!

“What’s your take?” asked Palmer.

Noella shot him a look and said coolly, “Toxic Monarch’s after the Harmonia market, and Thorpe’s gunning for us. They’re just teaming up for a quick minute.”

Being both seasoned foxes in the deep web game, Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s combined craftiness could run circles around the planet, with not less than eight or ten sly tails trailing behind them.

When Palmer heard her say “us,” the corners of his mouth curled up ever so slightly, a wave of indescribable joy sweet as honey flooding his heart.

Noella, catching the smile on Palmer’s face, was a bit speechless.

1/5

12:22

She’d just mentioned Thorpe and Toxic Monarch joining forces to wipe them out, and

too; might be worth getting

Group, the CEO’s

sulted and booted, sat behind his grand desk, not a wrinkle to be seen on his shirt, his chiseled features exuding a warm

a sharp business suit, stood by respectfully. “Mr. Schnabel, we’ve dug up everything on Noella’s time with the

“Let’s hear it.”

out. Last year, she got

grew up with Noella. She pulls in five grand monthly, raked in thirty thou last year, mostly under–the–table cash from

contain the rage bubbling

But the Rosenberg heir’s a player. The Lamberts wanted Briony to marry into the Rosenbergs. so they kicked Noella to the curb. When the old Mr.

were hoping to sell her off to some hillbilly backwater,

assistant was shaking

rotten

grip snapped clean

they were just nice

the epitome of composure and refinement; his assistant

from H&Y Corporation wants to meet you at the bar tonight for a

thin lips curving

2/5

12:22

Mr. Tobin I’ll be right over.”

“Got it.”

At the bar.

the biggest watering hole in all of Imperial City, the bar was a blaze of flashing lights with thundering music that rattled the senses and soul.

sooner had Noella stepped in than she

her close, his towering frame casting a protective shadow

she’s with me.”

with Palmer’s icy demeanor, Instinctively stepped

noticed he seemed to be wearing a sandalwood–like cologne, subtle, filling her senses, and causing a slight warmth

time this close to a man, Noella held her breath,

her ear, his voice low and tinged with barely–contained delight

back stiffening as she followed Palmer’s nod towards a booth.

and knew his mug. The unfamiliar guy sharing his booth must be the Toxic Monarch!

slender back a reassuring pat, which to any onlooker might have

him. Wouldn’t be surprised if there are more drug lords lurking around here.” Noella did a

how did she figure out Thorpe and

making it a little hard for him to let go.

play it cool to keep Toxic Monarch and Thorpe from

like, talk about an unnecessary cover–up!

3/5