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.

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12:22

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

might be

Group, the

a wrinkle to be seen on his shirt, his chiseled features exuding a warm elegance, every move demonstrating the

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

“Let’s hear it.”

was capped at two hundred a month. often not even paid out. Last year, she got a measly five hundred for the whole year, nearly had to fork out for

up with Noella. She pulls in five

contain the

Rosenberg family of Tranquility City. 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. Schnabel sent folks to get her, they

all orchestrated by the Lamberts. They were hoping to sell her off to some hillbilly

assistant was shaking

rotten

Beckett’s grip snapped clean

just great! Those damned Lamberts! It would’ve been okay if they were just nice to my sis, even if they were broke. But to torment

the epitome of composure and refinement; his assistant had never seen him

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

thin lips curving into a scornful

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12:22

Mr. Tobin I’ll be right

“Got it.”

At the bar.

in all of Imperial City, the bar was a blaze of flashing lights with thundering music that rattled

No sooner had Noella stepped in than she felt a few

grabbed Noella’s hand and pulled her close, his towering frame casting a protective shadow over her.

with me.”

flirts, faced with Palmer’s icy demeanor, Instinctively stepped

wearing a

first time this close to a man, Noella held her breath, about to step back when Palmer’s hand pressed against her

his voice low and

even redder, her back stiffening as she followed Palmer’s nod towards

crossed paths with Thorpe and knew his mug. The unfamiliar guy sharing his booth must be the Toxic

a reassuring pat, which to any onlooker might

and the Toxic Monarch’s got over fifty goons with. him. Wouldn’t be surprised if there are more drug lords lurking around here.” Noella did a quick. headcount of the crowd.

– how did she figure out Thorpe and Toxic Monarch’s headcount in just

a little hard for

play it cool to keep Toxic

was like, talk about an

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