The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 32

As Noella watched Jasper expertly swipe his card, a slight headache crept over her.

Nevertheless, the knowledge that a portion of this hefty sum would find its way into Beckett’s pocket made her feel less uneasy. Perhaps she could also go a little easier on Beckett’s mall in the future!

During Jasper’s checkout pause, Noella whispered, “Get someone to keep an eye on Vincent and plant some people near Grandma Harriet’s grave. We can’t let anyone mess with her final resting place.”

She was always worried that Vincent, backed into a corner, might do something disrespectful to Old Mrs. Lambert, and that would surely break her heart up in heaven.

“Got it, boss. You’re really bringing your own brother to the store to boost sales, huh? I was wondering who was this VIP that could get me to close the store for a private event!”

Noella didn’t know how to reply.

Jasper confidently signed off on the bill and waved at Noella. “Let’s go upstairs and have lunch with Beckett!”

“Sure.”

Jasper was in a great mood after buying Noella a ton of clothes and led her to the rooftop restaurant where Beckett had previously taken her for a meal.

Inside, Beckett had already arranged the dishes, standing sharply dressed by a table adorned with flowers. He graciously pulled out a chair for Noella.

“Thanks.”

Beckett clapped his hands, and the servers came marching in, laying out an array of appetizers in front of Noella.

“Give these a try, Noella. They’re the new creations from my restaurant.”

The cakes in front of her were exquisite, each one crafted into a cute and tempting shape. Noella took a bite with a gold–plated spoon and complimented, “Delicious. Must’ve added some lemon juice. It’s got a nice aftertaste without being too rich. This dessert’s a bit off, though. The cocoa powder ratio kind of masks the cake’s own flavor.”

Beckett nodded and summoned the head chef.

Chef Jakes, decked out in his chef’s hat, was initially miffed at someone nitpicking his desserts. These folks simply couldn’t grasp the refinement of his desserts!

When he learned it was the Schnabel family’s recently returned young lady pointing fingers, he couldn’t help but think, how could a country girl who knew nothing about fine desserts

15:35

Chapter 32

on his

server and saw Noella,

couldn’t believe his

his cooking back Franse? Her feedback had helped him secure a championship in an international culinary competition!

Noella’s comments on the desserts, Jakes felt a twinge

expect Jakes to be the pastry chef at

Jakes conceded, “I’ll refine my craft. Clearly, the recipe for this dessert was a mistake, unworthy

menu. Noella finds the cheesecake delightful, so let’s keep

“Yes, sir!”

brow, gave Noella a bow, and left with the parade of failed cakes. What

manager rushed in and halted before

a few cops are here, saying they need to speak

faces a

Did they mention

said the young

they contacted us? I

at a loss

caught; Beckett was

Let them in,” Noella said.

Jasper exchanged looks and instructed the manager to allow the

uniforms strode in and stood before Noella, flanking her

you, Noella. The International Police Organization salutes you!)

officers saluted Noella. “Thank you for your outstanding

countless times

12:26

Chapter 32

would she even

don’t bother. I’ve got no room

Lambert’s, and Belinda, disgusted by its tackiness and how it clashed with the house’s decor, scolded Noella, telling her not to bring home such

face wearing a gentle, scholarly smile. “Noella is just joking. We’ve got plenty of space at home. Can’t thank you

the banner, grinning from ear to ear, happier than if he’d won a case. “Thanks for coming all this way. Noella wasn’t involved in anything dangerous, was she?”

accolade from the international police typically indicated something quite risky. Since

than the banner, they were concerned for Noella’s safety.