The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 120

Merrick was getting fired up too. “You think only you’ve got the cash? Noella, sweetheart, if you beat me in chess, I’ll gift you a brand spanking new company!”

Noella looked helplessly at the two old timers.

This kind of one–upmanship was fine, but totally unnecessary.

Half an hour later, Merrick couldn’t sit still! “Noella, dear, where did you learn to play chess like this? I am at my wit’s end!”

Marcel chortled with pride. “Ha, even old Tavian can’t beat Noella at chess. And you’re making fun of me? Think you can do better?”

Back in his youth, Merrick was a chess prodigy, yet here he was, unable to outplay his granddaughter for even half an hour!

“Embarrassed much?”

“Get outta here. Noella being a whiz is all thanks to our Horwich family genes. You’ve got nothing to do with it.”

Marcel was having none of it, slamming his cup down, sparking yet another round of bickering. “What are you implying? Noella is a Schnabel through and through!”

“Heh, saying your wife had the good genes? I’m not calling you daft, Tristan, but your mom, she’s no Einstein.”

Tristan wiped the sweat from his brow, thinking this was pretty much the same as being called dumb.

Merrick quipped, “Well, it doesn’t matter. You’re not Ashlyn’s flesh and blood, thankfully. You don’t resemble that hag, which is a good thing.”

The family was stunned.

What did he mean Tristan wasn’t Ashlyn’s flesh and blood?

Tristan was dumbfounded. “What are you saying? Whose child am I?”

Realizing he had misspoken, Merrick chuckled. “I’m pulling your leg. You couldn’t possibly be mine, a Horwich, right?”

Tristan got the picture he was still being called ugly.

Indeed, Merrick and Freya were known for their looks. When Tristan first laid eyes on their daughter Sienna, it was love at first sight.

chess piece in his hand, sensing there was more to Merrick’s words. “Are you keeping something from

break. Who do you think you are,

1/4

11:1

***

Chapter 120

and headed for the chessboard. “Come on, Noella. Let’s play chess. I’ve got a whole new book in mind!

had it all figured out. His new book would make a splash, showcasing his beloved granddaughter’s brilliance.

his writing. Everyone who

do you know something that you’re keeping

I did, I wouldn’t tell. Heh.” Merrick was all smiles, glancing at

spill the beans!

at the

returned to the Lambert Mansion, his battered body dragging with exhaustion

parents were close

get in touch with Noella, will ya? I heard from Maddox she was at the Lambert ancestral home a few days back. Probably went back to pay her respects to

plan. He took the Fuller parents‘ phone and dialed Noella’s number, intending to use Old Mrs. Lambert

picked up nonchalantly, and upon recognizing Vincent’s voice, she hung

out,

rang in his ear, leaving

That darn kid!

Fullers wouldn’t give up. “I heard she left by helicopter. Maybe she’s met

folks just some chicken farmers in Emerald

now unsure, sat up

in Emerald County? You see, a relative’s kid

using Emerald County for experiments

Chapter 120

That meant Noella’s real parents were likely rolling in cash

get out of a bind. He needed money now more than ever! If he could just find Noella’s biological

did you

one family in the county

Fifty million!

perked up instantly!

no clue what Noella’s real parents‘ names were,