The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 138

Under the veil of the deepening night, Noella stood with a guarded expression, sizing up the figure before her.

The individual opposite did the same, taking her in.

With her slender waist and long legs wrapped in a sleek black trench coat made of some high–tech fabric, she was the epitome of icy allure. Her striking legs were accentuated by thigh–high leather boots, perfectly complementing the motorcycle she stood beside.

Even with her helmet on, obscuring her face, Walden Gruber felt an undeniable pull, convinced that beneath it lay a breathtaking beauty.

He casually slipped his hands into his jeans pockets, maintaining a safe distance.

“Evening, Wise Fool. Allow me to introduce myself–I’m Walden Gruber of the Gruber family. You can call me Walden.”

“How did you know me?”

Walden was clad in a rugged brown parka layered over a turtleneck sweater. His hair styled in modern undercut with a hint of a rogue’s charm. His smile, a mix of nonchalance and inscrutability, left Noella with a sense of mystery.

“The Gruber family has its ways of finding information when it needs to.”

“What do you want from me?”

a

The Gruber family, a name second only to the Pollacks and the Schnabels, had made significant strides in various sectors. Before Beckett took over the reins of his family’s empire, the Grubers had even outpaced the Schnabels in influence.

But the Schnabel sons were exceptional, and with the majority of patents flowing directly from Elara’s lab, the Grubers didn’t even get the chance to bid on them.

And as for the Pollack family? Ever since Palmer had taken control of the Pollack Group, the Grubers hadn’t even managed to sneak a fly past their doors.

Walden observed Noella, her aura radiating an icy detachment, and offered her a disarming smile. “I’d like to propose a collaboration with your Obelisk Organization. Would you consider granting me the opportunity?”

“No.”

“I’m willing to pay handsomely. Name your price.”

Noella frowned at the man before her. “I’m not in need of money, but if you persist in blocking my way, I can’t guarantee I won’t accept a contract from your opponent–sending you to meet your maker sooner than you’d like.”

Walden’s smile froze instantly.

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he knew all too well that as the leader of a top–tier assassination

Ms. Schnabel’s recent travel Itinerary, nothing more. I’d also like

I won’t help you, nor will I be your friend. The Obelisk Organization only makes friends with those about

befriended her often ended up at her own

aware that Obelisk specializes in killing. If you take out the head of the Pollack family, I’ll pay you a billion.”

his mind, no one

stated, “Move aside! I won’t

was blocking her path. “Ever heard the phrase, ‘Let sleeping dogs lie‘? If you Gruber family can’t teach its dogs manners, perhaps it shouldn’t

slicing through the night air with the grace. of

flushed with

he was a

a fresh tear, a near miss to his skin, evidence of her serious.

enigmatic rider disappeared into the night, Walden’s lips

Interesting. Challenging.

she really is.

Since she’s declined the contract, we should head back. Tomorrow’s the grand opening of Ms. Schnabel’s

his parka into a nearby trash can,

following morning, the Schnabel family was a flurry of activity.

applying extra care to her appearance, even switching necklaces several times.

I go with the

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10-24

striking?”

you look stunning

was distracted, dark circles

spared him a glance and began dabbing

but on the night before our daughter’s big day? What if you embarrass

right, cover these up for me. Can’t let

the reflection of the elegant lady in the mirror, brimming with satisfaction. This was her debut at her daughter’s gallery, and she was determined to dazzle. to make her

voice soft, “Darling,

“Just a moment.”

picked out for you!” Noella responded, swiftly getting ready. After a late–night lab visit and a return home

would be enough to captivate, without letting anyone in the Schnabel family

expected, the results confirmed Noella’s suspicions- Vincent was not Old

son!