The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 155

Elara was still reeling from the chaos when the lab’s hefty door swung open, and in strode Jacob, the head honcho of Phoenix Lab, tralled by a posse that meant business. He cast a mocking glance around the room, his chuckle sending a chill down everyone’s spine.

“Step out for a quick pow–wow, and look what happens–this place turns into a regular circus! Ryker, Zack, you two really outdid yourselves, didn’t you?”

Jacob exuded an air of authority that was unmistakable, a natural–born leader with an innate sense of command. His entourage included a squad of SWAT members who stepped up to grace Ryker and Zack with a pair of shiny silver bracelets.

With a composed aura, Jacob eyed the crowd. “This mess has ruffled some serious feathers. I’ve called in the big guns for an investigation, so let’s all put our pet projects on ice and play ball. If there’s any more rotten apples in Phoenix Lab, they won’t find sanctuary here!”

He was fuming!

His own turf, his own mess, and it had to be some other lab that blew the whistle.

During the meeting, as he showcased their latest breakthrough, he didn’t hesitate to click on the incoming video. The content, now witnessed by the creme de la creme of the scientific community, was out of the bag, and all Jacob could do was watch helplessly as the footage played to its embarrassing end.

Now, these two had made a name for themselves all right–a name that would live in infamy!

Phoenix Lab’s reputation was in tatters!

As the two culprits were escorted out, Jacob was practically steaming.

After sorting out the fallout, he finally approached Elara and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“Rough day, huh? Take a couple of days to yourself, Elara. Oh, and introduce me to your sister, would you?”

Elara eyed him warily. “Boss, my troubles are nothing to sweat over, but why the sudden interest in my sister? You’re pushing fifty–don’t tell me you’ve got… you know…”

She gave him a look that mixed disdain with suspicion, as if he was some sort of creep.

Jacob’s patience wore thin, and he slapped her shoulder in exasperation.

“Cut me some slack, will ya? Can’t I meet my future niece–in–law without you jumping to conclusions? Get your mind out of the gutter!”

He whipped out his phone, flashing Elara a photo of himself with Sexton.

next to Palmer, the family resemblance clear,

174

11-157

Chapter 159

gaped at the photo. “Boss, I heard rumors you

Pollack fortune not enough, or was the lure of the lab too

“Isn’t Ms. Schnabel of the Schnabel family also in research?”

sense of defeat. “I’m

a minute! Boss, don’t tell me you’re not his

your mouth, I’m as real as they come. I’m talking about my ideals, my dreams–you wouldn’t get it.

day off

fine, but don’t mention any of this lab drama to Noella, okay? I don’t want her to worry.”

way out, he nodded in agreement. “Well, given that your grandmother Freya is aware, it’s certain that the Schnabel family won’t be

the meeting, Freya had been at Jacob’s side, and when the video surfaced, her expression was one of sheer fury, as if she was ready to storm Phoenix Lab

thought alone made Jacob shiver.

family when they came across Noella, standing amid the flower beds, engaged in a

usually a hub for experimentation, also served as a serene escape.

long, silk hair elegantly pinned up, revealing a neck as delicate and fine as

deep, magnetic voice came through the other side of the line. “When are you coming back? I miss

in a

come to you? The

“No need.”

the schedule Annie sent to her inbox, Noella could imagine the Pollack Group was anything but quiet, what with

about Annie mentioning he hadn’t eaten all day

keep you waiting. Who’s on the line? Let

11:15

lab

I was worried he might have… ulterior motives. The Pollack men don’t exactly have the best rep. If you don’t like Palmer Pollack, I’ll find you a better match in the lab. Though, none of them are worthy of our

she was about to correct Elara, only to hear Palmer’s icy retort from the phone, “Ms. Schnabel, is it decent to poach right in

by a bolt of electricity. “Noella, why didn’t you tell me you were talking to Mr. Pollack?”

She had slightly altered her voice when she arrived at the lab, adopting

Noella softly addressed Palmer