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.

the picture, Jacob stood proudly next to Palmer, the family resemblance clear, and

174

11-157

Chapter 159

sore shoulder, Elara gaped at the photo. “Boss, I heard rumors you were some

be sweeter to take over the family empire? Was the Pollack fortune not enough, or was the

said cryptically, “Isn’t Ms. Schnabel of the Schnabel family also

to mask her own sense of defeat.

minute! Boss, don’t tell me

I’m as real as they come. I’m talking about my ideals, my dreams–you

given the lab a day off and rushed back just to meet

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

their way out, he nodded in agreement. “Well, given that your grandmother Freya is aware, it’s certain that the Schnabel family

expression was one of

made Jacob shiver.

how to explain things to her family

for experimentation, also served as a serene escape.

light blue sundress, stood against the vibrant garden backdrop, her long, silk hair elegantly pinned up,

of the line. “When are you coming back? I

a few

you? The company’s pretty quiet right

“No need.”

could imagine the Pollack Group was anything but quiet, what with taking over three

mentioning he

keep you waiting. Who’s on the

11:15

you to our lab director, Mr.

ulterior motives. The Pollack men don’t

icy retort from the phone, “Ms. Schnabel, is it decent to

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

She had slightly altered her voice when

softly addressed Palmer