The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 158

In Emerald County, Elara clung to Noella, her grip light around her waist, reluctant to let go,

“Why do you have to leave so soon? Don’t you like it here?”

Emerald County might only be a small town, but thanks to the research facility and the nearby academy, the local economy was booming. The Schnabel family had made quite a few shrewd Investments, and the town had all the amenities one could ask for.

“I do like it here. It’s just that there’s something I need to handle back in Imperial City,”

“What’s the matter? Is it about the art gallery or the music store? Can’t you let the brothers take care of it for you? Noella, don’t be shy, I’ll talk to them for you!”

Noella quickly grabbed Elara’s hand, which seemed ready to spring into action.

“It’s Master Killian calling me back.”

Elara knew that Master Killian was Noella’s mentor, with an unrivaled reputation in the world of oil painting. She wouldn’t want to risk Noella’s future by selfishly keeping her in Emerald County.

Her sister was a painting prodigy, after all!

Elara’s spirits dampened, her head drooping onto Noella’s shoulder as she took a deep whiff of her sister’s scent, almost like a cat with catnip.

“Alright, I just can’t bear to see you go.”

Noella gently patted Elara’s shoulder, promising to return for another visit. Only then did Elara reluctantly release her.

As Noella’s car disappeared in the distance, Elara’s smile faded, replaced by a profound sense of loneliness.

Back in her modest dorm, Elara found her desk cluttered with gifts! There were notes on boxes of pastries from Sienna, presents from her brothers, and treats from the old gents. And there, in the center, was a family portrait featuring everyone from the Schnabel family, all beaming, including her. The family portrait on her phone didn’t include her, but the one in her hands did.

Mixed emotions swirled in Elara’s heart, but before she could sort them out, her phone rang, and a warm, honest voice on the other end came through.

“Ms. Schnabel, I’m the manager of the diner across from your lab. I’ll be delivering your meals from now on. I already know about your favorite dishes–you won’t have to worry about a thing. I’ll make sure you’re well–fed!”

Elara was puzzled. “How do you know what I like?”

“Ms. Noella told me. She said you might forget to eat when you’re buried in your experiments, and we can’t have that! Ms. Noella and Sienna want to see videos of you eating your meals, so

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need to cooperate with

up, Elara flipped the family portrait and read Beckett’s bold handwriting on

always be a part of the Schnabel family. We all

rush of warmth amid her

settled into a local hospital, his body swathed in bandages, resembling a mummy on the move. Belinda and the

“Why hasn’t anyone contacted me today? Didn’t they see the trending topic I bought? Noella must’ve

grumbled, “Stop looking at that and find Ellsworth,

had vanished without a trace. He was their golden grandchild, but Vincent was too

of the old–fashioned device

Police Department. Ellsworth was caught last night for burglary. You

nearly fainted. “Officer, my grandson wouldn’t steal!

see when you get

filled the room, “Oh, my poor

his ears, scrolled through his messages,

to purchase the bracelet.

his excitement, Vincent quickly replied:

Contact me once you have

buyer, but the bracelet was

whispered, “Accidents happen all the time. If one were to happen to

the Schnabel Manor, no sooner had Noella stepped through the door than her brother Jasper gestured for

just went to sleep.”

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Chapter 158

with Grandpa? Is

to discuss family matters

back. How’s Elara? Why didn’t you stay

worry about her. Master Killian asked me to come back. He said

Master Killian’s request was always serious. Then his gaze fell

did it

sparkled with tears as he clasped Noella’s wrist, gazing at the familiar bracelet. In a flash, tears

“Grandpa, what’s wrong?”

out from the house, shocked at the sight