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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cooperate with

portrait and read Beckett’s bold handwriting on the back.

will always be a part of the Schnabel

rush of warmth amid

settled into a local hospital, his body swathed in bandages, resembling a mummy on the move. Belinda and the Fullers were no better off, all lying in their

me today? Didn’t they see the trending

Fuller grumbled, “Stop looking at that

with them earlier, had vanished without a trace. He was their golden grandchild, but Vincent was too preoccupied with Noella,

the sound of the

Ellsworth was caught last night

“Officer, my grandson wouldn’t steal! He’s such

when you get here.”

call ended, Debbie’s wails filled

his ears, scrolled through his messages, spotting

like to purchase the bracelet. Name your

replied: [The bracelet’s worth seven figures!}

once you have

raced at the prospect of a buyer, but the bracelet

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

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

went to

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Chapter 158

wrong with Grandpa? Is he ill?”

his room to discuss family

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

asked me to come back.

request was always serious. Then his gaze fell on the bracelet on

How did it

with tears as he clasped Noella’s wrist, gazing at the familiar

“Grandpa, what’s

commotion, the Schnabel family rushed out from the house, shocked at the sight of Marcel’s emotional state.