The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 168

The Schnabel family gathered around the osmanthus sculpture that Stirling had brought back home.

If Noella wasn’t so sure there was something hidden inside, they’d all be doubting whether they had the right object at all! How could a U–disk be stashed in this thing?

The sculpture looked seamless, carved from a single piece of fine white jade without a single trace of joint or graft, as though it was a masterpiece hewn from the heart of the earth itself!

Tristan whistled in awe, “Last year, a white jade sculpture by Master Sylvie went for a cool fifty million at the auction. This one could fetch a pretty penny if we ever decided to sell.”

Beckett asked, “Noella, did Grandma buy this sculpture?”

Noella shook her head, “No, it was a gift from me to grandma. Picked it up at a flea market for ten buck.”

In truth, this was her very first carving after she learned the craft. Grandma had always cherished osmanthus fragrans, so Noella carved one for her.

As for the stone, it indeed cost only ten dollar, but the white jade that was later uncovered

turned out to be worth a fortune.

The Schnabel family members were stunned to hear such an exquisite sculpture came with such a meager price tag!

Jasper asked his father, “Dad, are you sure this isn’t a piece by Master Sylvie?”

Tristan slapped his forehead in frustration.

“It has Master Sylvie’s signature mark. Most wouldn’t recognize it, but I’ve bought so many of Sylvie’s pieces over the years; I can tell this is the real deal!”

Marcel motioned for silence, “Enough chatter, Noella, where did Grandma stash the thing? Surely we’re not going to smash this sculpture?”

Tristan clutched the piece protectively, “No way, Dad! This is a top–tier sculpture!”

“Out of my way, you fool. Are you really going to value this over what your mother left behind?”

“But…the sculpture was also left by mom!”

Marcel paused, contemplating the truth in those words. The sculpture was clearly one of Harriet’s beloved possessions. If they destroyed it, she would have been furious.

osmanthus branch from atop the sculpture,

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12:04

the U–disk

she came up with the USB to store things discreetly, not wanting Vincent and the

if anything, it added an air of boundless charm that

craft is indeed exquisite.”

is truly a jewel

touched her nose, silently taking in the

the USB into the large screen in the living room

with anticipation. The first thing to appear was the soft cough of

neatly arranged behind her ears, adorned with an osmanthus hairpin

of years, Harriet remained elegant and gentle, her gaze as tender

Marcel saw her, his eyes brimmed

“Harriet.”

scorn his aged appearance, remembering her as the young beauty

aged, Marcel realized how much he regretted not spending those decades with her, not witnessing her

the room, “Noella, my precious girl, if you’re watching this video, I

ill, and my health is failing day by day. When you weren’t at home, I started to forget

cry in secret, just like when you

Noella’s eyes, but she blinked them back. Every day since

be long, Noella, and you mustn’t be sad. I know you’re not Vincent’s kid, but he’s not my kid, either. So that doesn’t matter

up well, and if you ever find your family, I’d be

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12:05

take my belongings and go to the Schnabel family in

Tristan will treat you right, and so will your grandfather, both good men,

for the things I’ve

lost many memories. Now that I’m nearing the end, they’ve all come flooding back. Just show the Schnabels my bracelet, and they will accept you. You don’t need to live the hard life I did. I know you used to sneak out to

dishes and cook, standing on a chair to make porridge for

girl, if the Schnabel family ever treat you poorly, I’ll haunt Marcel

followed by a fit of coughing. It took her a while to straighten up again.

you endure so much hardship alongside me. I will watch