The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 171

Xavier’s brow furrowed with sudden concern at the news.

“Taken Ill? That was news to me – he seemed fine when he arrived. How does one just fall ill out of the blue?”

Truth be told, he wasn’t overly worried about Tandy’s well–being. What really irked him was that just seconds ago, he’d promised Noella she’d get to see the man, and now, it seemed as though he’d orchestrated some sort of mishap. It was all too convenient.

Sure enough, Noella gave Xavier a fleeting glance, a sigh escaping her lips as her fingers traced the bracelet on her wrist.

“Is this the kind of friend you are, Xavier? Backing out is one thing, but to pull a stunt like this after agreeing… It’s just pointless.”

Her tone dripped with disdain and mockery, resonating in Xavier’s ears like a gong of

sarcasm.

Oddly enough, Xavier wasn’t the least bit angry. Instead, he slapped Magee on the back. “Spill it. What exactly happened?”

“We just went to fetch Tandy from his cell and found him passed out. He’s been rushed to the infirmary.”

Xavier waved dismissively. “Wake him up. If pain’s what it takes, then do it. Let this young lady have her word with him before he kicks the bucket. Couldn’t he have picked a better time to die? How inconvenient!”

“At once, Sir!”

With a hint of eagerness he hadn’t noticed before, Xavier rubbed his hands together and turned to Noella.

“Look here, young lady, what did you say your name was? I swear this isn’t my doing! You have to believe me! Do you have any more pictures or videos of your grandma? Can you show me?”

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Noella. Weren’t you trying to kill me a moment ago? Playing coy now, are we?”

credit to Harriet, no doubt. Me, kill you? I wouldn’t dare,

remained frosty. “And yet, you’ve schemed against my grandfather more than once. Not a single Schnabel is to step foot near

he’d nearly lost his

Xavier, this silver–haired old man,

that man hadn’t betrayed Harriet, if he hadn’t remarried, would she have suffered so? Why should Marcel enjoy a life surrounded by family while Harriet lies in her

the more his rage boiled over, his eyes glinting with a vengeful light. If he could, he’d

very own granddaughter. The man you nearly had killed is also Harriet’s grandson Ulrich.

Granduncle?

was Harriet’s granddaughter?

was now alight with

visited my dreams to ask how I was. I told her you almost killed my brother and me and

–

crumbled. “No, no, Harriet, it was all a misunderstanding. I didn’t know they were your kids. Marcel’s fate is negligible, but

to Magee. “Who was it that cut Ulrich? Feed him to the sharks! Dare to lay

with disdain. “Without your orders, would they

arm was a direct consequence of Xavier’s bidding.

Xavier with a mix of pity and disdain. “Ulrich’s a surgeon. If that injury affects his work

no idea,

scoffed, her eyes clearly conveying

all, his intent to

he retrieved a book from his shelf, carefully flipping through the pages

the black–and–white photo, a woman’s delicate features were softened by the gentle brush of time, while the man beside her boasted a scar that lent him a rugged charm. In delicate script at the bottom, it read: “To my dear

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Xavier’s face. “Your grandma was my sister. We took our mentors‘ surnames; hers was Lambert. I’ve spent years

while my sister’s life was cut

the photo, her grace and intelligence shining