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?”

52

menacing figure before her. “My name is Noella. Weren’t you trying to kill me a moment ago? Playing coy

“Nice name. A credit to Harriet, no doubt. Me, kill you? I wouldn’t dare, not knowing

yet, you’ve schemed against my grandfather more than once. Not a single Schnabel is to step foot near Lockhart Prison or they’re dead- those were

battlefield medic, he’d nearly lost his life on several occasions,

fringes of Lockhart Prison. Only Xavier, this silver–haired old man, could wield

Harriet, if he hadn’t remarried, would she have suffered so? Why

rage boiled over, his eyes glinting with a vengeful light.

beside Noella, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. “Xavier, Noella is my fiancée and Harriet’s very own granddaughter. The man you nearly had killed is also Harriet’s grandson Ulrich. By blood, she could call you

Granduncle?

was Harriet’s granddaughter?

Noella was now alight with anticipation and disbelief. “You’re Harriet’s kin? And Tristan… he’s Harriet’s son?”

of it? Last night, Grandma visited my dreams to ask how I was. I told

–

I didn’t know they were your kids. Marcel’s fate is negligible, but

Feed him to the sharks! Dare to lay a finger on my sister’s grandkids, and you’ll answer to

disdain. “Without your orders,

injury on Ulrich’s arm was a direct consequence of Xavier’s bidding.

head, looking at Xavier with a mix of pity and disdain. “Ulrich’s a

into a sweat. “I had no idea, I

eyes clearly conveying her

knew further explanations were futile. After all, his intent to obliterate Marcel and his

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

the man beside her boasted a scar that lent him a rugged charm. In delicate script at the bottom, it read: “To my dear brother, from Harriet.”

05:48

my sister. We took our mentors‘ surnames; hers was Lambert. I’ve spent years seeking

sister’s life

studied the young Harriet in the photo, her grace and