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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“My name is Noella. Weren’t you trying to

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

once. Not a single Schnabel is to step foot near Lockhart Prison or

a battlefield medic, he’d

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

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

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

stepped 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

Granduncle?

Harriet’s

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

to ask how I was. I told her you almost killed

–

they were your kids. Marcel’s fate is negligible, but thank goodness the children

Feed him to the sharks! Dare to lay

replied with disdain. “Without your orders, would they

was a direct consequence of

pity and disdain. “Ulrich’s a surgeon. If that injury affects his work in the OR, Grandma’s sure to be upset.”

“I had no idea, I

scoffed, her eyes clearly conveying

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

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

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,

05:48

washed over Xavier’s face. “Your grandma was my sister. We took our mentors‘ surnames; hers was Lambert. I’ve spent years seeking vengeance for your grandma. Marcel betrayed her doesn’t he deserve to die? How can

my sister’s life

studied the young Harriet in the photo, her grace and intelligence shining through.