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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her. “My name is Noella. Weren’t

A credit to Harriet, no doubt. Me, kill you? I wouldn’t dare, not knowing you’re Harriet’s

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 your orders, weren’t

medic, he’d

Xavier, this silver–haired old man,

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

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

her shoulder. “Xavier, Noella is my fiancée and Harriet’s very own granddaughter. The man

Granduncle?

was Harriet’s granddaughter?

beside himself. His gaze toward Noella was now alight with

nodded coolly. “What of it? Last night, Grandma visited my dreams to ask how I was. I told her you almost killed my

–

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

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

with disdain. “Without your orders, would they dare?”

a direct consequence of Xavier’s bidding.

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

sweat. “I had no idea, I swear.

her eyes clearly conveying her

intent to obliterate

through the pages until he

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.

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surnames; hers was Lambert. I’ve spent years seeking vengeance for your grandma. Marcel betrayed her doesn’t he deserve to die? How can his family live in

life

the photo, her grace and