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 you trying to kill me a moment ago? Playing coy

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

remained frosty. “And 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

Ulrich was a battlefield medic, he’d nearly lost his life

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

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

a

Harriet’s very own granddaughter. The

Granduncle?

Harriet’s granddaughter?

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

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.

it that cut Ulrich? Feed him to the sharks! Dare to lay a

your orders, would they dare?”

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

“I had no idea, I swear. You

her eyes clearly conveying

his intent to

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

softened by the gentle brush of time, while the man beside her boasted a scar that lent him a rugged charm. In delicate

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Lambert. I’ve spent years seeking vengeance for your grandma. Marcel betrayed her

sister’s life

photo, her grace and