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

up, eyeing the menacing figure before her. “My name is Noella. Weren’t you trying to kill me a moment ago? Playing coy now, are we?”

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

schemed against my grandfather more than once. Not a single Schnabel

medic, he’d nearly lost his

Lockhart Prison. Only Xavier, this silver–haired old man, could wield such authority in this region.

hadn’t betrayed Harriet, if he hadn’t remarried, would she have

over, his eyes glinting with a vengeful light. If he could, he’d fly to Harmonia Country and finish

is my fiancée and Harriet’s very own granddaughter. The man you

Granduncle?

was Harriet’s

beside himself. His gaze toward Noella was now alight with anticipation and disbelief. “You’re Harriet’s kin? And

I was. I told her you almost

–

no, Harriet, it was all a misunderstanding. I didn’t know they

cut Ulrich? Feed him to the sharks! Dare to lay a finger on my sister’s grandkids, and

your orders,

injury on Ulrich’s arm was a direct consequence

“Ulrich’s a surgeon. If that injury

sweat. “I had no idea, I

her eyes clearly conveying her

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

through the

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 brother,

05:48

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

while my sister’s life was cut short!”

in the photo, her grace and