The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 174

Tandy was the very definition of cautious. In his story, it was sheer serendipity that brought Elara to the Schnabel household. With so many children in the orphanage, why her?

He clenched his Jaw. “Pure coincidence.”

I’ve checked ail the kids that came out of Heartfelt Orphanage that year, and you just happened to pick the brightest and the smartest. Lucky, huh?”

Tandy’s gaze drifted. “Alright, that child was indeed handpicked. Someone said she was exceptional, and that she wouldn’t raise any suspicions at the Schnabels.”

Noella nodded, seemingly agreeing with the statement.

Elara and the Schnabel boys were alike–intelligent, attractive, and cultured. It was as if she was one of their own. Standing with them, no one questioned Elara’s place in the family.

“Whose child is she?”

Tandy hesitated, silent for a long moment. “She’s doing so well with the Schnabels, so why dig into her past?”

Elara indeed lived well in the Schnabel family, but she deserved to know her origins, to choose her own family!

Noella understood this dilemma all too well. Embracing a new family was tough, but the truth was Elara’s right.

“Just tell me whose child she is, that’s enough.”

Tandy sighed, a wry smile crossing his face. “If memory serves, she’s a Pollack.”

Noella and Palmer were stunned.

Elara, a Pollack?

Xavier frowned at Palmer. “Your cousins are way older than you, your uncle is single, so your dad had an affair?”

Palmer was quick to deny. “My parents were devoted to each other.”

“Really? You’re not with your dad all the time. He could have secrets, right?”

Facing Xavier’s skepticism, Palmer added, “Even if there was a possibility of an affair, there’s no way he’d have a child Elara’s age.”

During the time of Elara’s birth, Palmer’s mother had her own troubles. It was unlikely his father would betray her then.

faintly. “It’s Jacob Pollack, the second son.

Jacob?” Palmer was

Elara and Jacob together, their resemblance uncanny. Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender than that of a mere

what really happened with Jacob’s

“I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave birth to the kid

his face for further clues.

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11-44

grandmother was hospitalized long before, that

anticipated Noella’s inquiry regarding Harriet, and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right then and there

“Got any booze?

teeth, Xavier grabbed a finely crafted flask from his

he coughed violently. After a moment, he regained his

composure.

director of Tandy Hospital was the one who issued orders to me. I know Jittle about it; Harriet didn’t die, she even gave birth to a child, but the child given to her wasn’t the one she delivered. Do you understand?”

they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither the Schnabels nor the Pollacks would spare me! But God will forgive.”

forgets her child, a spouse forgets their love. Yet God blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to us! You’ll be the brightest

heavens!”

hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and

he rambling about? Is he losing it? I

picked up a bottle from

proof vodka, strong enough to muddle the

sober up. When he does, give

the pendant, and

this? Are you really going

something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask? Can you find the former head of Tandy Hospital?

right. Don’t worry, I’ll make

a bunch of knuckleheads

a tedious affair, so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement was palpable, and Magee was all but losing

the law, ask Noella! You blind,

gaze light as a feather. “I don’t want it. Bad vibes.”

things for now. This place may not be pretty, but it’s got its uses! What do you reckon we should do with those

will clam up for

realization. “I better go check it out. Can’t let