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.

up faintly. “It’s Jacob Pollack, the second son. He likely isn’t aware

uncle Jacob?” Palmer was shocked.

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

that we’re on the subject, what really happened with Jacob’s lover in the hospital?”

and shook his head. “I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave birth to the kid when

scrutinized Tandy, searching his face for

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when my grandmother was hospitalized long before, that made her leave the Schnabel

and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right

at the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze?

Xavier grabbed a finely crafted flask from his waist and tossed

the strong liquor went down Tandy’s throat, he coughed violently. After a moment, he regained his

composure.

directly involved in that matter, but I can tell you, the former director of Tandy Hospital was the one who issued orders to me. I know Jittle about it; Harriet didn’t

the influence of alcohol, Tandy grew agitated. “I don’t know the full story! After I switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions

Yet God blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to us! You’ll

heavens!”

sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic

he rambling about? Is he losing it? I can’t make

up a bottle from

strong enough to muddle

for him to sober up. When he does,

pendant, and handed it to Xavier.

really going

hint of resignation. “He must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask? Can you find

worry, I’ll make sure he makes it.”

his shoulder. “Xavier, we’ve got a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting to storm the place. How do

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

time you get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m getting

a feather. “I don’t

now. This place may not be pretty, but it’s

will

check it out. Can’t let those