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. He likely isn’t aware

Jacob?” Palmer

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

the subject, what really

“I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave

searching his face for further

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11-44

do when my grandmother was hospitalized long before, that made

an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right

“Got any booze? Give me a sip.”

clenched teeth, Xavier grabbed a finely crafted flask from his

Tandy’s throat, he coughed violently. After a

composure.

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

After I switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither the Schnabels nor the Pollacks would spare

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 stars in

heavens!”

reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and

losing it? I can’t make heads or tails of

up a bottle from

enough to muddle

up. When he does, give

pendant, and handed it to

Are you really going

must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask? Can you find the former head of Tandy Hospital? At least he knows who that is.”

I’ll

we’ve got a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting to storm the place. How do

Prison was a tedious affair, so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement

get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You

glanced at him, her gaze light as a feather. “I

spot on. I’ll just let you handle things for now. This place may not be pretty, but it’s got its uses! What do

Tandy will clam

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