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.

Jacob Pollack, the second son. He likely isn’t aware

Palmer was

uncanny. Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender

really happened with Jacob’s lover

chuckled and shook his head. “I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave

Tandy, searching his face for further

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she asked, “What did you do when my grandmother was hospitalized long before, that made her

felt an urge to

enraged Xavier. “Got any

crafted flask from his waist and

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

composure.

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

switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once

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

heavens!”

sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage

about? Is he losing it?

a bottle

strong enough to muddle the senses of

sober up. When he does,

removed a necklace, opened the pendant, and

you really going

Who else can you ask? Can you find

Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes it.”

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

attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement was palpable, and Magee was all but losing his mind!

ask Noella! You blind,

glanced at him, her gaze light as a feather. “I don’t want

morphed into an ingratiating grin. “Right, right! You’re 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 you reckon we should do with those jailbirds out there? Chum

die, Tandy will clam up for life.”

forehead in realization. “I better go check