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.

the second son. He likely

Palmer was

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

subject, what really happened with

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

searching his face

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

Noella’s inquiry regarding Harriet, and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s

Xavier. “Got any

grabbed a finely crafted flask

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

composure.

issued orders to me. I know Jittle about

tricks would go unnoticed

love. Yet God blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the

heavens!”

began to sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and disjointed.

losing it? I can’t

a bottle from the

to muddle the senses of a

for him to sober up. When he does,

necklace, opened the pendant, and handed it

Are you really going to save

something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask?

I’ll

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

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

get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m getting on in years; the

gaze light as a feather. “I

face quickly 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 for sharks or feet in concrete?”

they die, Tandy will

better go check it out. Can’t let those hooligans accidentally