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.

second son. He likely isn’t

uncle Jacob?” Palmer was shocked.

resemblance uncanny. Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender than

the subject, what really happened with Jacob’s lover in

you that. I can only tell you that she gave birth to

Tandy, searching his

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she asked, “What did you do when my grandmother was hospitalized

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

at the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give me a

grabbed a finely crafted flask from his waist

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

composure.

tell you, the former 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

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

mother forgets her child, a spouse forgets their love. Yet God blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend

heavens!”

sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage

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

up a bottle from

muddle the senses of

wait for him to sober up. When he does, give him

removed a necklace, opened the pendant, and handed it to Xavier.

you really

of resignation. “He must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you

worry, I’ll make sure he

a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting to

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

up with the law, ask Noella! You blind,

gaze light as a feather.

This place may not be

Tandy will clam up

in realization. “I better go check it out. Can’t let those hooligans accidentally