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

Palmer was

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

really happened

you that. I can only tell you that

searching his face for further clues.

1/2

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my grandmother was hospitalized long before, that made her

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

at the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze?

finely crafted flask from his waist

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

composure.

wasn’t 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 die, she even gave birth to a child, but the child given to her

the full story! 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

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

heavens!”

hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and disjointed.

Is he losing it? I

a bottle from the

proof vodka, strong enough to muddle the

up. When he does, give him

a necklace, opened the pendant, and handed it

Are you really going to

past. Who else can you

Don’t worry, I’ll make

sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. “Xavier, we’ve got a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting

in Lockhart Prison was a tedious affair, so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically

the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m getting on in years; the joint’s gonna

as a feather. “I don’t want it. Bad vibes.”

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

Tandy will clam up for life.”

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