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

uncle Jacob?” Palmer

together, their resemblance uncanny. Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender

subject, what really happened with Jacob’s

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

searching his face for further clues.

1/2

11-44

do when my grandmother

urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right then and there for

at the enraged Xavier. “Got

finely crafted flask from his

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

composure.

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

full story! After I switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither

Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to us!

heavens!”

hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and disjointed.

losing it? I can’t make heads or tails

bottle from

vodka, strong enough to muddle the senses of a sober

for him to sober up. When

opened the pendant,

this? Are you really going

at Xavier with a hint of resignation. “He must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can

nodded. “You’re right. Don’t worry, I’ll

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

day in Lockhart Prison was a tedious affair, so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement was palpable, and Magee

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

her gaze light as a feather. “I

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

Tandy will

check