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.

son. He likely

Jacob?” Palmer

towards Elara was more tender than

we’re on the subject, what really happened with Jacob’s

can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she

searching his

1/2

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

felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right

looked at the enraged Xavier. “Got

crafted flask from his

throat, he coughed violently. After a

composure.

former director of Tandy Hospital was the one who issued orders to me. I know

would go unnoticed

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

heavens!”

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

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

bottle from

proof vodka, strong enough to muddle the senses

to sober up. When he does, give him these pills.”

a necklace, opened the pendant, and handed it to

Are you really

hint of resignation. “He must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask? Can you find the former head of Tandy

Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes

a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting to storm the place. How do we welcome them?”

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

kick and barked, “Next time you get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m getting on in years;

light as a feather.

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 clam up for

his forehead in realization. “I better go check it out. Can’t let