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.

up faintly. “It’s Jacob Pollack, the second son. He likely isn’t aware of

Palmer was

Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more

the subject, what really

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

scrutinized Tandy, searching his face for further clues.

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

anticipated Noella’s inquiry regarding Harriet, and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right then

“Got any booze? Give me a sip.”

a finely crafted flask from his waist and tossed it over.

Tandy’s throat, he coughed violently. After

composure.

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

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

mother forgets her child, a spouse forgets their love. Yet God blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to us! You’ll be the brightest stars in

heavens!”

to sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and

muttered, “What’s he rambling about? Is he losing it? I can’t make heads or tails of it!”

a bottle from the floor.

to muddle

When he does, give

necklace, opened the pendant, and handed

this? Are you really

Who else can you ask? Can you find the former head of Tandy Hospital? At least he knows

“You’re right. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes it.”

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

someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement was palpable, and Magee was all but losing his mind!

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

as a feather. “I don’t want it.

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

die, Tandy will clam up for

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