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 shocked.

Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender than that of a

what really happened with Jacob’s

head. “I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave birth to the kid

Tandy, searching his face for

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my grandmother

he felt an urge to

at the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give

crafted flask from his waist and tossed it over.

he coughed

composure.

issued orders to me. I know Jittle about it; Harriet didn’t die, she even gave

switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If

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

heavens!”

sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic

he losing it? I can’t

up a bottle

vodka, strong enough to muddle the senses of a

sober up. When he does, give him these

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

really going

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

right. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure

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

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

time you get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m

at him, her gaze light as a feather. “I don’t want

not be pretty, but it’s got its uses! What do you reckon we

die, Tandy will clam up for life.”

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