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 isn’t aware

uncle Jacob?” Palmer

Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was

what really happened with Jacob’s lover in the hospital?”

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

scrutinized Tandy, searching his face for further clues.

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you do when my grandmother was hospitalized long

he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right

at the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give me

grabbed a finely crafted flask from

the strong liquor went down Tandy’s throat, he coughed

composure.

former director of Tandy Hospital was the one who issued orders to me. I know Jittle about it; Harriet

influence of alcohol, Tandy grew agitated. “I don’t know 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

his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to us! You’ll

heavens!”

reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic

he losing it? I can’t make heads or

up a bottle from the

strong enough to muddle the senses of

When he does, give him

necklace, opened the pendant, and handed it to

Are you really going to

else can you ask? Can you find the former

right. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes

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

was practically entertainment! Outside,

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

a

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

will clam up for

go check it out. Can’t let those