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.

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

Palmer was

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

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

can only tell you that she gave birth to the kid when

searching his face

1/2

11-44

you do when my grandmother was hospitalized long

felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right then and there

Xavier. “Got any booze?

a finely crafted flask from his waist and tossed it

throat, he coughed

composure.

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 birth

me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither the Schnabels nor the Pollacks

spouse forgets their love. Yet God blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children,

heavens!”

hymns, reminiscent

rambling about? Is he losing it? I

a bottle from

proof vodka, strong enough to muddle the senses of a sober adult.

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

opened the pendant, and handed

this? Are you really going

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

Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes

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

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

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

her gaze light as a feather. “I don’t want it. Bad vibes.”

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 jailbirds out there? Chum for sharks or feet in concrete?”

they die, Tandy will

slapped his forehead in realization. “I better go check