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

Palmer

towards Elara was more tender than that of a mere

really happened

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

his face for further

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11-44

my grandmother was hospitalized

hadn’t anticipated Noella’s inquiry regarding Harriet, and he felt an urge

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

grabbed a finely crafted flask from his waist and tossed it

went down Tandy’s throat, he coughed violently.

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

story! After I switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions

forget their pasts. A 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!”

reminiscent of orphanage

he losing it? I can’t make heads

a bottle from the

enough to muddle

up. When he

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

this? Are you really going to save

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

I’ll make

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

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

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

glanced at him, her gaze light as a feather. “I

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

die, Tandy will

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