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.

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

Jacob?” Palmer was shocked.

resemblance uncanny. Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender than that of a mere

what really happened with

head. “I can’t tell you that. I can only tell

Tandy, searching his face for further clues.

1/2

11-44

she asked, “What did you do when my grandmother

inquiry regarding Harriet, and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain

enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give me

grabbed a finely crafted flask from his

went down Tandy’s throat, he coughed violently. After a

composure.

know Jittle about it; Harriet didn’t die, she even gave birth to a child, but the child given

the full story! After I switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed

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

heavens!”

sing hymns, reminiscent

“What’s he rambling about? Is he losing

up a bottle

to muddle the senses of a sober adult.

up. When he

the pendant,

really going to save him?”

Grandma’s past. Who else can you

worry, I’ll make sure he makes

shoulder. “Xavier, we’ve got a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting to storm the place. How

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

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 joint’s gonna be Noella’s!”

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

for now. This place may not be pretty, but it’s got its uses! What

Tandy will clam

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