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.

second son. He likely

Palmer was shocked.

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

really

shook his head. “I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave

Tandy, searching his face for further clues.

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deliberately, she asked, “What did you do when my grandmother was

felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s

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

finely crafted flask from his waist

throat, he coughed violently. After a moment, he

composure.

directly involved 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;

they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither the Schnabels

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

heavens!”

sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic

losing it? I can’t make heads or

a bottle

strong enough to muddle the senses of a sober

to sober up. When he does, give

opened the pendant, and handed it to

Are you really going to

know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask? Can you find

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

“Xavier, we’ve got a bunch

affair, so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside, the excitement was palpable, and Magee was all but losing

law, ask Noella!

gaze light as a feather. “I don’t want

face quickly morphed 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

die, Tandy will clam

slapped his forehead in realization. “I better go check it out. Can’t