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 of the

Palmer was shocked.

pictured Elara and Jacob together, their resemblance uncanny. Jacob’s gaze towards Elara was more tender than that of a mere

really happened with Jacob’s

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

scrutinized Tandy, searching his

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asked, “What did you do when my grandmother was hospitalized long before, that

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

the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give

teeth, Xavier grabbed a finely crafted flask from his waist and tossed

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

composure.

wasn’t 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; Harriet didn’t die, she even gave birth

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

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

heavens!”

to sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage lullabies–chaotic and

about? Is he losing it? I can’t make heads or tails

up a bottle from the floor.

enough to muddle the senses of

sober up. When he

necklace, opened the pendant, and

this? Are you really going to save

at Xavier with 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 he knows

worry, I’ll make

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

was a tedious affair, so when someone attempted a jailbreak, it was practically entertainment! Outside,

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

at him, her gaze light as a feather.

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

die, Tandy will clam up for life.”

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