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.

the second son. He likely isn’t aware of the child’s

uncle Jacob?” Palmer was

gaze towards Elara was more tender than

that we’re on the subject, what really happened with Jacob’s lover in the hospital?”

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

Tandy, searching his face for

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slowly and deliberately, she asked, “What did you do when my grandmother was hospitalized long before,

Noella’s inquiry regarding Harriet, and he felt an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain right then and there for answers.

at the enraged Xavier. “Got any booze? Give

flask from his waist and tossed it over.

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

composure.

matter, but I can tell you, the former director of Tandy Hospital was the one who issued orders to me. I know Jittle about

don’t know the full story! After I switched the baby, they reassured me–old tricks would go unnoticed once more. If my actions were exposed, neither

faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the

heavens!”

hymns, reminiscent of

“What’s he rambling about? Is he losing it? I can’t make heads or

bottle from the

strong enough to muddle the senses of

for him to sober up. When he does, give him

pendant, and handed it to

you really

with a hint of resignation. “He must know something about Grandma’s past. Who else can you ask?

Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he makes

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

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

the law, ask Noella! You blind, or what? I’m getting on in years; the joint’s gonna be

a feather. “I don’t

may not be pretty, but it’s got its uses!

Tandy will

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