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.

Jacob?” Palmer

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

on the subject, what really happened with Jacob’s lover

tell you that. I can only tell you that she gave birth to the kid when an incident

searching his face for further clues.

1/2

11-44

“What did you do when my grandmother was

an urge to dissect Tandy’s brain

“Got any booze? Give me a

flask from his waist and

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

composure.

one who issued orders to me. I know Jittle about

the influence of alcohol, Tandy grew agitated. “I 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 the Schnabels nor the Pollacks would spare me! But

blesses his faithful. Heart! We extend our heart to the world! Children, look to

heavens!”

to sing hymns, reminiscent of orphanage

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

up a bottle from the

vodka, strong enough to muddle the senses of a

him to sober up. When he does, give

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

you really

Who else can you ask?

worry, I’ll make

burst in, a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. “Xavier, we’ve got a bunch of knuckleheads outside wanting to storm the place. How

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

and barked, “Next time you get mixed up with the law, ask Noella! You blind,

her gaze light as a feather. “I don’t

now. This place may not be pretty, but it’s got its

die, Tandy will clam up

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