The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 176

Elara was as sharp as a tack, and when she found out that Noella ventured into Lockhart Prison to meet the former head of Heartfelt Orphanage, she knew there had to be a good reason. It was clear to her that Noella was determined to help her find her biological family, even if it meant putting herself in harm’s way.

Noella let out a soft chuckle, feeling a warmth bloom in her heart.

Elara leaned against Sienna’s shoulder, feigning concem. “What are we going to do? Now I’ll have to compete with Noella for Mom’s attention.”

Sienna scolded her lovingly. “Nonsense, I’m already your mom. I changed your diapers and nursed you when you were a baby. Even if your birth mother came back from the dead, she couldn’t take you away from me!*

Although the Schnabels hoped to find Elara’s birth parents, Sienna secretly dreaded the day they might appear. Her daughter, so intelligent and considerate, was hers to keep. If Elara’s biological parents turned out to be unreliable like Noella’s foster parents, Sienna was adamant she wouldn’t let her go.

Noella nodded in agreement. “Yeah, having you at home is perfect. I like Elara.”

Elara’s face bloomed like the spring after a long winter, her smile radiant. She turned to the four Schnabel brothers sitting in the back of the SUV, her eyebrows arching triumphantly.

“Did you hear that? Did you all listen? If not, I’ve got it recorded – I’ll play it back on loop for you, so you know who the favorite really is!*

Stirling, eager to join in, piped up. “Noella, come on, say you like your me best!”

Jasper countered. “That’s ridiculous, she obviously likes me the most.”

Sienna snapped. “How old are you to be squabbling over things like this? Elara’s your little sister! Immature brats.”

Before her sons could wallow in disappointment, Sienna’s tone softened as she gazed at Noella with delight. “Noella, darling, you do love me the most, don’t you?”

The Schnabel brothers fell silent, a collective sigh hanging in the air.

Noella, feeling a bit cornered, reassured each member of the Schnabel family in turn.

Palmer leaned into the video call, greeting everyone politely. “Regardless of Elara’s choice, we’ll respect it. But since it involves my uncle, I’ve also sent the recording to Grandpa. I hope you’ll understand.”

Sienna nodded, acknowledging the necessity. “Sure, Sexton should be informed. But Palmer, your uncle…”

Sienna’s face twisted slightly with distaste.

cloth? If Palmer ends up like his dad

completely

voiced her concern, “Noella, when are you coming home? Why do I hear explosions

the Schnabels hadn’t told her about the nature of Lockhart

composure. “Oh, they’re just blasting fish out of

11:45

Slanna began to relax, X

echoed through the phone, Noelle

trying to break out of Jall. Watch me blow them away! Don’t worry, everyone need

slowly turning to

with that kind

hastily

yes, that’s right, Mom. You must have misheard.”

come back soon, baby. I miss

“Will do.”

to Xavier with a cold gaze. “Can’t you

through shouting,

of his neck sheepishly, grinning. “Sure, you’re right about everything. I will do

“Where are they?”

replied, “Hanging outside! Strung up for

a living person, not

you ever notice something was off with him when you communicated

spread his hands in a helpless gesture, looking at a smug Xavier. “I did, which is why

a headache, so he left the task to Annie, who invariably needed to recover from

remarked, “Being your assistant is no walk in

chuckled affectionately, gazing at Noella. “If my fiancée is sympathetic, she could marry me sooner, and we’d give

without mercy.

was just shy and chuckled softly before rushing to catch up.

a tall woman with a smart pixie cut and dressed

Xavier.

come here? Why didn’t you

away his cigarette butt, his voice cold as steel. “Back off, Lyra. I’m not your secretary, am I? Plus, Vocalist was here with his