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.

“Aren’t all the sons from the Pollack family cut from the same cloth? If Palmer ends up like his dad or uncle,

the Pollack Group was partly due to Sexton’s sons being less than capable. After his wife left, Palmer’s father had taken off on a global escapade, completely indifferent to family affairs. Jacob also lacked ambition, and if it weren’t for a business prodigy Palmer emerging in this generation of the Pollack family, Sexton might still be punching the clock.

“Noella, when are you coming home? Why do I hear

Schnabels hadn’t told her

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

11:45

of Slanna began to relax, X

echoed through the phone, Noelle

Jall. Watch me blow them away! Don’t worry,

brow furrowed in confusion, slowly turning to her

with that kind of noise?

hastily nodded

right, Mom.

urged, “Then come back soon, baby. I miss you.”

“Will do.”

call, Noella’s smile faded, and she turned to Xavier with a

through shouting, was

grinning. “Sure, you’re right about everything. I will do whatever you

“Where are they?”

outside! Strung up for

only asked for a living person, not one with

then turned to Palmer beside her. “Didn’t you ever notice something was off with him when you

helpless gesture, looking at a smug Xavier. “I did, which is why Annie usually deals with

Palmer a headache, so he left the task to Annie, who invariably needed to recover from the auditory trauma after each

assistant is no walk in the

is sympathetic, she could marry me sooner, and we’d give Annie as long a vacation

the idea without mercy. “Pretend I didn’t say

Palmer knew his fiancée was just shy

grim black tower, a tall woman with a smart

Xavier.

did Vocalist come here? Why didn’t you tell me?”

secretary, am I? Plus,