The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 183

Elara’s gaze drifted from the photograph with a serene detachment. “We do have a striking resemblance. We must share some serendipitous connection.”

“It’s uncanny. I must say I’ve taken quite a liking to Miss Elara too!”

Lucian observed the exchange silently, his eyes eventually drifting to the manor’s verdant garden, lost in a whirlwind of thoughts.

Noella glanced at Lavinia with a smile. “Lavina, that hair clip of yours is gorgeous. May I take a look?”

“Of course, you can. I heard from Master Killian that you are studying jewelry design, right? This clip was crafted by a master jeweler; it’s quite unique.”

Noella carefully unfastened the hair clip from Lavinia’s head, admired it for a moment, and then returned it.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

After a short while, Noella and Elara got up to leave.

Lucian quickly interjected, “What’s the rush? You’ve only just arrived. Stay a little longer.”

Noella answered politely, “We were just passing by; we didn’t mean to disturb you guys for so long. My sister and I still need to get home for dinner.”

Lucian knew he had no right to ask them to stay but couldn’t bear to see them go. “Elara, could I get your phone number? Maybe you could visit me sometime?”

“Sure, I’ll be working at a research institute in Imperial City soon. If I happen to drop by for a meal, you can’t send me packing!”

The largest research institutes were conveniently located near the Richardson family estate, with Phoenix Lab’s affiliated labs close by.

Joy spread across Lucian’s face, smoothing out the wrinkles into a wide grin. “Come by anytime, my dear. If anyone tries to shoo you away, they’ll have me to answer to!”

Stepping outside the estate, Elara exhaled deeply.

Noella swung a leg over her motorcycle and handed Elara something.

“What’s this?”

“Lavinia’s hair.”

Lavinia’s hair clip, enough

1/4

more, right? Lucian also sneakily put away

that detail. She slapped her forehead as if struck by a sudden revelation. “Is there enough DNA on the spoon, or should I drop a few strands of my hair

do it.”

strands from her head, sealed them in a baggie, and said, “Wait

crouched in front of Lucian. “This is

blushed at being caught red–handed. “Well, I didn’t

Call me with

Lucian chuckled, holding the strands of hair in his hand. “That girl’s got spunk. I like her!”

the night at the Schnabel Manor in Serene

was on the video

an air of defeat. “Boss! The old man’s arriving in Imperial

Gambling King invited by the Gruber

his skill in valuing precious stones. His biggest pet peeve was anyone tarnishing his moniker with false claims and

on a flight across the ocean, and the current one’s right here. If it’s about half–baked gem betting, no one beats me. Calling himself a king? More like a joke! The Gruber family’s Walden sure knows how to stir up trouble. He’s still oblivious to the lesson from his last encounter with you

She thinks

her eyes. “What’s

and gave it to you, she had the nerve to open a new

visibly irked.

10:56

Party Program Vrit

not stocked with as many

nodded, “It’s

brain short–circuited.

“Any objections?”

wait, no, retrieving

in Yasbel’s voice was palpable. Yvonne was still playing in the mud while their boss was making big moves. Their boss could even claim Polaris Star,

store to her?

up Master Hector tomorrow, and don’t you dare

the imminent downgrade of his acting career, muttered,

gaze settled on the curtains dancing

a faint hint of mockery. “Since when does Mr. Pollack need to scale balconies? Has the Pollack Group fallen on such hard times that they

stepped through, clad in a robe. The silk garment hung open slightly at

want to wake you, so