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.”

snagged it while removing Lavinia’s hair clip,

1/4

Lucian

slapped her forehead as if struck by a sudden revelation. “Is there enough DNA on the spoon, or should I drop a

should do

head, sealed them in a baggie, and said, “Wait here, Noella!”

panting crouched in front of

caught red–handed. “Well, I

me with

strands of hair in his

at the Schnabel

on the video

old man’s arriving in Imperial City tomorrow! We’ve got to pick him up. Ugh, I’m done for!”

invited by the

an impeccable reputation for his skill in valuing precious stones. His biggest pet peeve was

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 and Mr. Pollack. Tomorrow, he’s hosting a public gemstone auction, and the Gruber family’s turning a blind eye

Yvonne, her dad’s just a glorified errand boy for the Gruber family. She thinks she’s the heiress or something? Is Yvonne Gruber

this description, Noella lifted her

her gallery and gave it to you, she had the nerve to

was visibly

10:56

calm TKT Empying Party Program Vrit freds T

music store. It’s not stocked with as

nodded, “It’s

short–circuited. “What?”

“Any objections?”

acquiring… wait, no,

Yvonne was still playing in the mud while their boss was making big moves. Their boss could even claim Polaris Star, so

store to her?

Master Hector tomorrow, and don’t you

downgrade of his acting career, muttered, “Got

gaze settled on the curtains dancing in the night breeze.

hint of mockery. “Since when does Mr. Pollack need to scale balconies?

outside, and Palmer stepped through, clad in a robe. The silk garment hung open slightly at his chest, revealing the contours of his muscular torso and the hint of a six–pack.

wake you, so I didn’t