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.”

it while removing Lavinia’s hair clip,

1/4

said you trust DNA more, right? Lucian also sneakily put away the spoon you

noticed that detail. She slapped her forehead as if struck by a sudden revelation. “Is there enough DNA on the

do

few strands from her head, sealed them in

in front of Lucian. “This is for you. The spoon might

caught red–handed. “Well,

me with the results.

strands of hair in his hand.

night at the Schnabel Manor in

video call

air of defeat. “Boss! The old man’s arriving in Imperial City tomorrow! We’ve got to pick him up. Ugh,

Gemstone Gambling King invited by the Gruber family here?”

his skill in valuing precious stones. His biggest pet peeve was anyone tarnishing his moniker

King’s 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

a glorified errand boy for the Gruber family. She thinks she’s the heiress

her eyes. “What’s the matter?”

you, she had the nerve

visibly

10:56

Party Program

music store. It’s not stocked with as many planos,

nodded, “It’s mine.”

short–circuited. “What?”

“Any objections?”

wait, no, retrieving your

playing in the mud while their boss was making

music store to

pick up Master Hector tomorrow, and don’t you dare skip

the imminent downgrade of his

settled on the curtains dancing

to scale balconies?

robe. The silk garment hung open slightly at his chest, revealing the

you,