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.”

hair clip, enough for a

1/4

Lucian also sneakily put away the spoon

“Is there enough DNA on the spoon, or should I drop a few strands of

should do it.”

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

to the manor and, panting crouched in front of Lucian. “This is for you. The spoon

being caught red–handed. “Well,

worries. Call me with

Lucian chuckled, holding the strands of hair in his hand. “That girl’s got

the night at the Schnabel Manor in

was on the video call

on her bed, exuding an air of defeat. “Boss! The old man’s arriving in Imperial City tomorrow! We’ve got to pick

the Gemstone Gambling King invited by the Gruber

the previous Gemstone Gambling King, had an impeccable reputation for his skill in valuing precious stones. His biggest pet peeve

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

the Gruber family. She thinks she’s the heiress or something? Is Yvonne Gruber a cockroach

description, Noella lifted her eyes.

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

visibly irked.

10:56

TKT Empying Party Program Vrit freds T

to your music store. It’s not stocked with as many planos, but it’s in a prime location.”

nodded, “It’s

brain short–circuited. “What?”

“Any objections?”

wait,

Yasbel’s voice was palpable. Yvonne was still playing in the mud while their boss was making big moves.

music store to her?

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

of his acting career, muttered, “Got it!”

Noella’s gaze settled on the curtains dancing in the night

laced with 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 can’t even afford a

in a robe. The silk garment hung open slightly at his

wake you, so I