The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 187

Walden’s face flushed a deep crimson, resembling an overcooked slice of liverwurst.

The public humiliation was unbearable, all because of their envy of his exceptional talent. They feared he might indeed become the heir to the Gruber family, trampling the Pollack and Schnabel names in the mud.

Doubt gnawed at Walden. He couldn’t risk betting on whether Arthur would side with Noella and Palmer and cast him aside. If he was barred from the gemstone auction, his footing within the Gruber family would crumble to dust!

“Grandpa, I pulled all the strings to make today’s auction happen. Without me, it might all fall apart.”

Hearing this, Noella said coolly, “Palmer, let’s go. I’ll inform my brother that the Schnabels needn’t associate with the Grubers any longer.”

“As you wish.”

Arthur clenched his teeth. “Walden! Let your brother take the lead today, and you’d better play second fiddle!”

“Grandpa!”

The bitterness was palpable. Walden had slaved over the preparations, even securing the Gemstone Gambling King’s presence. Why should all this benefit only his brother Yates Gruber?

“Have my words lost their weight?” Arthur challenged.

With gritted teeth, Walden conceded, “Yes!”

Arthur’s word was law in the Gruber family. Even if Walden had played his cards right to win a chance from Arthur, defiance was not an option.

Malvina sprang to her feet and waved excitedly into the distance, “Yates! Grandpa’s asking for you to take over! He’s really rolling out the red carpet for you!”

Walden’s heart bled as he watched Malvina’s display. “Malvina, haven’t you always wanted to meet Mr. Pollack? Today’s your chance…”

Arthur’s gaze fell on Malvina. If she could snag Palmer’s attention, the Gruber–Pollack alliance could strengthen, paving the way to fully absorb the Schnabels.

Palmer’s engagement to the Schnabels was just one of many high–society unions. Ultimately, it was Palmer’s call to make, and Arthur wasn’t overly concerned.

“Oh? Malvina wants to get acquainted with Mr. Pollack? Why didn’t you tell me before?” Arthur feigned surprise.

you know, Grandpa. Not only have I met Mr. Pollack, but I’ve also

turned to Noella, grasping her hand. “Noella and

Fear doesn’t lie; Malvina was terrified. It seemed even she wasn’t entirely at ease around the

“Malvina is… interesting.”

looked

and Noella, weighing the odds of Malvina making a play

and Ms. Schnabel are such good friends, then spend today

“Will do, Grandpa!”

with a silent threat

Arthur away, he

his earnestness, favoring

their retreating silhouettes, Malvina

voice breezed in, “You fear

with you probably means he wants me to seduce Mr. Pollack, but relax, I’ve got zero interest in him, I just need to hang

to recall what Arthur’s punishments entailed

won’t go after Mr.

Noella was speechless.

for Noella’s hand, saying coldly, “Malvina, you should

won’t be annoyed by that, I will be disgusted! Sweet Noella, let me stick by your side! Pretty please, I’m begging you!” Malvina batted her eyelashes at Noella,

10.54

somewhat familiar

on shady dealings, branching off from the Richardson legacy to dabble in the underworld. Arthur’s attire hinted at ties with the Shadow Dragon Society, an organization never associated with the lawful. The Gruber family’s business

know something about

a sigh of relief. “Sure thing, I’ll tell

to stick around. Otherwise, once they left, Arthur would

venue, holding Noella’s hand, whispering explanations. “I did say I was interested in Mr. Pollack before, but that was out of necessity. It was because my granddad wanted to set me up in a

like that guy?”

Walden! The first time I saw him, I thought he was a gender–bent version of Yvonne. So hideous

to good–looking folks. Her unfriendliness toward Yvonne and Walden was mostly because they weren’t easy

straightforward

Grandpa Sexton was pretty chill when I went to see him last time, so I got to report