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.

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

hand. “Noella and I are

lie; Malvina was terrified. It seemed even she wasn’t

“Malvina is…

Malvina looked at

stern eyes scrutinized the bond between Malvina and Noella, weighing the

friends, then spend today with Ms. Schnabel

“Will do, Grandpa!”

was laden with a silent threat that

Walden wheeled Arthur away, he

his earnestness, favoring Palmer’s pretty–boy charm

silhouettes, Malvina exhaled in

“You

real monster! His asking me to stick with you probably means

evident. She shuddered, unwilling to recall what Arthur’s punishments

you guys. I swear I won’t go after Mr.

Noella was speechless.

reached for Noella’s hand, saying coldly, “Malvina, you should keep your distance from Noella.”

I will be

10.54

was somewhat familiar

with the Shadow Dragon Society, an organization never associated with

something about the Gruber family.”

“Sure thing, I’ll tell you whatever you want

was that Noella would allow her to stick around.

was out of necessity. It was because my granddad wanted to set me

don’t like that guy?”

him, I thought

attracted to good–looking folks. Her unfriendliness toward Yvonne and Walden was mostly because

straightforward

money, and most importantly, he ignores me! He never replies to my messages. Grandpa Sexton was