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.

plastered on a sugary smile. “Now you know, Grandpa. Not only have I met Mr. Pollack, but

to Noella, grasping her hand. “Noella and I

tremors in Malvina’s grip. Fear doesn’t lie; Malvina was terrified. It seemed

nodded. “Malvina is… interesting.”

Malvina looked at her

between Malvina and Noella, weighing the odds of Malvina making a

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

“Will do, Grandpa!”

laden with a silent threat that made Malvina stiffen.

Arthur away, he shot Noella a

his earnestness,

their retreating silhouettes, Malvina exhaled in

voice breezed in, “You fear your grandfather.”

you probably means he wants me to seduce Mr.

She shuddered, unwilling to recall what Arthur’s punishments

with you guys. I swear I won’t go after Mr. Pollack, at most,

Noella was speechless.

saying coldly, “Malvina, you should

won’t be annoyed by that, I will be disgusted! Sweet Noella, let me stick

10.54

somewhat familiar with

at ties with the Shadow

like to know something about the Gruber family.”

a sigh of relief. “Sure thing, I’ll

would allow her to stick around. Otherwise, once they left, Arthur would surely have her hide!

Pollack before, but that was out of necessity. It was because my granddad wanted to

don’t like that

The first time I saw him, I thought he

toward Yvonne and Walden was mostly because they weren’t easy on the

straightforward reason!

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