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.

pleading gaze, Noella sensed the tremors in Malvina’s grip. Fear doesn’t lie; Malvina was terrified. It seemed even she wasn’t entirely at ease around the

nodded. “Malvina is… interesting.”

Malvina looked at her touchingly.

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

good friends, then spend today with Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pollack. Don’t embarrass the Gruber

“Will do, Grandpa!”

with a silent threat

he shot

Ms. Schnabel be blind to his earnestness, favoring

silhouettes, Malvina

in, “You fear

you probably means he wants me to seduce Mr. Pollack, but relax, I’ve

candor was evident. She shuddered, unwilling to

won’t go after Mr. Pollack, at most, maybe

Noella was speechless.

reached for Noella’s hand, saying coldly,

I distance myself from her, I’ll just end up closer to you. Even if you won’t be annoyed by that, I will be disgusted! Sweet Noella, let

10.54

somewhat familiar with

Richardson legacy to dabble in the underworld. Arthur’s attire hinted at ties with the Shadow Dragon Society, an organization never associated

something about the Gruber family.”

breathed a sigh of relief. “Sure thing, I’ll tell you whatever you want to

stick around. Otherwise,

whispering explanations. “I did say I was interested in Mr. Pollack before, but that was out of

like

I thought he was a gender–bent version of Yvonne. So hideous I couldn’t sleep

unfriendliness toward Yvonne and

straightforward reason!

got status, money, and most importantly, he ignores me! He never replies to my messages. Grandpa Sexton was pretty chill when I went to see him last time, so I