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.

know, Grandpa. Not only

grasping her hand.

her 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 formidable

nodded. “Malvina

Noella!” Malvina looked

and Noella, weighing the odds of Malvina making

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

“Will do, Grandpa!”

glance was laden with a silent

away, he shot Noella a venomous

to his earnestness, favoring Palmer’s pretty–boy charm over

Malvina exhaled in

voice breezed in, “You fear your grandfather.”

a bitter smile, “Honey, you’re better off not knowing why I’m scared of him. He’s a real monster! His asking me to stick 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 around you, or else…”

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

you guys. I swear I won’t go after

Noella was speechless.

and he reached for Noella’s hand, saying coldly, “Malvina, you should keep your

you 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, pleading adorably.

10.54

somewhat familiar with

legacy to dabble in the underworld. Arthur’s attire hinted at ties with the Shadow

to know something about

of relief. “Sure thing, I’ll tell

that Noella would allow her to stick around. Otherwise, once they left,

out of necessity. It

like that guy?”

him, I

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

a straightforward

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 got to report back without