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

grasping her hand. “Noella and I are already pals!”

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

nodded. “Malvina

Noella!” Malvina looked at her

weighing

today with Ms. Schnabel and Mr. Pollack.

“Will do, Grandpa!”

with a silent threat

Walden wheeled Arthur away, he shot

to his earnestness, favoring

their retreating silhouettes, Malvina

“You fear your grandfather.”

“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

to recall what Arthur’s punishments entailed for

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

Noella was speechless.

hardened, and he reached for Noella’s hand, saying coldly, “Malvina, you

just end up closer to you. Even if you won’t be annoyed by that, I will be disgusted! Sweet Noella, let me stick

10.54

familiar with Arthur’s tactics.

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 dealings had always skirted the edges of the

like to know something about the Gruber

thing, I’ll tell you

around. Otherwise, once they left, Arthur would surely have

was interested in Mr. Pollack before, but that was out of necessity. It was because my granddad wanted to set me up in a marriage of convenience with one of

like that

you kidding me? That guy is uglier than Walden! The first time I saw him, I thought he was

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

a straightforward reason!

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