The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 191

Yates’s eyes sparkled with intrigue at his secretary’s words. “But she’s just an adoptee, what a waste.

“Sir, an adoptee is still a daughter of the Schnabels, and a cherished researcher at that,” the secretary reminded him.

Yates stroked his chin, his face a canvas of schemes. “Two daughters, and this one has little value. But if something were to happen to that annoying one, wouldn’t she become the sole heiress?”

Yates was angling for a lucrative alliance with the Schnabels, and he knew he had to pick the most profitable match. Only as an only child could she inherit the undivided wealth of the Schnabels, allowing him to clinch an absolute victory in the inheritance battle of the Grubers.

If Ms. Schnabel wasn’t the right fit, he could always set his sights on another Ms. Schnabel!

“Make the arrangements. Such a trifle should be well within your capabilities.”

“Yes, sir.”

Outside the Gruber mansion, Master Hector waved at Noella. “Noella, Yasbel and I will head out to make some preparations. See you tomorrow!”

Noella nodded. “Stay safe. The Grubers might do something.”

Master Hector dismissed the concern with a casual wave, clearly not intimidated by the Grubers. “Don’t worry, I’d be disappointed if they didn’t try. The Grubers think they can. cause me trouble? Hmph!”

Years of dealing with the rough–and–tumble of the gemstone world had seasoned Master Hector well.

Lucian chuckled. “Your life’s get leaper by the day. The Grubers are no threat. It’s the

Shadow Dragon Society behind them that plays for keeps.”

“I don’t care if it’s dragons or snakes; they all bow down before me!”

Lucian’s steely gaze rested on Noella, suggesting, “Take care of yourself… and when Elara has a moment, have her come see me. I hold her dear!”

Noella understood Lucian’s hint. “I’ll let her know.”

Watching Master Hector and Lucian leave, Malvina idly played with her hair. “Noella, darling, knowing Yates as I do, you and your sister better watch your backs.”

10-56

the coutin’t be too direct, but she trusted that clever Noelle would get

toà

will, thank you?

exchange contact info, please!”

easiest time with the Grubers, Noella agreed, and

long as I’m around, Yvonne won’t have a

lightly. “She’s no concern of

mere jester, not

better. If there were ties, I’d have to be more careful

as you

irksome, and Noella’s response was all the assurance she

Palmer was still

airily remarked, “It’s just a piece of emerald, Mr.

eyes gleaming as they settled on Noella. “I’m just assessing the relationship between

that Noella casually picked a top–grade Glassy Type emerald, along with Yasbel treating Noella with such respect… If he wasn’t mistaken, the Gemstone Gambling King had a close connection

his fiancée was a treasure, but the thrill of

cherish her

coincidentally, you were there at the same time, weren’t you?”

“Today was just

one to believe in luck, my

wouldn’t

put stock in luck; while buying lottery tickets might require a stroke of it,

hadn’t someone lucky usurped Master Hector’s

10:56)

“Those years in

Geinstonedambling King

Gemstone Gambling King’s movements, which nerity matched the scope of activities of

him a aldelong glance. “And

Noella’s hair affectionately. “Just that you’re pretty amazing, Noella. As a reward, I’ll take you to the hottest new restaurant downtown”

heart skipped, her pulse quickening. Looking at Palmer, she suddenly asked, “Palmer, don’t you have anything better

Group, one would think he’d be swamped with work, yet he always seemed to find the time

hand, Palmer spoke honestly. “Swamped? More like drowning in it! But what’s the point of all that busy if I can’t make time for my thoughts of you and being with you? Noella, you can’t strip me of that right.”

fatigue seemed to melt away. The cutthroat politics within the Group, the undercurrents roiling through the Pollack family none of it mattered

dinner, Palmer dropped Noella back at Schnabel Manor and watched her ascend