The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 203

Master Hector was one to act on impulse. He grabbed Vashel, who was in the midst of savoring a slice of cake, on his way out from the Schnabel family estate

Beckett removed his glasses, his voice bubbling with excitement, “Our farity’s business the gemstone market is set with today’s stone–gambling event. I’ve got my eye on a few prospects”

Stirling was puzzled, “You’ve got enough money, so why bother with the gemston

market? it’s peanuts compared to your oil business”

hat do you know? From now on, Mom, Noella, and Elara’s jewelry needs are all sorted Beckett wasn’t just eyeing the gemstone quary to make a quick buck. He was after a direct pipeline of premium gemstones for the Schnabel clan.

If the Schnabels had their own gemstone quarry and cornered a slice of the gemstone trade, Sienna and the two girls would never want for jewelry again.

Beckett’s life’s pleasure was making money, but more so, he enjoyed spending what he earned.

Noelia retreated to her room, where Master Hector’s gift awaited her.

The box, carved from gemstone, appeared seamless with no apparent way to pry it open.

The Polaris Star had their unique way of opening such boxes, requiring not just a fixed mortise and tenon joint but also a combination of password and fingerprint. A single mistake would mean the box remained shut.

With a “click” the box yielded to Noella’s touch, revealing an old photograph inside.

Three young people were captured in that faded photo: Harriet Lambert, Xavier, and a man Noella did not recognize. Noella’s eyes pupils dilated on seeing that

A note was also tucked inside the box: [Noella, I know you’re looking into your grandmother’s past. This is for you. Also, the osmanthus carving you made hides two USB drives–find Xavier. From Hector.]

Her osmanthus carving?

Indeed, the carving had two compartments for USB drives, a precaution Noella took in case one failed or got damaged. But she hadn’t told her grandmother about the second slot!

Noella stood up and approached the collection shelf in her room to retrieve the osmanthus carving. Marcel had not taken this piece; it was left for Noella.

the old man’s eyes, Noella, who had accompanied Harriet

did

second USB compartment, which should have also contained another piece of osmanthus branch but was

her grandmother discovered the extra USB

Xavier for

call with gusto, “Hey, kiddo! Westwood Mercenary Corps

sway within Lockhart Prison, eliminating a second–string mercenary group that survived on smuggling arms at the

photo in front of

is this?” she

you have

grave seriousness in an instant, removing his sunglasses to better scrutinize the photo in Noella’s hand.

me who he is”

Xavier denied, “Don’t know him!”

photo, and you say you don’t know

way, kiddo! This guy… well, he’s from Polaris Star. If it weren’t

as Xavier was concerned, Harnet being Noella’s grandmother was all that mattered. Who the grandpa was didn’t really make a difference, especially

Star? Why don’t I know

isn’t just a duo, my dear! Even if you’ve got a few

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stars out there. This guy’s one of the old guards of Polaris Star, namely the Merak from back in the day. And I have no Idea which side he belongs. But he was already leading the pack when your grandma joined

instantly. “Chandma was part of

for seconds. “Ah, that’s ancient History! Gotta go, kiddo.

question. Where is he now?:

left Polaris Sts with your grandma. Now he’s probably running some university as a dean. If you’re after something to do with your grandma, he’s your man, not Marcel *

haven’t you looked for

whatever Harriet had left behind. Why hadn’t he sought out

still serving time in Lockhart Prison, ain’t I? Can’t just leave my cell,

Noella paused.

hardly saw any signs of him