The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 226

Glancing at the designer outfits hugging the frames of Noella and Malvina, the shopkeeper knew instantaneously that these were ladies with deep pockets!

Rich folks, especially young heiresses, were his favorite–they were the easiest to dupe, swallowing any story he spun.

Ladies, looking for some fine jade? Everything in my store is top–shelf material!” he boasted, his face a grotesque mask of greed despite his attempt at a welcoming smile.

Noella observed the hands of the shopkeeper. They lacked the calluses of a man who’d done time in the underworld, let alone the skilled hands of a true jade connoisseur. Clearly, he was a charlatan hired to swindle unsuspecting customers.

Sensing their silence, the shopkeeper feared letting two cash cows slip through his fingers. “Our pieces are unique treasures you can’t find just anywhere. Take this bangle, for instance–it’s top–of–the–line Glassy Type!”

Noella eyed the bangle in his hand, a chunk of resin masquerading as luxury. “A high–end piece made of plastic?”

The shopkeeper’s hands trembled–a giveaway,

How had the girl discerned the fraud?

Maintaining his composure, he flashed another smile. “Ah, I see you have an eye for quality, miss. Then perhaps this piece will meet your standards. Genuine Glassy Type!”

Noella arched a brow. “Glassy Type made of actual glass?”

The shopkeeper’s smile faltered. His counterfeits were usually top–notch, but this young lady saw through them with just a glance? In the past, when daughters of fortune came shopping for jade, they’d be fobbed off with resin or glass imitations. However, it seemed they had encountered a true connoisseur this time.

The shopkeeper’s demeanor shifted as he scrutinized Noella.

She appeared young, barely twenty, perhaps a novice in the world of jade, having picked up a trick or two from her family’s dealings? If she truly understood the value of jade, she wouldn’t have set foot in his shop–something any genuine aficionado would know. After all, not a single item in his store was a genuine Glassy Type.

“You’re not here to shop? Then what do you want?” he asked, a hint of hostility creeping into his voice.

“We’re looking for the real

boss. What business do

“You’re not.”

shop dedicated to selling fakes wouldn’t have

Malvina

shopkeeper watched them leave, sensing something amiss

cause trouble? If they were looking for a

out his

on the other end chuckled coldly. “Tail them. See which store they enter. If someone’s trying to mess with me, make sure they never return home!*

surveillance feed, the caller’s gaze shifted to a

middle–aged man who’d just issued threats suddenly wore a

darling. You really want to cross her here?*

leisurely sipped his drink, glancing at Noella on the monitor.

naive girl. She’s pretty, sure, but she’s nothing but

be

from the Schnabel family. If we harm her, how will we explain ourselves to

the Pollack family, even the Schnabels won’t dare cross me!” Larson’s confidence was palpable.

he remained a Pollack, all he needed was for that young fool to die in despair, leaving the leadership role open. What could the Schnabels do to him

sure she breathes her last. And let

fl see to

10.43 G

Chapter 226

Malvina to an antique store

curt voice from behind the counter greeted them. “Look around if you

what in this store could possibly

Megrez looked up and instantly swapped his disdain for sycophancy.

got some tails. Take care of