The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 253

The incident had taken Beckett by surprise, leaving even him a bit rattled. And to think his sister, Noella, just a girl shy of her twenties, must have been terrified!

Catching the shimmer of fear in Noella’s eyes, Beckett’s heart sank with an overwhelming protectiveness. His sister was incredibly mature for her age, a trait that both pained and comforted him.

With a tenderness that was rare for him, Beckett gently patted Noella on the head. “Were you planning to hang out with friends? Go have fun! If you need cash, you know I’m here. And don’t worry about getting time off, I’ll handle it!”

Clearly, Beckett had misunderstood. He assumed Noella needed a distraction, a brief escape to unwind.

“Alright, I’ll head off now. See you later, Beckett.”

“And make sure to get that check–up when you’re back. Don’t blame me for keep nagging at you; I just want to make sure you’re alright.”

Taking it as a regular check–up to ease Beckett’s worries, Noella agreed.

She wasn’t ready to let the Schnabel family in on the complexities of Glen Village just yet. Whether it was the Polaris Star base or the tangled borderlines, it was all better kept away from her family’s knowledge

for now.

She decided to first reconnect with Stirling and Yasbel.

Watching Noella walk away, her ponytail swaying in the sunlight, Beckett felt a pang of sadness.

His sister seemed too wise beyond her years, leaving him and their siblings wondering how else they could support her. They could offer her money and love, but Beckett felt there was always something she kept from them. Perhaps having grown up largely on her own, she had lost the ability to rely on others.

This realization weighed heavily on Beckett’s heart.

Nonetheless, if Noella wasn’t ready to talk, they wouldn’t push her.

Darcy approached, her gaze lingering on the departing Noella. “It’s clear Mr. Schnabel cares deeply for Noella.”

“Yes, she’s had it tough. Before she came home, we were bracing ourselves for a spoiled or unruly little

sister.”

After all, Noella had spent nineteen years away from the Schnabels, raised in the modest Lambert family of Tranquility City. Considering Briony’s example, they had little hope for a well–raised child.

Beckett rubbed his temples. “No matter what, I was ready to accept her, flaws and all.”

Yet, Noella’s

eyes sparkled with unspoken thoughts, quickly hidden away. “Mr. Schnabel, weren’t about bringing home a

you

worried

matter. I’d guide her, as long as she was home.”

had always relied on Beckett; he was the pillar of

with the

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Chapter 253

Beckett proud yet somewhat

thought you had it

mom? What was that

raising his curiosity before Darcy

to my office to sign off the forms. And about earlier, we should check the

“Of course.”

concerning Noella was

Beckett noticed the

aware of your

need to

her desk, handed Beckett

do bore her. Skipping them

“Thanks.”

even in the confines of an office. He scrutinized every detail, determined not to overlook anything

briefly meeting his before looking away.

“Coffee?”

cut back.”

eyelashes fluttered slightly. “I remembered you liked coffee. Thought you

steady, showing no signs of emotion. “People change.

yet could claim an allergy without a flicker

to stomach issues, Beckett had been advised against coffee by

so could his

stood up. “Thank you. I’ll check on