The Killer Queen by Noella Briony

Chapter 11

“The Schnabel family is steeped in culture and high society. Where did this wild and unruly girl come from, daring to butt in even on my own sister? Just looking at her brings bad vibes.”

Stirling, with a flourish, served Noella a bowl of soup using the fancy gold–plated serving spoon. rolling his beautiful eyes in the process.

“Seriously, who knows who’s fresh off the turnip truck, being spoon–fed by Mother Nature herself. With your bumpkin vibes, you could go back to the countryside and get straight onto farming.”

Yvonne was at a loss for words. Her hands, clad in lace–trimmed white gloves, tightened around the hem of her dress, her facial expression contorting.

“Stirling. Jasper, I’m just looking out for Noella. Why are you being like this? I’m part of the Schnabel family, too. I just want us to be a harmonious and beautiful family. Grandma was worried about Noella not knowing the ropes and sent me here on purpose.”

When Ashlyn was mentioned, everyone held their tongues.

Yvonne was an outsider, but Ashlyn was, after all, their elder.

The Schnabel family was all about strict upbringing; elders were to be respected.

Tristan waved his hand impatiently. “Noella’s got her head on straight; she’s awesome. The whole family adores her. Just head back, will you? Don’t disrupt our family dinner.”

Yvonne’s eyes bulged in disbelief. She had deliberately stood at the entrance for half an hour. timing her entrance with dinner, just to show off her impeccable table manners compared to country–bumpkin Noella.

That way, the Schnabels would see that she was the perfect fit for the family.

Why do they still side with Noella, knowing full well she was rough around the edges?

Was this all about blood? So what if she didn’t have it?

Yvonne, her face burning with shame, stormed out.

Ulrich, with his golden hands, peeled a plate of crab meat for Noella and passed it over with a beaming smile. “Give it a try.”

The crab meat was succulent, the roe rich and flavorful.

“Delicious,” said Noella.

Tristan smiled. “Honey, just tell us whatever you like. As Jasper said, from now on, you will set the rules in this house. Mom and Dad will listen to you.”

Sienna said lovingly, “Don’t take Yvonne’s words to heart. She’s no relation to our family. She bears the Schnabel surname because your grandma does. You’re the only daughter of our

household.”

Noella nodded, feeling the warmth of the Schnabels‘ protection–something she had never experienced in eighteen years with the Lambert family.

“Thanks, Mom, Dad, and brothers. I’ll remember that.”

Yvonne left in a huff, not a single tear on her face.

Hunger pangs gnawing at her stomach, she wandered through the vast Schnabel garden. nearly getting lost.

new flowers. Yvonne asked curiously, “What’s going on

roses. Mr. Tristan has ordered us to clear all the flowers in this courtyard and plant roses for her.

stunned. Those lilies were her

them every year. How could everything

envy, Yvonne scurried off to call

There’s trouble. Mom,

replied indifferently,

eyes darting around, finally blurted out with determination, “Elara, don’t

find something out with your brains. Go work off some of that extra energy by exercising; there’s no saving your

up, Yvonne’s face twisted in

at odds with her since childhood, nothing

dashed off toward Ashlyn’s place.

Heartfelt Orphanage

was barely eighteen and had no time to get

could drive, she didn’t want to worry the Schnabels, so she took a cab

in the suburbs, surrounded by a private estate with

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Chapter 11

verkable sea of

the orphanage, a piercing gunshot rang out. Her instincts had her swiftly

cursing, “Damn that Vocalist, stealing

known he

it. If he spots us, we’re goners,

were well–trained and quick on their feet,

across the sky, and

sunlight catching his handsome features. He was dressed in a

again,

brow furrowing slightly. “You here on

“I live nearby. Saw some commotion and thought I’d kill some time.”

a loss for

all the desolate villages and private estates around, hitmen were those desperate to make a buck with their lives on

“The target?”

had learned. “The director of Heartfelt Orphanage. Client unknown, order taken by the Cerulean

situation, Noella turned on her heel and strode into the orphanage. In the orphanage, the director’s office was deserted, papers scattered all over the floor.

up from behind her. “What are you digging into? I can lend

memories. I used to live

flashed

combat skills through the roof, even if he went toe–to–toe with her, Palmer couldn’t guarantee walking away unscathed. Those moves didn’t seem like something you’d get from just

was an orphan?

didn’t find the files she needed and

and cleared the place out

was already a ghost